- Table View
- List View
Sacrifice and the Body: Biblical Anthropology and Christian Self-Understanding (Routledge New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies)
by John DunnillWhat is sacrifice? For many people today the word has negative overtones, suggesting loss, or death, or violence. But in religions, ancient and modern, the word is linked primarily to joyous feasting which puts people in touch with the deepest realities. How has that change of meaning come about? What effect does it have on the way we think about Christianity? How does it affect the way Christian believers think about themselves and God? John Dunnill's study focuses on sacrifice as a physical event uniting worshippers to deity. Bringing together insights from social anthropology, biblical studies and Trinitarian theology, Dunnill links to debates in sociology and cultural studies, as well as the study of liturgy. Through a positive view of sacrifice, Dunnill contributes to contemporary Christian debates on atonement and salvation.
Sacrifice in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
by David L. WeddleAn examination of the practice and philosophy of sacrifice in three religious traditionsIn the book of Genesis, God tests the faith of the Hebrew patriarch Abraham by demanding that he sacrifice the life of his beloved son, Isaac. Bound by common admiration for Abraham, the religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam also promote the practice of giving up human and natural goods to attain religious ideals. Each tradition negotiates the moral dilemmas posed by Abraham’s story in different ways, while retaining the willingness to perform sacrifice as an identifying mark of religious commitment. This book considers the way in which Jews, Christians, and Muslims refer to “sacrifice”—not only as ritual offerings, but also as the donation of goods, discipline, suffering, and martyrdom. Weddle highlights objections to sacrifice within these traditions as well, presenting voices of dissent and protest in the name of ethical duty. Sacrifice forfeits concrete goods for abstract benefits, a utopian vision of human community, thereby sparking conflict with those who do not share the same ideals. Weddle places sacrifice in the larger context of the worldviews of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, using this nearly universal religious act as a means of examining similarities of practice and differences of meaning among these important world religions. This book takes the concept of sacrifice across these three religions, and offers a cross-cultural approach to understanding its place in history and deep-rooted traditions.
Sacrifice: A spellbinding historical saga perfect for fans of Ken Follett (The Hebraica Trilogy)
by Christine Jordan&“Loved this book, had me hooked from the first page.&” —Amazon reviewer, five stars &“Epic . . . echoes of Game of Thrones.&” —Amazon reviewer, five starsA young couple struggles to build a life together in this suspenseful saga . . . Zev, a humble butcher&’s son, has always loved Arlette but she is promised to another. When the death of a Christian boy is blamed on the local Jews, Arlette is caught up in the ensuing chaos and mob violence leading her betrothed to reject her. Throughout the ordeal, Zev remains steadfast and refuses to abandon Arlette while she struggles to overcome her trauma. But their troubles are far from over as they endure continuing harassment and are drawn into intrigue involving the Irish king. Can the pair continue to battle and survive against all the odds?Sacrifice is a rich historical drama filled with danger, love and betrayal.
Sacrifice: Themes, Theories, and Controversies (Elements in Religion and Violence)
by Margo KittsAfter over a century of grand theorizing about the universal dimensions to the practice of ritual sacrifice, scholars now question the analytical utility of the notion writ large. The word 'sacrifice' (Latin sacrificium) itself frequently is broken down into its Latin roots, sacer, sacred, and facere, to do or to make – to do or to make sacred – which is a huge category and also vague. Presuming it is people and places that are made sacred, we must question the dynamics. Does sacrifice 'make sacred' by summoning the presence of gods or ancestors? By offering gifts to them? By dining with them? By restoring or establishing cosmic order? By atoning for personal or collective sins? By rectifying social disequilibrium through scapegoating? By inducing an existential epiphany about life and death? While this short Element cannot cover all complexities and practices, it does treat critically some prominent themes, theories, and controversies concerning sacrifice, from ancient to present times.
