So when I first saw the book, Altar in the World, in hardback I didn’t even crack the spine. Then it came out in paperback, with the cover image of a blue bird on a blue branch set against a soft beige-cream background. And, in red scrolling text, the title of the book just off center. Kudos to the designers because quite frankly I am a sucker for packaging and I am so happy I opened the book.
There’s a quote on the cover from The Dallas Morning News that says, “Not a page turner, it is a page lingerer.” So true. It is a book about one woman’s journey dealing with faith. Whatever one’s beliefs, I think it is a beautiful read. Here is a passage that had me lingering this morning:
“The practice of paying attention is as simple as looking twice at people … To see takes time, like having a friend takes time. It is as simple as turning off the television to learn the song of a single bird.
I have yet to learn the song of a bird, but I did pay attention to the birds as I walked from the parking lot to my office building. I saw 5 pigeons, 3 robins, 2 blue jays, a rock dove and at least 1 starling. As I entered the building, behind me I did hear a beautiful song. Though I scanned the nearby tree branches and rooftops, I could not spy the bird. Next time.
