“Zen Flesh Zen Bones” by Paul Reps & Nyogen Senzaki
A marvelous collection of koan and anecdotes, each worthy of days or weeks of meditation, reflection, though largely without commentary. Think of it as a workbook or thinkbook in Zen. Invaluable.
“A Woman and Poems” by Kanchan Pudasaini (ed.) –
This local Nepalese publication is a decades old tribute of verse written to then First Lady Hillary Clinton. Unusual in its premise and manner of praise . . .
“A Contract with God Trilogy” by Will Eisner
The first in this series virtually invented the graphic novel genre. More, though, over the three books and 20+ years, Eisner sets a high bar for its form and ambition, as well.
“Amahl and the Night Visitors” by Gian Carlo Menotti
A fine, family tradition of light opera, here a parable of the Christian Nativity. But, as some have claimed, one of the best librettos in opera? Nonsense.
“Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson
Novel-length monologue by dying minister reflects upon love, family, regrets, faith, and fallibility. At times original and poignant, at times declamations for readers.
“Prince of Cats” by Ronald Wimberly –
Wimberly’s hip-hop Shakespeare is a brilliant mash-up of 1980s slum, Samurai codes, media domination, clever art angles, and the iambic talk of forgotten Bard subplots.
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