Book recommendations from the Biblioracle

John Warner tells you what to read based on the last five books you’ve read.

1. “Spirit, Soul, Body: Toward an Integral Christian Spirituality” by Cyprian Consiglio

2. “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End” by Atul Gawande

3. “A Minute to Think: Reclaim Creativity, Conquer Busyness, and Do Your Best Work” by Juliet Funt

4. “Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship” by Gregory Boyle

5. “Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living” by Krista Tippett

— Erin M., Glenview

To me, this is a list that shows someone using books to help navigate the complexities and challenges of the world we live in. I reviewed the philosopher Todd May’s “A Decent Life: Morality for the Rest of Us” a few years ago, but it sticks with me as a good companion for gnawing on some of our thorny existential questions.

1. “The Sea of Tranquility” by Emily St. John Mandel

2. “The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse” by Louise Erdrich

3. “The Fountain of Paradise” by Arthur C. Clarke

4.“Stoner” by John Williams

5. “How It Went: Thirteen More Stories of the Port William Membership” by Wendell Berry

— Jack G., Chicago (on behalf of his book club of “three factory guys”)

For Jack’s book club, I’m going to recommend a book that I’m using for an upcoming installment of the book club I host at The Village Bookseller near my home in the Charleston, South Carolina area, so Jack can write back and we can compare notes, “Mrs. Bridge” by Evan S. Connell.

1. “After the Ivory Tower Falls” by Will Bunch

2. “The Hundred-Year House” by Rebecca Makkai

3.“Matrix” by Lauren Groff

4. “The Passenger” by Cormac McCarthy

5. “The Trees” by Percival Everett

— Chris P., Portland, Oregon

It’s not as well-known as her later books, but Annie Proulx’s first novel, “Postcards” has the kind of intensity that Chris seems drawn to. I think he’ll really enjoy it.