Leonard Cohen's troubled relationship with God is here mapped onto his troubled relationships with sex and politics. Analysing Covenantal theology and its place in Cohen's work, this book is the first to trace a consistent theology across sixty years of Cohen's writing, drawing on his Jewish heritage and its expression in his lyrics and poems. Cohen's commitment to covenant, and his anger at this God who made us so prone to failing it, undergird the faith, frustration, and sardonic taunting of Cohen's work. Both his faith and ire are traced through: · Cohen's unorthodox use of Jewish and Christian imagery · His writings about women, politics, and the Holocaust · His final theology, You Want It Darker, released three weeks before his death.

Creatively bringing the songs, prayers, and poetry of Leonard Cohen into conversation with Scripture, this book deeply grounds Cohen’s work in the landscape of the biblical imagination, paying special attention to Jesus together with the prophetic and priestly voices of Scripture. What emerges is a compellingly lyrical work of theology that deepens our understanding of both Cohen and biblical faith. Leonard Cohen has undoubtedly been a liturgist for our time, a cantor singing for all those clothed in rags of light, a prophet in the ruins, and a priest who greets us “from the other side of sorrow and despair.”

Building on the success of One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God, Christian Scharen shows how to engage faith and culture through a wide range of popular music, including the blues, hip-hop, and rock. He examines artists such as Arcade Fire, Kanye West, Leonard Cohen, and Billie Holiday, offering a fresh, compelling theology of culture in conversation with C. S. Lewis that can look suffering and brokenness in the face because it knows of a love deeper than hate, a hope stronger than despair. Written engagingly yet with theological depth, this book will resonate with readers interested in the interface between pop culture, music, and theology, as well as with pastors and youth ministers.

Paul Williams has been writing about pop music for decades, never flagging in his enthusiasm or his emotional and intellectual openness to the newest music. He has been doing this ever since he founded the rock magazine, Crawdaddy, in 1966. His insight into how it feels when we listen to certain performers or certain performances makes a connection between music and reading that is rare and fascinating. Whether its Bob Dylan or Brian Wilson, Pearl Jam or Nirvana, Paul Williams can reveal something we didn't know we knew when we listened to the music. This is what rock criticism was invented to do, back in the 1960s, and he has been doing ever since. It's as much fun to read, as the music is to listen to. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

'Chilling, enchanting and thought-provoking' IAN RANKIN 'Moving and brilliant' DAILY MAIL 'Blazes with anger and sorrow' MARIAN KEYES Have you ever felt invisible? Bernie Moon has given her life to other people: her husband, her son, her friends (who are these days, mostly online). At nineteen she was full of dreams and ambitions; now almost fifty, and going through the menopause, she's fading, fast. Heartbroken and hormonal, she often feels like she's losing her mind. But when a young woman is murdered in a local park, it sparks a series of childhood memories in Bernie and with them, a talent that has lain dormant most of her adult life. She promised herself she'd never think of it again. When she was a teenager, it almost destroyed her. But now she's older, could it be the power she's been missing? Could it be the chance to, finally, make them look? Praise for BROKEN LIGHT: 'Chilling, enchanting and thought-provoking' IAN RANKIN 'Moving and brilliant' DAILY MAIL 'Profound, moving and utterly unforgettable' CATRIONA WARD 'Bold, brave and timely' SARAH PINBOROUGH 'Clever, thoughtful and entirely entertaining' HOLLY SMALE 'This incendiary, brilliantly plotted thriller... is a one-of-a-kind triumph' PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY 'Blazes with anger and sorrow' MARIAN KEYES 'An explosive, relevant read ideal for Amazing Grace Adams and The Power fans' PRIMA

The Willow Weaver, and Seven Other Tales by Michael Wood is a compelling collection that invites readers into a world of enchanting stories and vivid imagination. Each tale within this volume is a testament to Wood’s skillful storytelling and his ability to weave together elements of fantasy, folklore, and human experience. The centerpiece of the collection, "The Willow Weaver," is a mesmerizing tale that delves into themes of nature, magic, and transformation. Through rich, lyrical prose, Wood crafts a story that explores the mysterious connection between a weaver and the ancient willow tree, revealing profound truths about life and destiny. The remaining seven stories in the collection offer a diverse range of narratives, each imbued with Wood’s signature blend of intrigue and poignancy. From whimsical adventures to hauntingly beautiful fables, these tales are bound by their exploration of universal themes and their ability to transport readers to imaginative realms. The Willow Weaver, and Seven Other Tales is ideal for readers who appreciate beautifully crafted short fiction that blends the fantastical with the deeply personal. Michael Wood’s evocative storytelling and imaginative settings make this collection a captivating read for anyone who enjoys rich, narrative-driven literature and timeless tales.