by Mariann Edgar Budde
First sentence: “On Monday, June 1, 2020, at 7:06 p.m., the president of the United States strode defiantly across Washington, D. C.’s Lafayetter Park – trailing a retinue of aides, Secret Service agents, his daughter Ivanka, the attorney general, and America’s top military leaders, including the secretary of defense and the chairmen of the Joint Cheifs of Staff – in order to be photographed holding a Bible in front o St. John’s Church, whose parish house had sustained minor fire damage during protests during the previous evening.”
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Content: It’s kind of dense in some spots, though it’s mostly accessible. It’s in the Religion and Philosophy section of the bookstore.

Like many people, I picked up Budde’s book in the wake of her sermon pleading Trump to have mercy for those who are less fortunate. I picked it up partially because of the backlash against her (“who was she to criticize the president?”), but also I was curious. This was written in the aftermath of Trump’s performative use of the church and the Bible to prove that he was… something (Christian? Devout? He is neither.)… and her explanation of how she came to speak out against him at the time. It’s a bit of a self-help book, as she explores different aspects of bravery from choices (or not) to perseverance.

I don’t think I was expecting anything when I picked it up, but I did find some interesting insights into Jesus and some insights into how to be more mindful in the world. I’m not sure Budde set out to create a blueprint, or to put herself up as an example (I know that she didn’t intend to be an example, as she used many other people’s experience as well), but I found it to be a thoughtful look at what bravery, in a Christian framework, means.

I’m glad I read it.