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: #24112 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



From the Trade Paperback edition.

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

From the Inside Flap
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

ouch... not so good
I loved Kuschner's first book. It was writen through him, not by him. I was so excited to see he'd written another book. This book was written through ego. He was told he'd written a first great book and to teach us again. He wrote the book and it was more about how he sees religion as the answer. He ignored other processes of people. His first book really guided us to sort it out for ourselves. This book hit you over the head with religion. Sad, I'm religious, but don't want people scared away being hit over the head with it.

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!!!