Recommendations

“Mayflower“: A Story of Courage, Community, and War Nathaniel Philbrick

A fascinating, illuminating, and disturbing account of the first fifty years of the settlement at Plimoth Plantation. There is reason for some pride, but also much shame, as we remember our patrimonial and spiritual ancestors.

“George McLeod“: Founder of the Iona Community Ron Ferguson

The biography of a particularly courageous and passionate follower of Jesus, the founder of the Iona Community and the driving force behind the restoration of the medieval abbey on the island of Iona. George McLeod was a man with roots deep in Celtic Christianity, but whose eyes (and heart) were firmly fixed on the future of the church, on calling it to faithful witness to the gospel in deed as well as in word.

“Crazy Horse“: The Strange Man of the Oglalas Mari Sandoz

A classic and faithful retelling of the story of Crazy Horse, the warrior who bested Custer at Little Big Horn. That’s what most of us know, but this telling gives much more: a fascinating insight into the daily lives and joys and struggles and hopes of the Lakotas; a sobering exposure to the violence of the times, among the Native Americans, and between Native Americans and whites; and a depressing revelation of our own (the whites’) record on this continent, a record of greed and inhumanity and broken promises.

“Hill of Thieves” Cara Dillon

We were privileged to see Cara and her husband, Sam Lakeman, perform live this summer at the Stonehaven Folk Festival in Stonehaven, Scotland. It was a beautiful concert and this is a beautiful album. Favorite songs include: “Hill of Thieves,” “She Moved Through the Fair,” “False, False,” and “The Parting Glass,” but all the songs are good!

“Redcastle Sessions” Cara Dillon

A recording session filmed at a seaside cottage in County Donegal, Ireland featuring Cara Dillon, her husband Sam Lakeman, and a cast of talented musicians. Beautiful music, beautiful scenery, a great way to experience Cara Dillon’s music. One caution: the video is in PAL format, but may be played back through iTunes (and any DVD player which supports the PAL format).

“The Deer’s Cry“: from Celtic Woman Presents Lisa Kelly Lisa Kelly

Christ with me, Christ before me
Christ behind me, Christ in me
Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ on my right, Christ on my left
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down
Christ when I arise, Christ to shield me

“Eastmountainsouth” Eastmountainsouth

Favorite song: “So Are You to Me”

as the music at the banquet
as the wine before the meal
as the firelight in the night
so are you to me

On the same album, listen to “Rain Come Down.”

“A Living Prayer“: from Lonely Runs Both Ways Alison Krauss

In Your love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to thee

“In America” Jim Sheridan

A story about an Irish family resettling in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City, adjusting to a new culture and to new neighbors, but mostly a story about grief, told honestly, sensitively, and beautifully. The two young female actors are a delight!

“The Scent of Green Papaya” Anh Hung Tran

A gentle, slow-paced film set in the Viet Nam of the 1950 – 1960′s. A visually beautiful, sensitive, and tender storytelling. Read my review of the movie.