Angela Buchdahl was born in Korea and grew up in Tacoma, Washington, the daughter of a Korean Buddhist mother and Jewish American father. Profoundly spiritual from a young age, Angela Buchdahl felt a connection to God when only a child and felt the first stirrings to become a rabbi at age sixteen. Despite the naysayers and periods of self-doubt—would a mixed-race woman ever be seen as authentically Jewish and entitled to lead a congregation—she stayed the course, which took her first to Yale, then to rabbinical school, cantorial school, and finally to the pulpit of one of the largest, most influential congregations in the world.Today, Angela Buchdahl is revered by Jews and non-Jews alike for her invigorating, joyful approach to worship, and her belief in the power of faith, gratitude, and responsibility for each other, regardless of religion. She does not shy away from challenging topics, be it racism within the Jewish community to sexism she confronted when she aspired to the top job. Buchdahl has also been a sought-after leader and voice through some of the most challenging moments in recent history, from the murder of George Floyd to the hostage standoff in Colleyville, Texas to the horrors of October 7th. Buchdahl's consistent message is that it is up to us to strive for a world of more humanity, especially in today’s challenging times. Angela Buchdahl has gone from outsider to officiant, from feeling estranged to feeling embraced—and she's emerged with a deep feeling of being bound to a larger whole and mission. Here, she has written a book that is both a memoir and a spiritual guide for everyday living, which is exactly what so many of us crave right now.
The Greatest Game Ever Played by Mark Frost is a 2002 book about the 1913 U.S. Open, focusing on the unlikely victory of amateur Francis Ouimet over British champions Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, a pivotal moment that helped popularize golf in America. The book details the dramatic tournament at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, contrasting the working-class Ouimet with the established professionals, and explores the cultural significance of the event, which challenged British dominance in the sport. It was later adapted into a Disney film. - Subject: The 1913 U.S. Open golf championship.
- Main Characters: Francis Ouimet (American amateur), Harry Vardon (British professional), and Ted Ray (British professional).
- Central Conflict: The clash between the established, aristocratic British golf scene and the upstart American amateur, symbolizing a shift in the sport's power structure.
- Themes: The "birth of modern golf," class struggle, and the American Dream.
- Author: Mark Frost, who also wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation.
- Significance: The event is considered a landmark moment that brought golf into the mainstream in the United States.
The Story of the Shakers by Flo Morse is a 1986 book that provides an accessible overview of the Shaker religious movement, covering their beliefs, communal lifestyle, and history, including the teachings of founder Mother Ann Lee. The book, published by The Countryman Press, is known for its graceful summary and compassionate look at the group, featuring black-and-white illustrations and photographs. It serves as an introduction to the "Shaking Quakers," who originated in England and established communities in America, emphasizing their core tenets like celibacy and communal living. Content:
Explores Shaker beliefs, their communal way of life, and the influence of their founder, Mother Ann Lee, who taught that the Millennium had begun. Author:
Flo Morse, a former New York Herald Tribune writer, is described as a "caring spokesperson" for the Shakers. Style:
A "stimulating, graceful summary" that functions as an introduction to the faith, often sold in museum gift shops. Format:
A relatively short book (around 112-128 pages) with black-and-white illustrations and photographs.