Sacrifices of Joy: Book Three of The Sienna St. James Series (Sienna St. James #3)
by Leslie J. Sherrod Lee HollisIn her most chilling challenge yet, Sienna St. James believes she has come face to face with the terrorist responsible for the carnage in her hometown. Taking him on as a client in her therapy practice may be the only way to prove to herself and authorities that her time-tested instincts are right. Complicating matters are her damaged dreams and broken heart and the need to finally confront the one person whose absence from her life changed everything. The time of reckoning has come, and for Sienna, finding healing and happiness--and the savvy needed to stay alive--hang in the balance.Leslie J. Sherrod, the recipient of the SORMAG Readers Choice Award for Christian Author of the Year (2012), has a master's degree in social work and has worked as a therapist, just like her current protagonist, Sienna St. James. Her novels, Losing Hope, Secret Place, and Like Sheep Gone Astray have been featured in Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library Writer's LIVE! Series, as well as local CBS and NBC affiliates, and on AOL's Black Voices. She has received a starred review from Booklist and is a contributor to the bestselling A Cup of Comfort devotional series. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Leslie lives in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband and three children.
Sacrificial Ceremonies of Santería
by Ócha'Ni LeleThe first book to explore the history, methods, and thinking behind sacrifice in the growing Santería faith • Explains the animal sacrifice ceremony in step-by-step detail • Shares the ancient African sacred stories that reveal the well-thought-out metaphysics and spirituality behind the practice of animal sacrifice • Chronicles the legal fight all the way to its 1993 U.S. Supreme Court victory to establish legal protection for the Santería faith and its practitioners Tackling the biggest controversy surrounding his faith, Santería priest Ócha’ni Lele explains for the first time in print the practice and importance of animal sacrifice as a religious sacrament. Describing the animal sacrifice ceremony in step-by-step detail, including the songs and chants used, he examines the thinking and metaphysics behind the ritual and reveals the deep connections to the odu of the diloggún--the source of all practices in this Afro-Cuban faith. Tracing the legal battle spearheaded by Oba Ernesto Pichardo, head of the Church of the Lukumi of Babaluaiye, over the right to practice animal sacrifice as a religious sacrament, Lele chronicles the fight all the way to its 1993 U.S. Supreme Court victory, which established legal protection for the Santería faith and its practitioners. Weaving together oral fragments stemming from the ancient Yoruba of West Africa, the author reconstructs their sacred stories, or patakís, that demonstrate the well-thought-out metaphysics and spirituality behind the practice of animal sacrifice in the Yoruba and Santería religion, including explanations about why each animal can be regarded as food for both humans and the orisha as well as how sacrifice is not limited to animals. Shedding light on the extraordinary global growth of this religion over the past 50 years, Lele’s guide to the sacrificial ceremonies of Santería enables initiates to learn proper ceremony protocol as well as gives outsiders a glimpse into this most secretive world of the santeros.
Sacrosanctum Concilium: Exploring Liturgical Futures
by Clare V. Johnson Gerard Moore Peter G. WilliamsThis book introduces new scholarship exploring liturgical futures in light of Sacrosanctum Concilium at 60+. In critical dialogue with a variety of knowledge areas, scientific developments, evolving philosophical and technological innovations, and contemporary cultural trends and flows, it considers the place of liturgy in today&’s world and its anticipated futures. Utilising a range of research methodologies, authors from Australia, New Zealand, and the USA reflect on and advance many key sections of Sacrosanctum Concilium, investigating topics such as: liturgical music, active participation, liturgical architecture, inculturation of the liturgical year, liturgical formation of seminarians, liturgy and affect, forming children for sacramental reception, vernacular translation, the basis of SC&’s general principles, an ecumenical view of inherent liturgical hierarchies, and advancing notions of sacramentality in light of Laudato Si&’. This book honors but goes beyond the original vision of Sacrosanctum Concilium, and is important for scholars looking to engage post-postmodern societal trajectories and dialogue with emerging fields of discourse in liturgical studies. Clare V. Johnson is Professor of Liturgical Studies and Sacramental Theology, and Director of the ACU Centre for Liturgy, Australian Catholic University. She has taught liturgy and sacramental theology at Notre Dame USA, University of Notre Dame Australia, and ACU. She has published widely in liturgy and sacramental theology, and directs the ACU Centre for Liturgy&’s academic, formation, and professional development programs for Catholic dioceses, schools, agencies, and parishes throughout Australia. Gerard Moore is Professor of Liturgical Studies, Principal and CEO BBI-The Australian Institute of Theological Education, Pennant Hills, NSW Australia. He has taught widely in liturgy and sacramental theology and published extensively in worship, liturgical spirituality, and social justice. He has served as Head of School of Theology at Charles Sturt University and lecturer and Director (Research) within the Sydney College of Divinity. Peter G. Williams AM is Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, Diocese of Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia. He served for eleven years as Executive Secretary of the Bishops commission for Liturgy for the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. He was Director of Liturgy for World Youth Day in Sydney 2008 and was Chair of the editorial committee for Australia&’s Catholic Worship Book II. He teaches liturgy at the Catholic Institute of Sydney.
