Product Description

Most of us need to feel that we matter in some way; perhaps this explains the high value placed on titles, corner offices, and even fleeting celebrity. But most of us also need to feel that we are good people. In this luminous yet practical book of spiritual advice, Harold Kushner bridges the gap between these seemingly irreconcilable needs, showing us how even our smallest daily actions can become stepping stones toward integrity.

Drawing on the stories of his own congregants, on literature, current events and, above all, on the Biblical story of Jacob, the worldly trickster who evolves into a man of God --Kushner addresses some of the most persistent dilemmas of the human condition: Why do decent people so often violate their moral standards? How can we pursue justice without giving in to the lure of revenge? How can we turn our relationships with family and friends into genuine sources of meaning? Persuasive and sympathetic, filled with humanity and warmth, Living a Life That Matters is a deeply rewarding book.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #23563 in Books
• Published on: 2002-08-20
• Released on: 2002-08-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Review
“A valuable companion . . . a set of guideposts for living a useful and fulfilled life, no matter what the future holds.” --The Boston Globe

“A wonderful, much-needed primer on the truly important things in life. Many thanks to Harold Kushner for reminding us what we should never forget.” --Mitch Albom, author of Tuesdays With Morrie

“Full ofÉgreat stories and subtle wisdom....This is a book you don’t want to put down or allow to be too far from you in times of crisis.” --Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul

Download Description

Most of us need to feel that we matter in some way; perhaps this explains the high value placed on titles, corner offices, and even fleeting celebrity. But most of us also need to feel that we are good people. In this luminous yet practical book of spiritual advice, Harold Kushner bridges the gap between these seemingly irreconcilable needs, showing us how even our smallest daily actions can become stepping stones toward integrity.

Drawing on the stories of his own congregants, on literature, current events and, above all, on the Biblical story of Jacob, the worldly trickster who evolves into a man of God -- Kushner addresses some of the most persistent dilemmas of the human condition: Why do decent people so often violate their moral standards? How can we pursue justice without giving in to the lure of revenge? How can we turn our relationships with family and friends into genuine sources of meaning? Persuasive and sympathetic, filled with humanity and warmth, Living a Life That Matters is a deeply rewarding book.

"A valuable companion... a set of guideposts for living a useful and fulfilled life, no matter what the future holds."
   THE BOSTON GLOBE

"A wonderful, much-needed primer on the truly important things in life. Many thanks to Harold Kushner for reminding us what we should never forget."
   MITCH ALBOM, AUTHOR OF TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE

"Full of great stories and subtle wisdom.... This is a book you don't want to put down or allow to be too far from you in times of crisis."
   THOMAS MOORE, AUTHOR OF CARE OF THE SOUL

Inside Flap Copy
Most of us need to feel that we matter in some way; perhaps this explains the high value placed on titles, corner offices, and even fleeting celebrity. But most of us also need to feel that we are good people. In this luminous yet practical book of spiritual advice, Harold Kushner bridges the gap between these seemingly irreconcilable needs, showing us how even our smallest daily actions can become stepping stones toward integrity.

Drawing on the stories of his own congregants, on literature, current events and, above all, on the Biblical story of Jacob, the worldly trickster who evolves into a man of God --Kushner addresses some of the most persistent dilemmas of the human condition: Why do decent people so often violate their moral standards? How can we pursue justice without giving in to the lure of revenge? How can we turn our relationships with family and friends into genuine sources of meaning? Persuasive and sympathetic, filled with humanity and warmth, Living a Life That Matters is a deeply rewarding book.

Customer Reviews

Thoughful
I found a copy of this thin book in the discount paperback section which I think is OK to say on Amazon since it appears to be no longer available here except through others just as the messages in this book are best understood through our relationships with others! This book threads the story of Jacob throughout, using this, other biblical insights and the Rabbi's experiences as a compassionate listener, to affirm the power and grace of right living; herein there is also a solid debate for forgiveness and citations of methods used for reconciliation.

This book created much meaningful discussion in our book club albeit not the preferred selection; several did not show that evening! I heard these comments from those who did show up; "this makes me think too much" "I don't like all the bible stories" "I like to do my own interpretation." The most revealing comment however I think speaks to why you should read this book and that was from one of the ladies looking almost angry throughout and when asked her opinion she honestly replied "I choose revenge." So read this book to see what you choose then consider how our choices shape the world we live in.

Living a Life That Matters
Absolutely wonderful book. Simple to understand and very inspiring!!!

Disappointed in the conclusion, tired of the technique :-(
This book began by raising some very interesting questions about "mother love" versus "father love", that is, about the need for a person to experience both unconditional love and earned love. I eagerly bought the book, logically believing these provocative questions would be answered at the end of the book, but IMHO Kushner wimps out. He writes that there really isn't any difference at all, despite the fact that he outlined significant differences earlier in the book.

I won't be buying Kushner's latest book, which was released earlier this month (although I'll probably read parts of it in a bookstore). I find myself growing a bit tired of his technique of profiling one Old Testament character per book. (He's profiled Job, the writer of Ecclesiastes/King Solomon, Jacob/Israel in this book, and Moses in his latest.) Kushner writes really well, and I'd like to see him break out of this mold and deliver some truly original ideas!