Tracy Franz

Tracy Franz

Tracy Franz is the author of My Year of Dirt and Water: Journal of a Zen Monk’s Wife in Japan.

Recent Articles

Waves of Change

From menopause to emotional upheavals to contemplating mortality, Tracy Franz recommends new books to help us navigate life’s changes.

Life, Loss, and Connection

When we truly face death, we live more fully. Tracy Franz presents a selection of new books (and one movie) on bereavement, self-discovery in nature, and more.

Faith for Troubled Times

Anne Lamott, Joko Beck, the mindful family, Black liberation—Tracy Franz looks at new books offering the spiritual wisdom we need today.

Her Story

Tracy Franz reviews "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Zen," "A Quiet Mind," "River of Offerings," and more.

Tender Hearts

Tracy Franz reviews "Be the Refuge" by Chenxing Han, "Peaceful Heart" by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, "Being Ram Dass" by Ram Dass, and more.

True Liberation

Tracy Franz on a diverse and inspiring selection of new Buddhist books.

What Does It Mean to Be Free?

Tracy Franz on some timely themes in new books and media.

Review: “Mop Rides the Waves of Life”

We review "Mop Rides the Waves of Life" by Jaimal Yogis and Matthew Allen.

one continuous mistake, parenting, children, lion's roar, buddhism

A Story About Language

Boy, who is mere days away from his fifth birthday, begins to throw a tantrum in the library.