Sad Isn't Bad
by R. W. Alley Michaelene MundyHere is the book that Elf-help fans everywhere were asking for . . . a book to help children grieve in healthy ways. This friendly and loving guide is loaded with positive, life-affirming help to coping with loss as a child.
Sad Janet
by Lucie BritschA whip-smart black comedy for fans of Fleabag and My Year of Rest and Relaxation'Loved this book' EMMA GANNON'Surprising and irreverent...Be prepared for edginess, dark humor and profanity' NEW YORK TIMES'Hilarious, wise, wicked' CYNTHIA D'APRIX SWEENEYNamed one of the Best Books of the Summer by LitHub, The Millions, Refinery29, and Hey Alma.***Meet Janet. Janet is sad. Not about her life, about the world. Have you seen it these days? The thing is, she's not out to make anyone else sad. She's not turning up to weddings shouting that most marriages end in divorce. She just wants to wear her giant coat, get rid of her passive-aggressive boyfriend, and avoid human interaction at the rundown dog shelter where she works.That is, until word spreads about a new pill that promises cynics like her one day off from being sad. When her family stages an intervention, and the prospect of making it through Christmas alone seems like too much, Janet finally decides to give them what they want. What follows is life-changing for all concerned - in ways no one quite expects.Hilarious, provocative and profound, Sad Janet is the antidote to our happiness-obsessed world.***PRAISE FOR SAD JANET:'If you're a Halle Butler fan or like despair cut with humour, you'll love this' Leigh Stein, author of SELF CARE'As I was reading this, my partner kept asking why I was laughing. This book is dark and hilarious and will speak to everyone who's ever wondered why they spend time with humans and not just dogs' Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, author of Starling Days and Harmless Like You'A tragicomic riot of a book - charging, foul-mouthed and tender, across the modern condition' Claudia Dey, author of Heartbreaker'Try reading Sad Janet ... It might just make you happy' Marcy Demansky, author of Very Nice'A biting, pitch-perfect novel about one woman's desire to stay true to herself in a world that rewards facile happiness ... a dazzling debut' Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney'The narrative voice of Janet in Britsch's debut novel is a skin-tingling combination of new and necessary' Booklist starred review'Loved this book... it made me lol via the dark humour and dry observations. An artful take on the "happiness economy"' Emma Gannon, author of Olive'I loved SAD JANET'S cynical humour. Superbly original, with spot-on one-liners. Brilliantly bleak, but with a spark of hope' Caroline Hulse, author of The Adults
Saddam's War of Words: Politics, Religion, and the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait
by Jerry M. LongFrom a Western perspective, the Persian Gulf War of 1990-1991 largely fulfilled the first President Bush's objective: "In, out, do it, do it right, get gone. That's the message." But in the Arab world, the causes and consequences of Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait and his subsequent defeat by a U.S.-led coalition were never so clear-cut.<P><P> The potent blend of Islam and Arab nationalism that Saddam forged to justify the unjustifiable--his invasion of a Muslim state--gained remarkable support among both Muslims and Arabs and continued to resonate in the Middle East long after the fighting ended. Indeed, as this study argues in passing, it became a significant strand in the tangled web of ideologies and actions that led to the attacks of 9/11. <P><P> This landmark book offers the first in-depth investigation of how Saddam Hussein used Islam and Arab nationalism to legitimate his invasion of Kuwait in the eyes of fellow Muslims and Arabs, while delegitimating the actions of the U.S.-led coalition and its Arab members. Jerry M. Long addresses three fundamental issues: how extensively and in what specific ways Iraq appealed to Islam during the Kuwait crisis; how elites, Islamists, and the elusive Arab "street," both in and out of the coalition, responded to that appeal and why they responded as they did; and the longer-term effects that resulted from Saddam's strategy.
