Summer Reads for Your Soul from Unity Books

Linda Martella-Whitsett and DeeAnn Weir Morency, both Unity ministers, have written the definitive book about methods of affirmative prayer. This is the type of positive prayer taught in Unity but available to anyone of any faith or no particular faith. Discover Your Divinity explains the spiritual principle of oneness behind the concept of prayer and offers specific language that can be used to make prayer more powerful and effective.

“This book could become a classic prayer guidebook for all branches of New Thought. It can be used individually, studied in groups, or taught in classes. It’s not just theory; it includes questions, worksheets, and exercises to practice prayer. The last quarter of the book is for those who frequently pray with others, such as ministers and chaplains. It’s for anyone interested in affirmative prayer.”

—Rev. Ellen Debenport, Vice President of Publishing

The first issue of Daily Word appeared on July 1, 1924. This beautiful commemorative book includes more than 200 messages from the past century on favorite topics such as healing, forgiveness, grace, and comfort. 100 Years of Daily Word also has fascinating articles and beautiful poems from past issues of Daily Word, along with new articles about the magazine’s history and growth.

“This is a treasure book to return to again and again whenever you need inspiration. Read it straight through, look for specific topics, or flip it open to a random page and see whether a message speaks to you.”

—Angie Olson, Chief Marketing Officer

If you’re looking for an easy-to-read primer on the teachings of Unity or New Thought, it’s The Simple Truth. Ministers Richard and Mary-Alice Jafolla lay out answers to questions about God and Jesus, heaven and hell, sin and salvation, and how to use spiritual principles in daily life. It includes questions, quotes, and anecdotes with practical exercises. Perfect for teens or any newcomers to these ideas.

“This is the book to hand someone who asks what Unity teaches. It’s also the book to use when you want to share spiritual principles with your kids or grandkids. An easy, enjoyable read that makes a handy reference later.”

—Rev. Ellen Debenport, Vice President of Publishing

In Unity and World Religions, longtime Unity minister Paul John Roach outlines the five universal principles taught in Unity and finds their parallels in Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, traditional Christianity, and more. Even for someone unfamiliar with Unity, Unity and World Religions is a wonderful primer on the common teachings of the world’s faiths.

“Unity and World Religions might actually be my favorite book we’ve published. Paul John Roach breaks down Eastern and Western religions in a way that is easy to digest and understand. For a book about religion, it is a surprisingly fun and refreshing read.”

—David Penner, Managing Editor

A quick read for an airplane flight or a summer afternoon, The Zen Executive: Gems of Wisdom for Enlightened Leadership blends spiritual practices with business leadership. Unity CEO and author Jim Blake says becoming an effective leader can require deep inner work whether you’re a spiritual leader, business leader, or any working professional. Each section includes short nuggets of insight for how to become your best self and lead from your center.

“The Zen Executive left me wondering how I might have changed a reaction or elevated my response to something I’ve encountered in my career. I don’t think it’s just for executives either. We are all leaders in our own lives—at work and at home. This book helped me see that I can be true to my spiritual side no matter where I am.”

—Angie Olson, Chief Marketing Officer

A devoted Catholic since childhood, Jan Phillips wanted nothing more than to be a nun but was dismissed from the convent because she was lesbian. She went on to become a world traveler, an activist for women and peace, and a spiritual seeker. “My activism is my spirituality in running shoes,” she says. Phillips’ memoir, Still on Fire: Field Notes from a Queer Mystic, is both heartbreaking and hilarious—a story of religious wounding that may be familiar to anyone who has had to unravel early teachings about sin and worthiness.

“Still on Fire just gives me hope for a better future. Not only does Jan find redemption, but she also puts everything she’s learned through her heartbreaking process into bettering the world around her and the lives of countless others.”

—David Penner, Managing Editor