Allen Nohre facilitates Spirited Book Club's discussion of his book of personal essays on family, fate and life titled A Soul from Minnesota. Scroll down to register.
Book Overview
When Allen Nohre was first approached to write a newspaper column for the CITY Sun Times in Phoenix, Arizona, he decided to write on a topic he knew pretty well—his life! His nostalgic and introspective essays chronicled moments in his own journey that showed him a presence greater than himself and brought him both inspiration and comfort. Those popular columns were published in A Soul from Minnesota: Personal Essays about Family, Fate and the Flow of Life.
Inspired by memories of small town life in Minnesota and his Nordic heritage, Allen Nohre presents a collection of essays about family, friends, and life’s important milestones. A Soul from Minnesota includes recollections from Nohre’s Minnesota childhood as well as reflections on his current life in Arizona.
Nohre's essays are divided into sections on Family, Coming of Age, Nature, Embarrassments, Teachers and Impermanence. As evidenced by the section titles, not every experience was a good one. Nevertheless, each one taught him something important about the nature of life and the need to explore and examine humanity's role in the world. Nohre adds his own insights from his background in psychology, philosophy and theology. His thoughtful, questioning voice makes his work eye opening and inspiring.
Reviews for A Soul from Minnesota
"Allen Nohre is a soulful writer. His reflections on growing up in the heartland of the Upper Midwest, and on becoming a person of depth and substance, are both gentle and evocative. His training as a Jungian therapist and spiritual care provider ground his reflections in an insightful understanding of the human condition and in compassion for the shadow side of human experience. His stories reveal him to be a student of life and seeker of meaning; more than that, he has become a teacher of wisdom and a humble voice for the deep reverence of all creation. I loved this book!" — Tim T.
"This collection of musings on life by popular Arizona author Allen Nohre will fill you with nostalgia. It's the kind of book that lingers long after the last page has been turned." — Windy Lynn H.
"Loved this charming and thoughtful Mid-West memoir. The subtle contemplative style makes you consider your own upbringing and identity." — Philip K.
FIRST BOOK CLUB MEETING for September 9: Parts1-3: Family; Becoming; Nature
SECOND BOOK CLUB MEETING for September 23: Parts 4-6: Embarrassments; Teachers; Impermanence
For Discussion:
First Meeting
The essays in the book describe the author’s soul experiences. What essay in Part One, Two or Three connected with you and an experience you had? Please share with us.
If soul is an experience, what are its qualities and characteristics?
Second Meeting
If soul is an experience that has a sense of divine Presence, what are the implications for a Christian?
What essay in Part Four, Five or Six touched you? Please share.
++Book discussion facilitated by the author, Allen Nohre
@spiritindesert #spiritinthedesert
About the author and Spirited Book Club Facilitator
Allen Nohre has spent his life learning from his experiences and examining his spirituality. He studied analytical psychology at the Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland, and considers himself to be a Jungian Lutheran.
Nohre possesses degrees in theology, pastoral counseling, and healthcare management. He has worked as a hospital chaplain, a supervisor of clinical pastoral education, a CEO of a series of psychiatric hospitals, and a personal business coach.
Nohre was born in Elbow Lake, Minnesota, but sought warmer climes. Since 2000, he has been writing and living in Carefree, Arizona, with his wife, Kathie.