Sadhana
by Rabindranath TagoreAll the great utterances of man have to be judged not by the letter but by the spirit-- the spirit which unfolds itself with the growth of life in history. We get to know the real meaning of Christianity by observing its living aspect at the present moment-- however different that may be, even in important respects, from the Christianity of earlier periods. For western scholars the great religious scriptures of India seem to possess merely a retrospective archaeological interest; but to us they are of living importance, and we cannot help thinking that they lose their significance when exhibited in labelled cases-- mummied specimens of human thought and aspiration, preserved for all time in the wrappings of erudition. The meaning of the living words that come out of the experiences of great hearts can never be exhausted by any one system of logical interpretation. They have to be endlessly explained by the commentaries of individual lives, and they gain an added mystery in each new revelation.
Sadhana, a Way to God: Christian Exercises in Eastern Form
by Anthony DemelloOne of the world's foremost spiritual guides responds to the modern hunger for self awareness and holistic living with a series of spiritual exercises blending psychology, spiritual therapy, and practices drawn from Eastern and Western tradition of meditation.
Sadhana: A Way to God (Studies On Jesuit Topics Iv #No. 9)
by Anthony De MelloOne of the world's foremost spiritual guides responds to the modern hunger for self-awareness and holistic living with a series of spiritual exercises blending psychology, spiritual therapy, and practices drawn from both Eastern and Western traditions of meditation.
Sadhana: The Classic of Indian Spirituality
by Rabindranath TagoreWritten by Nobel Prize Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and available in paperback for the first time, Sadhana is a profound, highly accessible introduction to India's ancient spiritual heritage. Few figures in history have been as important as Rabindranath Tagore in bringing Indian philosophy and spiritual teachings to the West. Although he was known primarily as a poet, his work is deeply religious, imbued with his belief that God can be found through personal purity and service to others. Sadhana (sometimes translated from the Sanskrit as "spiritual practice" or "spiritual discipline") is a beautifully written, concise distillation of the great resources of Indian philosophy. With the surge of interest in Indian spirituality, it will be welcomed with enthusiasm by readers everywhere.
Sadhu Vasvani
by Priyakant P Sukalaસાધુ વાસવાણી એ નવજીવન દ્વારા પ્રકાશિત સંતવાણી ગ્રંથાવલિનું ઓગણીસમું પુસ્તક છે. સંતવાણી ગ્રંથાવલિ એ ભારતના મહાનુભાવોના જીવન અને વિચારને વાચક સુધી પહોંચાડવાનો નવજીવન ટ્રસ્ટનો નમ્ર પ્રયાસ છે.
Sadhus: Holy Men of India
by Dolf HartsuikerAn in-depth photographic study of the ascetic holy men of India• Includes more than 100 striking color photographs of Sadhus, their extreme austerities, and their holy festivals, including the Kumbha Mela• Examines the practices and beliefs of Sadhus from several different sects• Traces the historical and mythological roots of the Sadhus and shows how they have fundamentally shaped Hinduism since remote antiquitySpiritual adventurers, philosophical monks, naked ascetics, or religious transvestites, the Sadhus of India form a vital and unbroken link between the birth of yoga millennia ago and its present-day expression. Numbering in the millions, these mystic holy men are worshipped by the Hindus as representatives of the gods, yet they remain largely unknown in the West because they often live in far-off places, hidden from everyday life. In this full-color study of Sadhus more than 20 years in the making, photographer Dolf Hartsuiker illustrates the Sadhus’ world of ancient magical rituals, religious symbols, and ascetic practices. In his photographic quest across India, the author visited many holy places, attended religious festivals including the Kumbha Mela, and encountered and photographed thousands of Sadhus, befriending several as he was drawn into their inner circle. Sharing more than 100 striking color photographs from his travels, he reveals the Sadhus’ utmost devotion to their spiritual path through meditation practices, yoga exercises, penance, and austerities--sometimes taken to the extreme of prolonged self-imposed silence, bodily mortification, such as holding an arm above the head for years, or even ritual suicide--as well as their profound involvement with the mundane world as healers and teachers or magicians and sorcerers. It is a path of knowledge and devotion, renunciation and realization, sexual energy and spiritual power, divine intoxication and mystical union.The author examines the different beliefs and behaviors of each Sadhu sect, including the “sky-clad” Naga Babas, and traces their historical and mythological roots to show how they have fundamentally shaped Hinduism since antiquity. Revealing the powerful “otherworldliness” of the Sadhus, the author also exposes the mystical beauty that emanates from those who have chosen the path of asceticism in pursuit of knowledge of the Absolute and liberation from all earthly bonds.
