‘Walking with Arthur’ published in French
FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Huntington, Ind.-"Walking with Arthur," a book by Huntington University professor James O'Donnell, is now available in French. "Balade avec Arthur" was released in the fall of 2007 by Swiss publisher Ourania through the Bible House, a part of the United Bible Societies.
"The French word 'Balade' suggests intimate walking or strolling with a friend or with someone I'd really like to get to know," explained O'Donnell who serves as associate professor of business and executive-in-residence. "The French have other words for plain-old walking, words like 'promenade' and 'marcher' when they are describing walking for our cardio health or when we're just trying to get somewhere. With 'balade,' though, walking is secondary, and talking or sharing is primary. When we 'balade,' so to speak, we're not interested in where we're going. We're interested in the conversation we're having and the person we're with. "
"Balade avec Arthur" front cover
The Rev. A. Miller Milloy, general secretary of the United Bible Societies, referenced "Walking with Arthur" in his commencement address to Taylor University-Upland in May 2006. Milloy cited themes from the book including reflection, risk, and legacy. Milloy appreciated the book so much that he advocated for its translation and publication in French, O'Donnell said.
"Balade avec Arthur" is available through the Bible House Web site at www.maisonbible.net/en/index.php?sType=nrp&sValue=our1010.
"Walking with Arthur," released in February 2005 by Northfield Press, details O'Donnell's coming to faith in the midst of his Wall Street career through an unexpected friendship with a neighbor, fellow commuter, and Harvard-educated lawyer.
"Balade avec Arthur" back cover
While some might describe the book as a spiritual memoir - and O'Donnell would agree in part - he would also add to that description. In an interview for the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette, he said, "I firmly believe that my coming to know Christ changed my life," O'Donnell said. "But having done that, I feel this sort of precious burden to try to reinterpret the 'code' for people like me that didn't grow up in faith, who are often put off by the code and the lingo and the slang - the clubbishness that can interfere with understanding this wonderful gift that we have been given."
