Bread Upon the Waters: A Pilgrimage Toward Self-Discovery and Spiritual Truth

this book is a great read and allows yourself to ask questions like .... how did I get where I am spiritually .... Peter has lived a very interesting life ....

This book is soooo good, I can't hardly stand it. Combining my culinary passions and my spiritual yearnings and pursuits, it is so full of "aha" moments, moments of challenge and encouragement - to use his words, for me, an "epiphany." Likening the baking of bread, in all its stages, for the spiritual life - all I can say is its a pity its out of print, and I will likely be buying several of these out of print copies to give away. Mine is already full of highlights, and I am even journaling what I am learning. And I had his "Struan" recipe in there, too - the bread that put him on the map, so to speak, with Brother Junipers. Cant recommend enough, or THANK Peter Reinhart enough for this book. This man is no mere "bread baker," but a man full of wisdom and depth. I hope I shall meet him one day.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable memoir. Although I am not a big fan of extended metaphors, I found Reinhart's comparison of the stages of breadmaking to the stages of seeking God very effective. The recipes are a great inclusion and don't seem to require an overwhelming effort for the novice. The real gem in this book is the encouragement to go deeper, whether that be into an art like bread-making or into a spiritual path. Reinhart writes convincingly as a man who has done both.

This book uses the unique analogy of the stages of baking bread and the stages of faith. I don't bake, but found the stories fun and insightful. It is another example of how many ways we can see God in this world. How many different paths will lead to the Creator. One works with one has. What Peter Reinhart has is an in-depth understanding and passion for baking bread. He has cleverly combined the spiritual journey for himself and for us. Rising, punching down, resting, proofing, etc. I liked the book. It added insight spiritually and inspired me to try baking bread. A miracle indeed!