Sadia
by Colleen NelsonSadia wishes life in high school was as straightforward as a game of basketball. Fifteen-year-old Sadia Ahmadi is passionate about one thing: basketball. Her best friend Mariam, on the other hand, wants to get noticed by the popular crowd and has started de-jabbing, removing her hijab, at school every morning. Sadia’s mom had warned her that navigating high school could be tricky. As much as she hates to admit it, her mom was right. When tryouts for an elite basketball team are announced, Sadia jumps at the opportunity. Her talent speaks for itself. Her head scarf, on the other hand, is a problem; especially when a discriminatory rule means she has to choose between removing her hijab and not playing. Mariam, Sadia’s parents, and her teammates all have different opinions about what she should do. But it is Sadia who has to find the courage to stand up for herself and fight for what is right — on and off the court.
Sadie's Hero
by Margaret DaleyFamily for Keeps A senseless tragedy had shattered Tess Morgan's dreams of a family of her own, and even shaken her faith. But now a very special man, single father Peter MacPherson, wanted to help her find her way home--if only she had the courage to love again. Sadie's Hero A bachelor auction was the only way Sadie Spender could get close to a millionaire to ask for a charity donation. But one date with Andrew Knight--seemingly so cold, yet truly so caring--showed her that this man could offer her far more than mere money.
Sadie's Montana Trilogy: Three Bestselling Novels in One
by Linda BylerSadie Miller didn't know what to expect when her family left Ohio for the small Montana Amish settlement-certainly not horse thieves, mysterious men, or her family falling apart. Can Sadie find her place in this wild, Western community, far from the familiar-and discover love along the way?Wild Horses, Book 1: Sadie Miller is adjusting to life at Aspen East Ranch when Ezra appears. Perfect in every way and fully intending to marry Sadie, Ezra seems like a dream, but does Sadie love him? And who is this fascinating Mark who helps to rescue a dying horse and shows up at the Amish hymn-sing, though he is English? Now Sadie's own close-knit family is falling apart. Mam claims her head is cluttered and unclear. The worst part is, Dat refuses to acknowledge Mam's struggles. Sadie finds some refuge in Nevaeh, a black-and-white paint. But when a dreadful accident involving wild horses occurs, Sadie must move forward into the unknown.Keeping Secrets, Book 2: There's horse trouble in Montana again. Only this time, horses aren't being stolen, they're being shot. No hard-working ranch horse or Amish horse and buggy is safe. Sadie's heart is still set on Mark, despite warnings from concerned friends. Then Daniel appears-a visitor from Lancaster County. With cornflower-blue eyes and a strong, square jaw, he is everything that Mark is not. Why, Sadie wonders desperately, are there so many secrets?The Disappearances, Book 3: Sadie may be married now, but she's as spirited as ever. Soon after she and Mark are settled into the farmhouse, she's visited by three FBI agents who question her about the two children who mysteriously appeared one day at the Ranch. Before the agents leave, they warn Sadie that her beloved horse, Paris, is highly valuable, and that she and Mark may be in grave danger. This news, on top of Mark's unexpected black moods, leaves Sadie confused and disillusioned. Mercifully, healing and courage reappear in unexpected times and places in this concluding volume of the Sadie's Montana series.Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction-novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
Sadie's Song
by Linda HallLinda Hall's thrilling fiction, which confronts the toll domestic violence takes within American homes and explores how the church might address it, melds contemporary characters with a powerful story's punch. Sadie's Song opens with the disappearance of nine-year-old Ally Buckley, which bears too much resemblance to two recent and chilling events. As fear spreads throughout the New England fishing village of Bowden's Landing and the local church that Sadie and her family attend, she discovers a drawing by Ally among her abusive husband's possessions-and odd evidence that danger may be closer to home than she'd ever known.A mysterious disappearance...A family in tumult...Volatile surroundings...Can one woman connct the pieces in time? When nine-year-old Ally Buckley turns up missing, fear spreads throughout the New England fishing village where Sadie and her family live and worship. But when Saide discovers one of Ally's drawings among her husband's possessions, she suspects danger may be closer to home than she had ever known.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Sadie: An Amish Retelling Of Snow White (An Amish Fairytale #3)
by Sarah PriceSarah Price delivers a delightful retelling of a beloved classic, featuring a young Amish woman who turns to faith as her guide even in the darkest times . . . Sadie Whitaker is determined to be a good daughter, but her stepmother, Rachel, has made no secret of her overwhelming jealousy—or her desire to get Sadie out of her life. Rachel’s latest plot involves marrying Sadie off to a widower in need of a mother for his unruly children—and she has convinced Sadie’s beloved father to agree. Left with no choice, Sadie flees her small Amish hometown of Echo Creek. Planning to hide in a nearby forest, she stumbles across a house that belongs to the seven Glick brothers. All outcasts from the Old Order community of Echo Creek, they generously agree to let her stay—and for the first time in ages, Sadie feels safe and needed, keeping house for them as any good Amish woman would do. Until, that is, the Glicks’ handsome cousin comes to visit. For though he awakens her heart’s desire, she can’t risk revealing her true identity, until love and faith give her the courage to take a chance on happiness . . .
