on the nightstand

I have to take a brief moment to mention this fascinating book that I've just finished reading. Using the unimaginable tragedy of the Nickel Mines, PA school shooting as its jumping off point, Amish Grace explores and explains how the Amish culture has embraced the practice of forgiveness. (The families of the young girls killed and injured in that shooting almost immediately forgave the shooter for his transgressions and welcomed his family into their hearts). When the news of this forgiveness reached the media, it nearly eclipsed the story of the tragedy itself as modern society could not understand how this culture could forgive such a purely evil act.
When I first heard of the Amish response to this tragedy, I was hoping for a book or editorial that may shed more light on the practice of forgiveness in the modern era (an era that seems hell-bent on vengeance as a response to any personal (or national) affront) - and this is that book. While the Amish find their call to forgive primarily in the study of their anabaptist faith, as a person who does not actively participate in organized religion, I think anyone who yearns to understand more about the human spirit will find comfort and inspiration in these pages.