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I’m happy to report that I survived my first full week of work since August! And I had a productive five days at my desk, wrapping up a feature on sacred spaces, writing about religious liberty and studying religious “nones.” Don’t miss my latest cover story: my first opportunity to write in first person!

The RNA conference provided an extra boost of exciting energy as I headed into this week. I was awarded second prize for religion writing at mid-sized newspapers, which I celebrated with my faith beat friends in D.C. and then again with my herd of animals in SLC. As I noted in my acceptance speech, I’m thankful for everyone (including you!) who follows my work and shares my articles.

FRESH OFF THE PRESS FROM ME

Pew survey finds no middle ground in religious freedom debates

Why sacred spaces matter in the 21st century

TOP RELIGION READS

How decades of divorce helped erode religion, The Washington Post

The secret costs of Islamophobia, CNN

Split over Donald Trump and cut off by culture wars, evangelicals despair, The New York Times

JUST FOR FUN

Yesterday, I finished a new book from Emma Donoghue, author of “Room.” “The Wonder” follows a skeptical, nonreligious nurse charged with keeping watch over a little girl thought to be on her way to sainthood. She won’t eat, telling her family and community members that she lives on manna from heaven.

I recommend it to anyone interested in the faith beat, because Donoghue does a great job of mixing religious references into the plot. The book is based on a true story, so I felt like I was learning and having fun at the same time.