Sadiq and The Desert Star (Sadiq)
by Siman NuuraliSadiq's father is going on a business trip, but before he goes he tells Sadiq a story of the Desert Star, which fits in perfectly with Sadiq's third-grade class field trip to the planetarium, and inspires Sadiq to build a simple telescope to study the stars when his father returns.
Sadiq and the Clean Water Crew (Sadiq)
by Siman NuuraliMs. Battersby’s class is heading to the pond for a field trip. They hope to see birds, bugs, fish, and turtles! But one thing Sadiq sees makes him worried—dead fish! What happened to them? This question leads Sadiq on a mission to solve the mystery. When he discovers that the problem is likely polluted water, Sadiq and his friends form the Clean Water Crew! But what can kids do to help clean up bodies of water? Join Sadiq’s Clean Water Crew to find out!
Sadlier We Believe, Parish Edition: We Are The Church
by Gerard F. Baumbach Carole M. EipersWhat happens when a new person joins a family? A newborn baby, an adopted child, the spouse of a son or daughter--each one is initiated in some way. This entails sharing the family's story, including a "Who's Who" and how each person is related to the other.
Sadness Is a White Bird: A Novel
by Moriel Rothman-Zecher“Nuanced, sharp, and beautifully written, Sadness Is a White Bird manages, with seeming effortlessness, to find something fresh and surprising and poignant in the classic coming-of-age, love-triangle narrative, something starker, more heartbreaking: something new.” —Michael Chabon “Unflinching in its honesty, unyielding in its moral complexity.” —Pulitzer Prize–winning author Geraldine Brooks In this lyrical and searing debut novel written by a rising literary star and MacDowell Fellow, a young man is preparing to serve in the Israeli army while also trying to reconcile his close relationship to two Palestinian siblings with his deeply ingrained loyalties to family and country.The story begins in an Israeli military jail, where—four days after his nineteenth birthday—Jonathan stares up at the fluorescent lights of his cell, and recalls the series of events that led him there. Two years earlier: Moving back to Israel after several years in Pennsylvania, Jonathan is ready to fight to preserve and defend the Jewish state, which his grandfather—a Salonican Jew whose community was wiped out by the Nazis—helped establish. But he is also conflicted about the possibility of having to monitor the occupied Palestinian territories, a concern that grows deeper and more urgent when he meets Nimreen and Laith—the twin daughter and son of his mother’s friend. From that winter morning on, the three become inseparable: wandering the streets on weekends, piling onto buses toward new discoveries, laughing uncontrollably. They share joints on the beach, trading snippets of poems, intimate secrets, family histories, resentments, and dreams. But with his draft date rapidly approaching, Jonathan wrestles with the question of what it means to be proud of your heritage and loyal to your people, while also feeling love for those outside of your own tribal family. And then that fateful day arrives, the one that lands Jonathan in prison and changes his relationship with the twins forever. Powerful, important, and timely, Sadness Is a White Bird explores one man’s attempts to find a place for himself, discovering in the process a beautiful, against-the-odds love that flickers like a candle in the darkness of a never-ending conflict.