Ruby Sparks (R) is a delightfully weird fable about a young writer suffering writer’s block. Then his therapist tells him to write about the woman who appears in his dreams. When he does, she appears just as he imagined her. What ensues is a carefully paced love story as the writer learns about love and his inability to control it.—Gordon Houser

BOOK REVIEWS

Spirituality and the Awakening Self: the Sacred Journey of Transformation by David G. Benner (Brazos Press, 2012, $19.99) is not interested in some feel-good spirituality but in transformation. Benner, a psychologist, writes that “while deep and really meaningful changes in people are relatively rare, they are very possible.” He draws on the work of others and tells stories of clients as he explores the self and how to seek an awakening to the experience of God.—gh

Please Pass the Faith: The Art of Spiritual Grandparenting by Elsie H.R. Rempel (Herald Press, 2012, $12.99) explores how seniors and other adults can build relationships with children and youth. Rempel looks at how faith grows and matures and points to the importance of stories and holiday celebrations. This is a practical and helpful guide.

Being Good: Christian Virtues for Everyday Life, edited by Michael W. Austin and Douglas Geivett (Eerdmans, 2012, $26) includes essays on 11 key virtues: faith, open-mindedness, wisdom, zeal, hope, contentment, courage, love, compassion, forgiveness and humility. While the subtitle mentions “everyday life,” the writers are academics, I presume (we’re not told), who tend to get caught up in definitions and nuances and don’t make many connections with everyday life.—gh