Library Loot ~ August 6-12

The Way ~ by Kristen Wolf, 2011, fiction (ancient Palestine)

Anna is a fiery tomboy living in ancient Palestine whose androgynous appearance provokes ridicule from the people around her and doubt within her own heart. When tragedy strikes her family, and Anna's father — disguising her as a boy — sells her to a band of shepherds, she is captured by a mystical, secret society of women hiding in the desert. At first Anna is tempted to escape, but she soon finds that the sisterhood's teachings and healing abilities, wrapped in an ancient philosophy they call "The Way," have unleashed an unexpected power within her. When danger befalls the caves in which the sisters have made their home, Anna embarks on a hazardous mission to preserve the wisdom of her mentors by proclaiming it among ordinary people. Her daring quest and newfound destiny reveal, at last, the full truth of her identity — a shocking revelation that will spark as much controversy as it does celebration.

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are ~ by Brené Brown, 2010

Brené Brown, a leading expert on shame, authenticity, and belonging, shares ten guideposts on the power of Wholehearted living — a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness.  Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be.  We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we'd no longer feel inadequate.  So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, "What if I can't keep all of these balls in the air?  Why isn't everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations?  What will people think if I fail or give up?  When can I stop proving myself?"  In her ten guideposts, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, "No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough," and to go to bed at night thinking, "Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave.  And, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn't change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging."

(Tuesday Teaser from this book, posted here.)

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire @ The Captive Reader and Linda @ Silly Little Mischief that encourages us to name books we checked out of the library.  Click here to see what others got this week.