The Bright Life

Life takes it out of you. But the reset you’ve been desperate for is within reach. Writer and Bible teacher Jen Wise knew that holistic faith—that reaches into every facet of life—is what brings grace and renewal. But she didn’t begin to live this truth until her world fractured. So as she searched Scripture for a better way, she discovered Jesus’ invitation for just that: small steps able to lead us into a bright new beginning. So to the woman who feels her all is never enough, The Bright Life is your invitation to a new start. You were created to be healthy, strong, vibrant, and to rest in the unforced rhythms of grace Jesus so lovingly makes available to us all. Come along and learn how to avoid habits that seem smart but are deceptively self-sabotaging, pick up habits of wholeness that actually stick, and try surprising ways to practice kindness toward yourself and generosity toward loved ones. The Bright Life extends a daily invitation with striking insights, tips to reclaim your energy, and a three-part practice of looking inward, upward, and outward as you step into a brighter way. This 40-day reset weaves story and Scripture together to cultivate a peaceful place where, through the attentive love of Jesus, you can experience the unforced rhythms of grace.

America's most original and controversial literary critic writes trenchantly about forty-eight masterworks spanning the Western tradition—from Don Quixote to Wuthering Heights to Invisible Man—in his first book devoted exclusively to narrative fiction. In this valedictory volume, Yale professor Harold Bloom—who for more than half a century was regarded as America's most daringly original and controversial literary critic—gives us his only book devoted entirely to the art of the novel. With his hallmark percipience, remarkable scholarship, and extraordinary devotion to sublimity, Bloom offers meditations on forty-eight essential works spanning the Western canon, from Don Quixote to Book of Numbers; from Wuthering Heights to Absalom, Absalom!; from Les Misérables to Blood Meridian; from Vanity Fair to Invisible Man. Here are trenchant appreciations of fiction by, among many others, Austen, Balzac, Dickens, Tolstoy, James, Conrad, Lawrence, Le Guin, and Sebald. Whether you have already read these books, plan to, or simply care about the importance and power of fiction, Harold Bloom is your unparalleled guide to understanding literature with new intimacy.

The twentieth century bequeathed us a fabulous gift: thirty more years of life on average. Supersized life spans are going to radically alter society, and present an unprecedented opportunity to change our approach not only to old age but to all of life's stages. The ramifications are just beginning to dawn on us.... yet in the meantime, we keep thinking about, and planning for, life as it used to be lived. In A Long Bright Future, longevity and aging expert Laura Carstensen guides us into the new possibilities offered by a longer life. She debunks the myths and misconceptions about aging that stop us from adequately preparing for the future both as individuals and as a society: that growing older is associated with loneliness and unhappiness, and that only the genetically blessed live well and long. She then focuses on other important components of a long life, including finances, health, social relationships, Medicare and Social Security, challenging our preconceived notions of "old age" every step of the way.

In the ceaseless quest for happiness and fulfillment, the journey unfolds through the myriad experiences, challenges, and joys that shape our existence. As we navigate the intricate tapestry of life, we often find ourselves seeking a guiding light—a compass that directs us toward a more meaningful and joyous existence. It is within this context that "The Art of Living a Happy Life" emerges as a beacon, inviting readers on a transformative odyssey to explore the principles, perspectives, and practices that pave the way to a life rich in contentment and purpose. This book is more than a collection of words on pages; it is an expedition into the heart of human experience. What is happiness, and how do we define it amidst the multifaceted landscape of human emotions? Happiness, in its purest form, transcends fleeting moments of joy; it is a state of being, a harmonious resonance that echoes through our thoughts, actions, and connections. It is the art of finding contentment in the present moment while holding aspirations for a fulfilling future. Throughout history, great minds, philosophers, and thinkers have grappled with the nature of happiness. From the ancient teachings of Aristotle to the contemporary insights of positive psychology, the pursuit of happiness has been a perennial thread woven into the fabric of human inquiry. In "The Art of Living a Happy Life," we navigate this labyrinth of thought, drawing inspiration from diverse philosophies, scientific research, and the wisdom of those who have traversed the path to contentment. As the pages unfold, may you find inspiration, solace, and guidance within these words. Whether you are seeking a gentle nudge toward a more positive mindset or a profound shift in perspective, this book aims to be a companion on your journey—a compass guiding you toward the artistry of a life well-lived.

This world is not made from atoms... It is built with stories; Phil writes that detection of an individual's fundamental purpose, or story, is the only valid aim we should have in mind when dealing with personal development.

"Built on her ... Modern Love column, 'When a Couch is More Than a Couch' (9/23/2016), a ... memoir of living meaningfully with 'death in the room' by the 38-year-old great-great-great granddaughter of Ralph Waldo Emerson--mother to two young boys, wife of 16 years--after her terminal cancer diagnosis"--

If you are seeking perfect rhyme and meter, go no further because you are about to read the wrong book of poetry. If, however, you are seeking thoughtful introspection, reasoned thought and query, interrogatory and response, then proceed to read this book, for that is just what is in store for you in this first compilation of the poetic expressions of Richard Allen Brooks. No one can fully understand or appreciate the works of another person. We each bring to our interpretation our own set of experiences through which we must view the work. We have not lived the author’s life, tribulations, exalts, despair, disappointments, or jubilations. Our interpretation of the author’s work is thus a skewed vision of what the author intended in the original meaning of the work, even if only slightly, and it must be so in order to fit within the confines of our own personal experience, which must always be different from that of the author, if not in kind then in degree. Starting with “A Friend Indeed” that offers encouragement, “Your Name” tells of living your life but never obtaining the goals you’ve set for yourself, while “The Falling Snow” was a quiet time—after the loss of mother dear, “sitting on the steps of my younger sister’s home, just looking out the window at the flakes landing here and there.” Another one, “How Sad This Day,” expresses a loss after losing another loved one and then there is “Between Atlantic and Pacific,” an awareness of those who died during World War II and a memorial dedicated to them. Additionally, the reader must be advised that Mr. Brooks, throughout his life, has been a tireless giver of his time and energy to the advancement of mankind in every manner at his disposal. As much joy as his work has brought him, it has also contained bitter returns through many people who mistook his willingness to be of assistance as a weakness and, thus, resulted in significant pain and disappointment being experienced by Richard. There are many other themes running through this work. However, there are three predominant and recurring themes, which the reader will be confronted with—Richard’s profound sense of loss on the death of his mother, a search for direction, and the passing of time. This work should be read with deliberation. Much of what it has to offer cannot be appreciated through casual, mindless reading. However, if you take the time to think about not just what is being said, but why it is being said and the message that is being conveyed in each poem, you will come away from this book greatly enriched in your understanding of the significance of love, loyalty, commitment, compassion, and understanding not just for your fellow man but for yourself. —Marilyn V. Joyner