What's behind the popularity of "The DaVinci Code" and "The Passion"? Are Americans ready for a change in their spiritual diet that will be just as pervasive as the low-carb revolution has been? That is the bold claim of author Phyllis Strupp in her new book, "The Richest of Fare: Seeking Spiritual Security in the Sonoran Desert."

Scottsdale, AZ July 17, 2004 -- "Americans are waking up to the reality that spiritual flab is an even bigger problem today than body fat," she says. "And the 'bad carbs' that need to be curbed are fear, anxiety, greed, guilt, shame, and other negative emotions that threaten spiritual fitness. 'The Richest of Fare: Seeking Spiritual Security in the Sonoran Desert,' helps people to do this."    

In this new book, Ms. Strupp makes the case that America is in the midst of an unprecedented spiritual awakening that extends beyond the reach of organized religion. She comments, "We are entering a new era in American spirituality that will have a profound impact on how we live, relate, and work. Our economy, politics, and religion will never be the same. 'The Richest of Fare: Seeking Spiritual Security in the Sonoran Desert,' reveals the silver lining behind the dark clouds of today's world."

L.A. Johnson of the Midwest Book Review writes:

"To paraphrase Thoreau, civilization has improved our houses but not the men who inhabit them. This richest country in the world boasts 44 million uninsured citizens; 10 million illegal immigrants; 9 million unemployed; and 4 million homeless souls. Something is wrong with this picture and Ms. Strupp makes a compelling argument in explanation."
(full review is available on Amazon.com)

Phyllis Strupp holds a B.A in History from Rutgers College, an MBA from Columbia University, and is a mentor of the Education for Ministry program of the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee.

After a Roman Catholic upbringing, she shunned organized religion for over 20 years. She has been in the Episcopalian faith community since 1993. She has worked in the financial services industry since 1986. In March 1997, she moved to Carefree, Arizona with her husband Peter after living in Princeton, N.J. for 11 years.

"The Richest of Fare: Seeking Spiritual Security in the Sonoran Desert," blends scientific fact, spiritual truths, and 56 stunning color photographs of the Sonoran Desert. The author has been a guest on several TV and radio programs around the U.S. Book excerpts and reviews can be viewed at:
To arrange an interview with the author please contact:

Arene Trimble
Sonoran Cross Press
8912 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Suite 604
Scottsdale, AZ 85255