Editorial Review

What should we think when on the one hand Buddhism tells us that life is suffering and on the other we are told to enjoy life's every moment? Loved around the world for his simple, straightforward explanations of Buddhism, Thich Nhat Hanh has finally turned his hand to the very core of Buddhism and conundrums such as this. In the traditional way, Thich Nhat Hanh takes up the core teachings one by one--the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Twelve Links of Interdependent Co-Arising--but his approach is as fresh as a soft breeze through a plum orchard. For illustration, he dips into the vast stores of Buddhist literature right alongside contemporary anecdotes, pointing out subtleties that can get glossed over in other popular introductions. He also includes three short but key sutras, essential source teachings from which all Buddhism flows. Studying the basics of Buddhism under Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh is like learning basketball from Michael Jordan. Read more

Reviews (52)

Nice Read
This is, I believe, the second or third book I read by Thich Nhat Hanh."Living Buddha, Living Christ" sort of inspired me to pick this up.He gives the basics as to what this whole Buddhism thing is all about.His explanation is neither too simplified nor to technical for the "average reader".If you pick up one book on the teachings of Buddha, make it this one.

A Brillant Roadmap to Practicing
I've read a few books about the Buddha and Buddhism generally, but I am still very much a beginner.The other books I read covered the basics, but did not break them down in a way I, as a beginner and Westerner, could easily understand.I guess you could say those treatments were scholarly and intellectual to a fault.Hanh's simple, straightforward writing style, on the other hand, breaks down Buddhism's central concepts: the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.This simple style does not, however, lose any meaning.The result is much the opposite: I feel like this book has given me a good start in my practice.In fact, I'm willing to bet that it will give me much more each time I read it.

First Half of Book is Better than the Second
The first two parts of the book alone cause me to give the whole book 4 stars. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I liked Hanh's poetic, and even flowery, style of writing.. it's tender, flexible, like a person should be when considering Buddhism.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Doctrines    4. Four Noble Truths    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (54)

A very shallow puddle
About 8 months ago, during a very bad "flu-experience", I had a great afternoon reading all the negative reviews on 'The Alchemist' and this little gem. And although I was warned, I just HAD to find out for myself (some stubborn people just never learn, do they): could this book really be as awful as these reviewers said it is? And the answer is YES.
A quest that is as ancient as it is modern.
Coelho is a master of the words and he doesn't fail to show that even in this book. His storytelling is flowing and never overwhelming or boring.
Brilliant
Coelho's writing can only be described as Genuis.Hes a natural and will certainly touch your heart, mind, and soul.He inspired and motivated me with every word that he has written throughout the years.Word in a review cannot begin to describe the writing of this brilliant man.All of his books are highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Coelho, Paulo    3. Historical - General    4. Literary    5. Pilgrims and pilgrimages    6. Religion    7. Religious - General    8. Santiago de Compostela    9. Spain    10. Spirituality - General    11. Christian life & practice    12. Fiction / Religious    13. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness   

Reviews (16)

For anyone who got hungry reading the Mitford series
This is a fantastic collection of recipes with excerpts from the books where the recipe is mentioned.If you ever got hungry reading one of Jan Karon's Mitford books, this is a must have for your kitchen.I checked it out of my library and bought it the next day, I loved it so much.

Esthers Amazing OMC
I just made this cake this morning.While it is somewhat labor intensive, it is well worth it!Absolutely delicious - rave reviews from all who ate it.

Mitford's best cooks!
Jan Karon cooks up a selection of recipes that are as delightful as her Mitford characters. This reads with familiar insights from her novels.You will want to share bothtidpits and large portions with friends ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cookery in literature    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Courses & Dishes - General    6. General    7. Cooking / Culinary Arts & Techniques   

Reviews (15)

Willard is always good with Christian advice
There's lots of hoopla concerning hearing God in Christian culture.Dallas comes to this problem with clear mind and normal sense.He's not hysterical or unnaturally jubilant about it.He deals with it intelligently but with Holly Spirit as well.Oh how I wish there were more teachers like Dallas in contemporary American Christianees culture.Very good book.

Useful book!
I found the book to be most helpful.It followed up Spirit of the Disciplines rather nicely, although it didn't get anywhere near the buzz that book did.

