Journals of Brother Roger of Taizé, Volume 4: 1977-2005 by Brother Roger of Taizé (Cascade Books, £19 (£17.10); 979-8-3852-4219-1).

“This fourth and final volume of the personal journals of Roger Schutz-Marsauche (1915–2005) begins in 1977 and ends with his death in 2005. It covers the day-to-day life of the Taizé Community, an ecumenical monastic community known for its music and contemplative style of worship, and for its work with young adults around the world.”

The Cloud, the Night, the Fire and the Song: With the mystics in the school of prayer by Charlie Cleverley (Canterbury Press, £13.99 (Church Times SPECIAL OFFER PRICE £11.19); 978-1-78622-597-9).

“From climate upheaval and plagues to war and persecution, the great Christian mystics – John of the Cross, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi, and others – lived through deeply turbulent times. Yet out of these crucibles emerged profound spiritual insight and rich traditions of prayer. In The Cloud, The Night, The Fire and the Song, Charlie Cleverly draws on the vivid imagery these mystics used to navigate their spiritual landscapes – symbols that continue to speak into the confusion and weariness of our own day.” 

Reason to Hope: Modern science, ancient wisdom and the ecological crisis by David Osborne (Wild Goose Publications, £12.99 (£11.69): 978-1-80432-383-0).

“Hope is shown to be a substantial, energising force which can move us beyond fragile optimism. This book suggests how we can tap into the vital energy we need not just to cope but to work for change. It shows a way to move beyond despair to an empowering hope.”

Selected by Frank Nugent, of the Church House Bookshop, which operates the Church Times Bookshop.