I love to laugh, and maybe that’s part of the reason I was attracted to what I envisioned James Martin’s new book, Between Heaven and Mirth, would be.

It didn’t let me down. Each chapter contained at least one good laugh, and I caught myself actually giggling out loud a few times.

Laughter is medicine, but it’s also, Martin maintains, an often-overlooked element that’s needed in our spiritual lives. He relates that he’s come to see, in his life as a professionally religious (he’s a priest and a Jesuit), that faith is often grim.

You can read the rest of my review over at Patheos, where the Book Club is having a grand time with interviews, highlights, other reviews, and all sorts of good stuff.

Basically: I loved it. You should buy it, read it, share it.

And hey, you can thank me later for giving you a great gift idea. 🙂