The Book of Calamities: Five Questions About Suffering and Its Meaning
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
What does it mean to suffer? What enables some people to emerge from tragedy while others are spiritually crushed by it? Why do so many Americans think of suffering as something that happens to other people -- who usually deserve it? These are some of the questions at the heart of this powerful book. Combining reportage, personal narrative, and moral philosophy, Peter Trachtenberg tells the stories of grass-roots genocide tribunals in Rwanda and tsunami survivors in Sri Lanka, an innocent man on death row, and a family bereaved on 9/11. He examines texts from the Book of Job to the Bodhicharyavatara and the writings of Simone Weil. The Book of Calamities is a provocative and sweeping look at one of the biggest paradoxes of the human condition -- and the surprising strength and resilience of those who are forced to confront it.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0316158798
ISBN13:9780316158794
Release Date:August 2008
Publisher:Little Brown and Company
Length:464 Pages
Weight:1.30 lbs.
Dimensions:1.5" x 6.0" x 8.5"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
i needed this book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I am SO glad I read this book. Despite my initial hesitations (just wasn't eager to read about suffering), once I committed myself to the book, I couldn't put it down. Peter Trachtenberg does an excellent job of summarizing intelligent related work I would like to read directly but probably never will (Epic of Gilgamesh, Book of Job, Simone Weil)and interwtining it with engrossing narratives of people making sense of their own suffering. The author adroitly weaves these strands together leading the reader through important questions and answers without being intrusive. I plan to read it again ( & some parts again & again as they will continue to intrigue me). I recommend it for thoughtful reading on universally relevant topics.
Beautiful.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I just attended a reading by Peter Trachtenberg, of the last chapter of this book, and it was breathtaking-- so compelling and smart and sensitive. The writing is superb and so interesting.
excellent
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
i could not put this book down. it proved novel and enlightening in so many ways. it is an exciting exploration of human suffering and god's place in the world. Trachtenberg is a tremendous writer and thinker and i can't wait for additional writings.
Tasteful approach...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
The Book of Calamities is collection of stories demonstrating suffering and the way people react. The stories range from governmental, natural phenomenon, terrorist attacks to ancient events and Biblical accounts. Different cultures and individuals face tragedy in different ways. Peter Trachtenberg shows the mistaken belief of much of the world concerning Americans. "Why do so many Americans think of suffering as something that happens to other people--who usually deserve it?" He shows Americans facing suffering head on and growing stronger from it. In the midst of suffering and tragedy, it is only natural to search for answers. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do bad things happen to bad people? Why do bad things happen? How do we continue? Where do we go from here? Trachtenberg is to be commended on his tasteful approach to this tough topic.
an important and engrossing work
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
When they tell us the so-called Facts of Life, the inevitability of suffering is often left out. This is a dazzling, erudite, unstintingly humane look at how we suffer, an intimate tour of the dark planet that takes us from the body's failures to government breakdown. What particuarly strikes me is that it is written with such love of humanity that, despite its subject, The Book of Calamities (BOC in my house) becomes oddly comforting.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
