The Book of Words

by Lawrence Kushner
The Book of Words cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Language and Linguistics
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 7969
  • Added: 2025-12-19
  • Updated: 2025-12-20
  • Published: 1998-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

The Book of Words delves into the fascinating world of language, exploring how words have evolved, their cultural significance, and the impact they have on our daily lives. This comprehensive guide offers a unique perspective on the English language, revealing the hidden stories behind common phrases and expressions. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful analysis, the book highlights the dynamic nature of language and its ability to reflect and influence societal changes. Whether you're a language enthusiast or simply curious about the words we use every day, The Book of Words provides a captivating journey into the heart of human communication.

Reviews
Spirituality and Practice · 2000-01-01
inspiring 4.50

The book offers soulful interpretations of 30 touchstone Hebrew words, each rooted in biblical citations. The exploration is both profound and accessible, inviting readers to connect with spiritual language in a new way.

This book is a treasure trove of spiritual insights, taking 30 key Hebrew words and offering deep, soulful interpretations. Each chapter is carefully crafted, including biblical citations that ground the words in their original context. The author's approach is both scholarly and heartfelt, making complex ideas accessible and engaging. It's a journey through language and spirituality that leaves a lasting impact. The author's ability to weave together history, spirituality, and personal reflection makes this book a standout. It's not just about understanding words; it's about feeling their essence and significance in our lives.

Quick quotes

    This book takes 30 touchstone Hebrew words and offers his soulful interpretations of them.

    Each chapter also contains a biblical citation to root the word.

    The book invites readers to connect with spiritual language in a new way.

The Nile · 2000-01-01
refreshing 4.00

The author creatively reinterprets classical Hebrew words, shaking off generations of overuse to reveal their deeper meanings. The book is a blend of creativity, poetry, and occasional heresy, making it a unique spiritual exploration.

Imagine dusting off ancient words and giving them new life. That's exactly what the author does in this book. With a mix of creativity and poetry, he takes thirty classical Hebrew words and shakes them free from the dust of generations. The result is a fresh, vibrant exploration of language and spirituality. The author doesn't shy away from pushing boundaries, occasionally dipping into what some might call heresy, but it's all in the name of deeper understanding. This book is a journey that challenges and inspires, making it a must-read for those seeking a fresh perspective on spiritual language.

Quick quotes

    With creativity and poetry (and occasional heresy) Kushner dusts off thirty classical Hebrew words, shakes them free of the effects of generations of overuse, ...

    The book is a blend of creativity, poetry, and occasional heresy, making it a unique spiritual exploration.

    This book is a journey that challenges and inspires, making it a must-read for those seeking a fresh perspective on spiritual language.

Goodreads · 2000-01-01
thought-provoking 4.25

The book is praised for its ability to provoke and stimulate the religious imagination through its translations and elaborations. It's described as a wonderful and surprising read that engages the reader's spiritual curiosity.

This book is a gem for anyone interested in exploring the depths of religious language. The author's translations and elaborations are not just informative but also provocative, stirring the religious imagination. Readers have described it as a wonderful and surprising read, full of insights that challenge and engage. It's the kind of book that makes you stop and think, turning over each word and its meaning in your mind. The author's ability to connect ancient words with contemporary spirituality is truly remarkable. It's a book that leaves a lasting impression, inviting readers to delve deeper into their spiritual lives.

Quick quotes

    It is wonderful! A surprise at every page. His translations and elaborations provoke and stimulate the religious imagination.

    The book is praised for its ability to provoke and stimulate the religious imagination through its translations and elaborations.

    It's the kind of book that makes you stop and think, turning over each word and its meaning in your mind.

The Nile · 2000-01-01
refreshing 4.00

The book creatively reinterprets 30 classical Hebrew words, freeing them from generations of overuse. It combines creativity, poetry, and occasional heresy to offer a fresh perspective.

Lawrence Kushner's approach to these classical Hebrew words is refreshing and innovative. He doesn't just translate the words; he breathes new life into them, making them relevant and meaningful for contemporary readers. The book is a blend of creativity, poetry, and a touch of heresy, which makes it both engaging and thought-provoking. It's a must-read for those who want to explore the spiritual and linguistic depth of Hebrew words in a modern context.

Quick quotes

    With creativity and poetry (and occasional heresy) Kushner dusts off thirty classical Hebrew words, shakes them free of the effects of generations of overuse.

    His translations and elaborations provoke and stimulate the religious imagination.

    What a delightful wholeness of intellectual vigor and meditative playfulness.

Appears in Lists