Books like King David by Jonathan Kirsch

Malcolm Gladwell explores how the supposedly disadvantaged can turn the odds around, revealing the hidden rules of advantage and disadvantage across war zones, science, education, and history.

Garry Wills’s complete Penguin Classics translation of Augustine of Hippo’s spiritual classic, capturing the original’s philosophical depth and poetic power in clear, contemporary language.

Gandhi's autobiography is a profound exploration of his non-violent resistance to racism and colonialism, as well as his efforts to seek purity and truth through simple living and spiritual devotion.

Brian "Head" Welch recounts his fall into methamphetamine addiction during his time with Korn and his subsequent redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.

Shalom Auslander’s memoir, *Foreskin's Lament*, chronicles his turbulent youth in an isolated Orthodox community, his rebellion—including a reform‑school exile in Israel—and his ongoing struggle to reconcile faith, law, and personal freedom.

From Elie Wiesel, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, comes a magical book that introduces us to the towering figure of Rashi--Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki--the great biblical and Talmudic commentator of the Middle Ages. Wiesel brilliantly evokes the world of medieval European Jewry, a world of profound scholars and closed communities ravaged by outbursts of anti-Semitism and decimated by the Crusades. The incomparable scholar Rashi, whose phrase-by-phrase explication of the oral law has been included in every printing of the Talmud since the fifteenth century, was also a spiritual and religious leader: His perspective, encompassing both the mundane and the profound, is timeless.Wiesel's Rashi is a heartbroken witness to the suffering of his people, and through his responses to major religious questions of the day we see still another side of this greatest of all interpreters of the sacred writings. Both beginners and advanced students of the Bible rely on Rashi's groundbreaking commentary for simple text explanations and Midrashic interpretations. Wiesel, a descendant of Rashi, proves an incomparable guide who enables us to appreciate both the lucidity of Rashi's writings and the milieu in which they were formed.From the Hardcover edition.

A meticulously researched biography of the Dalai Lama, drawn directly from the monk’s own cooperation and numerous interviews, offering insight into his spiritual, political and social influence and the Tibetan struggle for autonomy.

A groundbreaking biography of Queen Jezebel, the controversial queen of Israel who sparked religious wars and brought about the fall of a nation.

Elie Wiesel shares profound insights into biblical figures, Talmudic scholars, and Hasidic leaders, exploring their humanity, devotion, and the lessons they teach about faith and moral complexity.

"The story of David is the greatest single narrative representation in antiquity of a human life evolving by slow stages through time, shaped by the pressures of political life, family, the impulses of body and spirit, and the eventual sad decay of the flesh. In its main character, it provides the first full-length portrait of a Machiavellian prince in Western literature."--BOOK JACKET. "The beautiful, musical David, loved by all, resourceful slayer of Goliath, is revealed through his life to be a calculating political animal. To advance his own cause, he becomes a collaborator with the archenemies of Israel, the Philistines. Later he commits adultery with Bathsheba, and compounds the betrayal with murder. But through the author's empathy and skill, David also emerges as a fully realized character, a man of passion and intelligence who navigates the ambiguities of belief, loyalty, ambition, temptation, and circumstance with uneven success."--BOOK JACKET.

A 19th‑century historical novel told through letters from a young Jewish girl, tracing Jesus of Nazareth’s ministry from baptism at the River Jordan to his crucifixion.

Sallie Tisdale chronicles the lives of pioneering Buddhist women masters and teachers across continents and centuries, drawing on historical, cultural, and Buddhist records to illuminate their contributions.

A compelling look at the rise and fall of the Fox sisters and the birth of Spiritualism in America, blending historical narrative with supernatural elements.

A critical study of King David challenges traditional heroic depictions, presenting him as a historical figure rooted in ancient texts, archaeology, and social context.

Former NFL coach Tony Dungy shares how faith, family, and humility guided him to the first Super Bill win for an African‑American head coach.