Welcome—Patterns of the Moral Life is an elegant, succinct, and persuasive book on the importance of welcoming others. This is both a well-written argument for the necessity of welcoming others and a practical guide to extending welcome in ways that are ethical and nurturing.

            The book is co-authored by Lois Shepherd JD, a professor of biomedical ethics and law, and by Margaret Mohrmann, MD, PhD, a professor emerita of pediatrics, medical education, and religious studies. Given their credentials, you might be tempted to assume that this would be a dense, academic tome. Not so.

            The prose is crisp and the concepts are described in a straightforward manner. The authors use vignettes to demonstrate their points, which makes the material accessible and memorable. The style is conversational and engaging. The tone mirrors the subject matter in that it’s warm and welcoming.

            Chapter headings provide a clear map to the content. Here are examples of topics: Responding Rather Than Reacting, Stay Awhile, See a Human Being, Let People Tell You Who They Are, Check Your Agenda. This structure provides an easy way for the reader to approach the material and to head to chapters that might hold special interest.

The practical part of this book avoids giving superficial solutions. Instead, the authors make suggestions for change that consider myriad aspects of a situation. My husband and I have tried to be intentional about how we welcome people into our lives. I am grateful at this book challenged me to think about and change some of my beliefs and behaviors. I highly recommend Welcome.

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Interested in other book reviews? Please check out:

The God of the Woods

Time of the Child

Without You Here

Allegiance