a whole life in twelve movies: a cinematic journey to a deeper spirituality

Come to the movies with two celebrated spirituality writers--American poet and author Kathleen Norris and Irish storyteller and peace activist Gareth Higgins.

In A Whole Life in Twelve Movies, Norris and Higgins invite readers along as they discuss acclaimed movies that can help us better understand our lives--from before birth to death and beyond.

Featuring 12 films, including 2001: A Space Odyssey, Malcolm X, and Babette’s Feast, this book is perfect for individuals or groups to watch and discuss movies over the course of a year. Each chapter recommends additional films and includes discussion questions ideally suited for churches, small groups, and book clubs.

As readers watch and read, they will journey through the human life cycle and explore themes of existence, goodness, belonging, vocation, identity, success, generosity, dealing with conflict, and what it means to be human. The book outlines a cinematic path toward a deeper spirituality and a more meaningful life for people across the faith spectrum and seekers alike. It includes a foreword by James Martin, SJ.

Kathleen Norris is an award-winning poet and the author of five New York Times bestsellers, including The Cloister Walk and Dakota: A Spiritual Geography. She speaks regularly at colleges, churches, and teaching hospitals.

Gareth Higgins (PhD, Queen’s University Belfast) is the cofounder of multiple spirituality festivals, including Wild Goose, The Porch Gathering, and Movies and Meaning. He edits The Porch Magazine and is the author of How Not to Be Afraid. Higgins has been involved in peacebuilding and violence reduction in Northern Ireland and lives in Asheville, North Carolina.