Customer Reviews

Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter

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"For Breadth of scope and depth of insight nothing rivals this collection", says on the dust jacket. I heartily agree! This collection of readings is the best supplement to Lenten and Easter devotional reading that I have ever used. I've never seen such a selection of great authors' writings between the covers of one book. Each of the 72 selections are about 4 or 5 pages long. They are grouped into 6 sections that form a progression from the Invitation prepare for Easter by seriously examining oneself and following through on the themes of Temptation, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection and New Life. There are quite a variety of perspectives represented in these writings. Every one of them will reward the thoughtful reader in different ways. There isn't a dull one in the bunch. These aren't shallow "inspirational" writings. They will challenge and encourage, and sustain serious reflection. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I'd say that Malcolm Muggeridge's "Impending Resurrection" was the high point. I highly recommend this book.

This is a small, easily-carried book organized into the topics of Invitation, Temptation, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection and New Life. The 72 essays are from an eclectic mix of authors: Oscar Wilde, Thomas Merton, John Donne, Kahlil Gibran, Blaise Pascal, Martin Luther, G.K.Chesterton, Mother Teresa, Dylan Thomas, John Updike, Dorothy Sayers, Madeleine L'Engle, Leo Tolstoy and many others. Selections are typically five to six pages long, and printed in a large clean font on heavy paper. There are a few poems, but primarily prose is used to inspire and to comfort.

A wonderful little book.

These 72 brief essays are loaded with inspiring and challenging spiritual insight. The authors are incredibly diverse--Leo Tolstoy, Thomas a Kempis, Meister Eckhart, Martin Luther, Mother Teresa, and John Updike, to name a few. Not every contributor is a household name, but every reflection is moving and powerful...

"Christianity is the only religion on earth that has felt that omnipotence made God incomplete." G.K. Chesterton

"If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love." Amy Carmichael

"The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man." John Scott

"A follower is or strives to be what he admires. An admirer, however, keeps himself personally detached." Soren Kierkegaard

Those thoughts alone might supply forty days-worth of spiritual reflection! For preparation and renewal, this book is can be opened again and again.

I purchased this book as it looked interesting per the Bas Bleu book review. I read it even outside the Lent season; I feel that reading a short essay or two each day keeps me grounded and remembering to pray, and to be thankful every day. I am not a big church goer, and I found this book to be very engrossing. The variety of writers and topics holds the reader's attention; I think anyone who believes in a higher power will find this book very enjoyable.

After a recommendation from Pastor Harrell at City Church, I purchased this book and have read the first 20 pages and so far love it- it's rich and reflective and a great devotional in light of Lent and Easter. Definitely recommend it!!! And Amazon got it to me in 2 days- great service!

This book will take you through the season of Lent, Holy Week and the glories of Easter. A wonderful thought provoking book to be enjoyed year after year.

While I've not yet read this book extensively because it is a Lenten/Easter prayer book, I was happy with my initial perusal. It seems to be just the book I was looking for.

Nice devotional reading for the Easter season. A little more than I was thinking it would be, I'm use to the phamplet style devotional. Although with this one you don't need to but one each year you can go back to this one each Easter season.

This is the finest compilation of writings authors,mystics,church leaders and laymen prparatory for Easter that I have ever encountered. I recommend it highly.

For a good read of various writers this devotional for the Lenten Season cannot be beat. It deals with real situations of real people and gives one much food for thought and prayer. Highly recommend!