THE ALPHABET OF PARADISE

Taking an A–Z approach to spiritual enlightenment, British rabbi Cooper offers chapter-by-chapter essays for living a more meaningful life. At first glance, the alphabetized chapter titles seem like a forced device that serves Cooper's need for structure rather than the reader's need for enlightenment. But closer reading reveals a collection of carefully sequenced insights that build upon one another, layer by layer and letter by letter. Starting with a chapter on Awe, then Body, and then Creativity, the reader begins this study with a solid tripod of spiritual development. By the time we get to "Sport" we know we are in the hands of a unique and masterful essayist. The letter "S" could have inspired many racy titles, but Cooper chose to write about the decline of religious worship as it corresponds to the rise in the worship of popular culture. "The new football season is heralded as a secular epiphany worthy of our heart's devotion," he writes, while also noting that the word "fan" comes from the Latin fanaticus—"worshipper." Above all, this London-based rabbi is a modern mystic—skilled at spotting the everyday possibilities for spiritual growth. Whether discussing Princess Diana's death, brand name products or the pleasure of an unexpected phone call, Cooper shows how contemporary living can be informed by numerous religious teachings. This unusual alphabet is as satisfying as any visit to the rabbi's office—filled with funny anecdotes, warm to the core, and keenly attentive to the spiritual needs of the reader. (Apr.)