Publishers Weekly
11/25/2013
Author and community activist Neshama can see that the world is alive with holy moments, and her view comes to life through exquisite storytelling. The ingredients she gathers for this book's collection of "recipes for a sacred life" are few: intention, attention, and openness. Yet the timeless wisdom she serves up is food for the soul. Inspired by recognized teachers such as the Dalai Lama or Shakti Gawain, as well as far less famous messengers such as her mother-in-law or her Sufi teacher, the author sweetly invites readers into the sacredness of her everyday moments: awakening to a sunrise, being a grandparent, taking a walk in nature, or even buying a dress to attend her daughter's wedding. Each story is like a tried and true recipe being passed along, knowing that others will add their own ingredients to the mix and make it their own. Written in the spirit of Elizabeth Gilbert or Anne Lamott, Neshama's stories (and a few miracles) are uplifting, witty, and wise: one can't go wrong with a recipe like that. Agent: Kristina Holmes, the Holmes Agency. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
"Exquisite storytelling. . . . Written in the spirit of Elizabeth Gilbert or Anne Lamott, Neshama's stories (and a few miracles) are uplifting, witty, and wise."--Publishers Weekly
"Inspiring, enlightening, and entertaining. Sit back and enjoy!"--Dharma Singh Khalsa, MD, author of Meditation as Medicine
"Recipes for a Sacred Life left us moved-and changed. . . . Wise, poignant, funny, and inspiring."--Redbook
"You might think by its title that this is another self-help book offering advice and spiritual directives. If you did, you'd be wrong. Rivvy Neshama's delightful stories are moving, playful, and enlightening. She offers timeless wisdom that will enrich the lives of readers of all ages and backgrounds. I highly recommend it!"--Charlie Bloom, coauthor of 101 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Married
"Rivvy's bite-sized stories will make you nod with deepest knowing. It's a magical companion."--HuffPost
"A bright promise of awakening. . . . The tales carry a resonance similar to healing stories from Rachel Naomi Remen's Kitchen Table Wisdom."--Foreword Reviews
"Blessings upon Rivvy and her beloved mother for their combined wisdom that leads to living a fully present life and loving it."--Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Life Visioning
"Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a guide to happiness? Recipes for a Sacred Life is the closest thing I've found . . . adding love and joy to the everyday."--First for Women magazine
"Neshama's riveting collection of spiritual recipes in the form of short stories is gently carved out of the joys and struggles of life's experiences. A highly recommended book that is bound to make a difference in one's life."--Rabbi Israel Zoberman, Jewish News Virginia
"A reflective, joyful journey that will likely change the way you see the world."--Matthew Barber, Tony-nominated playwright of Enchanted April
"Joy-filled, laugh-out-loud. . . . This beautiful book can open your heart."--Science of Mind magazine
"With a flowing style of writing and a beautiful way of looking at the world, Neshama has written the essential handbook to living a sacred and meaningful life."--Women's Adventure Media
"Rivvy's delightful stories open the heart. Read them, one at a time, and then daydream on them . . . and you will take on a glow of joy and feel more secure in God's world."--Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, author of Davening: A Guide to Meaningful Jewish Prayer
"It charms and inspires. What more could one ask?"--Hal Zina Bennett, author of Write from the Heart: Unleashing the Power of Your Creativity
"Recipes for a Sacred Life is filled with delights. It will inspire and uplift your heart."--Tara Brach, international meditation teacher and author of
Radical Acceptance
