We Plan, God Laughs: 10 Steps to Finding Your Divine Path When Life Is Not Turning Out Like You Wanted

Hirsch, a rabbi who has counseled many individuals over the years, puts their stories to good use as she proffers 10 steps to self-improvement and spiritual health. In addition to everyday stories from Hirsch's work life, as well as personal reflections (for example, to illustrate the idea of step seven, the “divine spark,” Hirsch tells the story of how she decided to become a rabbi), Hirsch draws on familiar figures from the Bible. She uses Jacob and Esau in step three to demonstrate how to forget past hurts and fears in order to become “present” in the here and now, and Jacob's ladder to illustrate step eight's instruction to be adventurous and take leaps of faith. Hirsch writes fluidly and makes readers feel as if she's speaking directly to them and never patronizes. Anyone who can advise readers to “[t]ake your chicken, put all your 'oopses' on it, swing it around a few times, and call it a day” in a way that makes complete sense is worth reading. (May)