The Enigma of Anger: Essays on a Sometimes Deadly Sin

Praise for The Enigma of Anger "Wise and beautiful . . . This book is distinguished above all by its prose. What might have been merely a spiritual ‘how–to’ on anger management is transformed into a literary achievement by Keizer’s way with words." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "A wonderfully thoughtful, compelling, psychologically knowing book that is graced with wisdom." — Robert Coles , author, Children of Crisis series "Provocative, thoughtful, and supremely useful, this book is a brave expedition to a place most of us would rather not go. . . . A healthy and much–needed antidote to a slew of cultural orthodoxies . . . the kind of blessing that comes from God, and that endures." — Kathleen Norris , The Christian Century "It is no small irony that Garret Keizer′s essay on anger is so thoughtful and graceful. Here is writing that triumphs over an emotion that otherwise, so often, defeats reason and frustrates love." — Richard Rodriguez , author, Brown

Preface xi ANGER IN THE LORD Where I Come From 5 The Wrath of God 15 Christ the Tiger 25 The Deadly Sin 39 Even in the Desert 55 ANGER IN THE HEAD Anger as Mentality 69 Anger as Fear 81 Anger as Privilege 97 Anger as Grief 111 Anger as Grace 125 ANGER IN THE HOUSE The Chronic Angers of the House 137 Angry Men: Agamemnon and Saul, Michael Henchard and Wade Ward 149 Angry Women: Clytemnestra and Boudica, Medea and Sethe 167 Anger and Children 185 Domestic Revolution 197 ANGER IN THE CHURCH They That Are Sick 211 Passion Plays 225 Forgiveness 237 Loving the Enemy 251 Anger at God 267 ANGER IN THE WORLD Work 283 Words 301 Venturing Out 317 Napoleon′s Test 331 Someday You Will 351 The Author 363

Garret Keizer has served as an Episcopal priest and as a high school English teacher. He is the author of God of Beer , No Place But Here , and the critically acclaimed A Dresser of Sycamore Trees . His work also appears in The Christian Century and Harper′s Magazine . He lives in northeastern Vermont with his wife and daughter.