Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor by Yossi Klein Halevi
One Israeli’s powerful attempt to reach beyond the wall that separates Israelis and Palestinians. In a series of letters, Yossi Klein Halevi explains what motivated him to leave his native New York in his twenties and move to Israel to participate in the drama of the renewal of a Jewish homeland, which he is committed to see succeed as a morally responsible, democratic state in the Middle East. This is the first attempt by an Israeli author to directly address his Palestinian neighbors and describe how the conflict appears through Israeli eyes. Halevi untangles the ideological and emotional knot that has defined the conflict for nearly a century. In lyrical, evocative language, he unravels the complex strands of faith, pride, anger and anguish he feels as a Jew living in Israel, using history and personal experience as his guide.
Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day by Jay Shetty
Viral storyteller and popular podcast host Jay Shetty simplifies the timeless wisdom he learned as a monk for three years in India into practical, actionable steps to train your mind for peace and purpose every day. In this honest, inspiring and empowering book, Shetty focuses in on what he believes are the roadblocks to our potential and power, helping you develop the skills and tools to breakthrough negativity, anxiety, overthinking and people’s expectations.
“Why should we train like monks?” Shetty writes in the book’s introduction. “If you wanted to learn how to dominate on the basketball court, you might turn to Michael Jordan; if you wanted to innovate, you might investigate Elon Musk; you might study Beyoncé to learn how to perform. If you want to train your mind to find peace, calm and purpose? Monks are the experts.”
Read to Understand: Peace & Trust is a yearlong series in recognition of the International Year of Peace & Trust as designated by the United Nations. Art by Dawn Schreiner.
