Alongside: A Practical Guide for Loving Your Neighbor in Their Time of Trial

Beckman, founder of Salt and Clay Ministries, wants to help people who strive to be more caring. When someone we know is hurting, she writes, there are ways to help and behaviors that can be simply unhelpful or downright hurtful. This readable, practical guide provides concrete actions for talking (or not) and acting to aid another person who is in distress, whether a friend or a virtual stranger (and Beckman spells out why knowing such distinctions is important). There’s a bit of repetition: for example, “It’s not about you” is not only its own chapter but runs as a thread throughout. But the constant reminders, although wearying, don’t hurt. The book will be useful to readers of all faiths, and the practical elements of the book don’t depend on any particular faith, but Beckman’s Bible-based Christianity informs her approach: she includes a section of pertinent quotes from Scripture and encourages gentle evangelizing. This book will be of great value to readers who are struggling to help others in difficult times. (Feb.)