Stumbling Blocks and Stepping Stones is told largely through the reminiscences of Paolo Bruni and is focused on his friendship with Nicola "Nunzi" D'Annunzio over four decades. It contrasts the insular world of the ethnic neighborhood, one littered with 'stumbling blocks' of gangs and ethnic rivalries that might undo their stepping up in the changing world of post-war urbanizing America. In their encounter with the complex and corporatized Catholicism...

Here, explore difficulties often encountered in meditation and ways of working with them that are also useful in the larger context of living. Consider physical discomfort and the specific use of mindfulness itself in working through it. Look also at ways to strengthen concentration and to counter frustration and discouragement.

Rock-Solid Living in a Quicksand World is an extremely critical conversation Jesus is having with twenty-first century nations and people regarding the importance of looking back in order to actually have a future. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, we hear Him teaching us to look backward in Matthew's Gospel (chapters 7 through 5,) and He says, "Embrace these teachings of mine, and actually live by them. Then, when the CAT-5 hurricanes of life...

Motion picture producer Selena Ryan has the impossible: Fame and fortune and her integrity. Her reputation for playing fair in an industry rife with games has earned her respect from other producers, writers, and actors. She's learned the lesson that plenty of people would like to use her to get what they want-a starring role or some other way into the movies. Burned badly by actress Jennifer Lamont, who used her and left her with a devastating aftermath,...

This is a true story of how a young woman faced the abandonment of a husband who left her with two small children while she was pregnant with her third child. With no money, with limited working skills, and three children now to provide for, Gladys called on all the help she can get. With her faith in God and encouragement and help from her family and others, she faced the situation. She swallowed her pride and applied a public welfare. She vowed...

Walter Mosley's talent knows no bounds. Stepping Stone is one of six fragments in the Crosstown to Oblivion short novels in which Mosley entertainingly explores life's cosmic questions. From life's meaning to the nature of good and evil, these tales take us on speculative journeys beyond the reality we have come to know. In each tale someone in our world today is given insight into these long pondered mysteries. But how would the world really receive...