The 12 books of Christmas: ‘Sacred Places’

If you want something a bit more in tune with the vibe of the season, think “Sacred Places of a Lifetime” (National Geographic, $40).

Its subtitle, “500 of the World’s Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations,” tells you it’s a big ride, but its really the organizing principle that is fascinating.

The book manages to straddle the worlds that are both natural and of man, and though its “Top 10 Lists” may seem as though they’re pandering to our collective fascination with numbered lists, I dare you not to read them. (Baltimore in the Top 10 stained-glass windows department? Who’d have dreamed it?)

I was especially taken with “10 Sacred Sounds,” which included the Harlem Gospel Choir and the taiko drummers of Japan.

Click here for “12 books” posts.

— Catharine Hamm/Times Travel editor

[Image: shop.nationalgeographic.com]

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