Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life
&#8220;Winsome and comical but also provocative and thoughtful, Martin&#8217;s book is a breath of fresh air for those who would take religion&#151;and themselves&#151;too seriously.&#8221; (Publishers Weekly (starred review))&#8220;Martin&#8217;s book suggests numerous ways to foster the strength of gracious good humor and makes a wonderful case for replacing suffering and sadness with an abundance of levity and joy.&#8221; (Booklist)&#8220;Between Heaven and Mirth couldn&#8217;t come at a better time since both individuals and religious institutions are feeling the pressure of hard times. Joy and a playful sense of humor are great antidotes to hopelessness and helplessness.&#8221; (Spirituality & Practice)&#8220;Between Heaven and Mirthis delicious, well-crafted and well-paced. Martin draws on his own experience as a priest and demonstrates both a light touch and an impressive command of his subject.&#8221; (Harvey Cox,the Washington Post Book World)&#8220;Between Heaven and Mirth uses biblical passages, personal anecdotes and saints&#8217; stories to show the importance of humor to the spiritual life.&#8221; (Catholic News Service)&#8220;Holy people are joyful people, Martin says. The author suggests ways that humor and laughter can be incorporated into prayer. This is a book that will make you laugh. Sprinkled throughout are many funny stories and jokes.&#8221; (Christian Century)&#8220;If you ever got in trouble as a child for laughing in church, prepare to be vindicated.&#8221; (Scott Alessi,U.S. Catholic)