A Whole Life in Twelve Movies: A Cinematic Journey to a Deeper Spirituality - Paperback

by Kathleen Norris (Author), Gareth Higgins (Author), James Sj Martin (Foreword by)

Come to the movies with two celebrated spirituality writers--American poet and author Kathleen Norris and Irish storyteller and peace activist Gareth Higgins.

In A Whole Life in Twelve Movies, Norris and Higgins invite readers along as they discuss acclaimed movies that can help us better understand our lives--from before birth to death and beyond.

Featuring 12 films, including 2001: A Space Odyssey, Malcolm X, and Babette's Feast, this book is perfect for individuals or groups to watch and discuss movies over the course of a year. Each chapter recommends additional films and includes discussion questions ideally suited for churches, small groups, and book clubs.

As readers watch and read, they will journey through the human life cycle and explore themes of existence, goodness, belonging, vocation, identity, success, generosity, dealing with conflict, and what it means to be human. The book outlines a cinematic path toward a deeper spirituality and a more meaningful life for people across the faith spectrum and seekers alike. It includes a foreword by James Martin, SJ.

Back Jacket

"Read this book and let it lead you into curiosity and wonder"

Come to the movies with spirituality writers Kathleen Norris and Gareth Higgins. In A Whole Life in Twelve Movies, they discuss twelve acclaimed films that can help us better understand our lives--from before birth to death and beyond. Featuring films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Malcolm X, and Babette's Feast, this book is perfect for individuals or groups. Each chapter recommends additional films and includes discussion questions.

"Norris and Higgins add to a conversation that the filmmaker has begun and draw from their experience of life to give these humble films more depth. I wish there was more writing about films like it. I feel my perspective about the world widening through it."
--Lee Isaac Chung, director of Minari and Twisters

"Whether you're an avid movie watcher or hoping to dive into these films for the first time, please read this book and let it lead you into curiosity and wonder. You'll be so glad you did."
--Kaitlin B. Curtice, award-winning author of Native, Living Resistance, and Winter's Gifts

"With eyes and souls wide open, Norris and Higgins dare to believe movies can teach us how to live better, if only we'd allow them to. This book is a treasure."
--Scott Teems, writer-director, Rectify, Narcos: Mexico, and The Quarry

"Reading this beautiful book is like having an endlessly fascinating conversation with two friends about film, when those two friends are always wise, thoughtful, and funny and have inspiring things to say about the movies they love."
--James Martin, SJ (from the foreword)

Author Biography

Kathleen Norris is an award-winning poet and the author of five New York Times bestsellers, including The Cloister Walk and Dakota: A Spiritual Geography. She speaks regularly at colleges, churches, and teaching hospitals.

Gareth Higgins (PhD, Queen's University Belfast) is the cofounder of multiple spirituality festivals, including Wild Goose, The Porch Gathering, and Movies and Meaning. He edits The Porch Magazine and is the author of How Not to Be Afraid. Higgins has been involved in peacebuilding and violence reduction in northern Ireland and lives in Asheville, North Carolina.