Robin Whitley's Favorites
Welcome to my page. I am a writer well as buyer for our Music and Religion sections. Because of my love of poetry, I will always love books that are written with poetic flair. My favorite topics are often personal growth/transformation, spirituality, and memoir. I read across the genres (except for horror) and love books that show me a different way of thinking or being. As a lesbian, I also want to support writing that engages the LGBTQIA+ community. The books I list are listed by most recent (or on the shelf) books published. So many great books and so little time!
My books are available here if you are interested in purchasing signed copies.
Robert Morgan has become one of my favorite writers, but if I had to pick a favorite, this would be it!
This is a lovely book that is so well written that you find yourself hearing the birds she describes, feeling the woods as she has the main character walk. The story of a mountain woman wanting more will speak to many.
Bolz-Weber hits a homerun with this book. Her writing is edgy while at the same time compassionate to the human situation. Her honesty gives the reader space to reflect while also being a mirror for the reader. I will read this one again and again!
Ta-Nehisi Coates writes that he is angry, and yet, he writes in such a way that we can hear him and hear his truth, even if it is a hard truth. This book is the best written and most powerful book I've read on what it means to be a black male in the US.
I've been using the NRSV for over 20 years and have been looking for a copy of a large print for the past ten. Bought myself a copy of this and was surprised at the odd shape at first. Then, when I got home, found out that this shape is easier to use for those of us with challenges using our hands! The print is nice and large too. Great gift for the older person interested in a large print that is also easy to hold. Also available in black.
This is second book, but my first book of poetry. It is my hope that my poems capture places and moments that engage the reader, causes one to pause, or brings recognition to the reader.
This is my first book where I talk about the challenges of being a Christian lesbian.
Kidd's new novel is indeed a "masterpiece" of historical fiction. She takes the story of the Grimke sisters and brings their story to life in a way that is intriguing and engrossing. The reader is given a view of the challenges of women finding their voices to speak against slavery and speaking up for women's rights. The Invention of Wings is a book that gives flight to courage in the midst of adversity and injustice.
A young girl is pursued by the Nazis in the Ukrain. She seeks to save two rare horses from extinction. This is a page turner that is also a powerful and moving story. Horse lovers will especially appreciate this book.
As a fan of Barbara Kingsolver, it felt that Gilbert was channelling my favorite author. The botanical study of the main characters was engaging and the characters were interesting. This is a book to savor. I loved reading about bryology and was sad that this book had to end.
This thought provoking book looks at the historical Jesus in a way that causes one to rethink scriptural assumptions. As a result, texts come alive and the meaning deepens.
As a fan of Hyperbole and a Half's blog, I'm glad that this book is out for the rest of you. This book will cause you to laugh no matter how many times you read the same story. Dog lovers will love the stories of her dogs. She writes about depression in a way that acknowledges the difficulties, but also gives the reader a humorous insight into the foibles of being human.
Bolz-Weber's was great. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Her unique perspective on religion and scripture is theologically sound while also challenging the conventional reader/believer to look at others with more compassion and love. - Robin
This book is an exciting book that is hard to put down. A bit fantasy, a lot of mystery, some important political content. - Robin
Young Readers this book will be a good read for any adult interested in better understanding transgender challenges.
Set in Iran, the reader is also given a glimpse of the challenges faced by women in a conservative Muslim setting. Any GLBTQIA reader will recognize the emotions and challenges of coming out as well as keeping safe. - Robin
Tarttelin writes a powerful story that addresses the challenges faced by an intersexed young man and his family. This book makes a great case for revisiting our understanding of gender. - Robin
Neumann is Thich Nhat Hanh's editor. Great read. - Robin
This book tells the story of six transgender teens and the challenges they faced in life. The book is an excellent resource for a young people working through their own gender identity.
All of Clanton's books are good stories. This is my favorite. Clanton does an excellent job of writing about the challenges of being a young lesbian. Wish these books had been around when I was younger.
The perspective of a young warrior in the ice age is not one I would have considered reading in the past. The book was engaging, well-written, and by the end of the book, I was sad that it was over. This is a coming of age story that gives the reader a chance to rethink what we might call hardship. - Robin
As a fan of Tony Hillerman, I was thrilled to see another novel out by his daughter. Anne Hillerman has picked up where her dad left off. If you loved Tony Hillerman's stories, you'll recognize his influence on his daughter's story as well.
This fake book may be titled for fiddlers, but it's a great book filled with old-time and celtic tunes that guitarists and mandolins can use as well. - Robin
First looked at this CD when learning about music in this area. This is beautiful and something you might enjoy time and again.
My friend Eric continues to inspire me. Great harmonies with artist, Norma Hendrix.
This book is for the artist seeking to better understand vocation or for the contemplative wishing to express the contemplative life more creatively. Excellent resource for the church as well as for the individual.
Mary Oliver has quickly become one of my favorite poets since moving to the mountains. As a result, I read everything of hers as soon as I can. I love Felicity because it has the strength and heart more similar to her earlier work.
Download Audiobooks
We've partnered with Libro.fm to bring you a top-notch option for digital audiobooks. Take a look at our large catalog of recorded books at https://libro.fm/citylightsnc