Dallas is always good
Never read dallas willard and expect it to be a bad book. all of his stuff is very well thought out and very interesting to read. This book has a whole lot of good practical aplication. I recommend it for anyone from any circle of faith. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. God    4. God (Christianity)    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Spiritual life    8. Spirituality - General    9. Will   

Reviews (5)

Meaty enough to read this year and next
This is a great devotional book, and I am not usually one that finds devotionals set up like this very interesting. It is set up to have a reading each day during Advent, Christmas and through to Epiphany, and the readings are all written by people like C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L'Engle, Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, Kathleen Norris, Annie Dillard, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, etc.This is no, "What was the innkeeper thinking" sort of advent reading book.It is thoughtful and insightful and has a lot to say that ties into the preparative nature of advent, that is the preparation for the messiah's return.The writings vary in length and type from scholarly writings to musings to poetry or introspection. The readings are meaty enough, too, that you could certainly read them this year and again next year and they'll still be good.

Much more than Advent and Christmas reading.
I really shouldn't write a review yet, because I haven't finished the book. I'm doing so in hopes that people will buy the book in time to use it this year. This is an excellent book of essays, a few poems, and some sermons. There are some very "heavy hitters" in the mix--check out the table of contents. I have only read through December 2 so far, but it has been a very rewarding journey just a few steps down the path. I particularly love the piece by Karl Rahner (1904-1984), a German Jesuit and theologian. It is very cutting edge theology for its time and even for today, and it reads beautifully and powerfully. Henri Nouwen is also excellent, along with Sylvia Plath's poem.
Watch For the Light
I have not read the book as it is to use during Advent and Christmas and the readings begin on November 24, 2005. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Devotional    2. Holidays - Christmas    3. Religion    4. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    5. Spirituality - General    6. Bible readings or selections    7. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (62)

We keep going back to this book
At different points in our relationship we pull this book off the shelf and read it together out loud. When we first started reading the book we were just dating and it was an example of a relationship we wanted to have. Throughout our marriage it has been an inspiration and a challenge to us.
Beautiful, Haunting, Exquisite
This extraordinary memoir by Sheldon Vanauken about his relationship with Jean Davis is subtly addictive and exquisitely crafted.The story of their conversion from a self-described "paganism" to Anglican Christianity (due in no small part to the friendship and mentorship of C. S. Lewis) is gripping and heartbreaking.
A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken
This book is outstanding! The authors' writing style is engaging and the story is poignant.Mr Vanauken takes us through a relationships' stages with grace and we follow his miraculous journey into the faith and into love and grief-so intricately intertwined! I would recommend this to anyone who is married or thinking of marriage or in a relationship that is thinking of marriage. But also, it is a statement on the path to faith in God for everyone-a good read for intellectuals. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anglicans    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Christian biography    5. England    6. General    7. Inspirational - General    8. Religion    9. Religious    10. United States    11. Vanauken, Sheldon    12. Correspondence    13. Lewis, C. S    14. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (9)

Couldn't put them down
I own all of the Abrams Daughters books and when I bought them I read a little before I bought them and thought these are probably boring to read but I ended up buying them they are a vary good read it took me about two days on each book because I couldn't put them down.Again vary good read and I liked how Mrs Lewis knows about what she wrights and how I felt I was right in the story like I was actuly in the county in Pennslvania and living and working side by side with them I highly recamend them if you haven't read them.

Excellent Story & Series
I started to read the second book first (oops) then realizing it I put it down read the first and was hooked!What a fascinating tale that takes you through PA Dutch Amish lifestyle.As a PA Dutch descendant I learned a great deal and came away with a new personal understanding of my grandparents and family.I am a great fan of Beverly Lewis now and have read literally everything she has published to date.Mrs. Lewis is a great story teller and I recommend that you read her other books.As an obviously devout Christian woman she brings God and Christ into her stories but in an interesting way that serves to bring about some personal reflection to the reader and still makes story sense.Love the books I devour them in days!

The best books I have read in years
As a school teacher who is originally from PA.I look forward to reading during the summer.I can not put this series down.I am compelled to read each detail.I am not generally an emotional person but one of the story lines in the "Sacrifice" made my eyes well up.I have shared this book with my frail mother-in-law who has seen much pain in her life.She loves these stories also. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction - Religious    2. Religious - General    3. Fiction / Religious   

Reviews (11)

phony preacher
td jakes came from a cult called onepentacaust that denies the trinity God 3 persons in one father,son,and holyspirit according to essential christian doctrine he's false teacherand greedy read on books on the canon of scriptures to see what these phony teach is in error benny hinn,ken copeland,eddie long amongst other TEST ALL TEACHINGS!

Good spiritial self help tool.
He-Motions is a must read for women as well as men.He-Motions has helped me to understand the men in my life.

ladies, only a man can tell you what a man thinks
i wish this book had come out years ago. spending my nuturing years in a single parent home, i knew nothing about the male specie. and of course all i thought i knew was idealistic garbage.
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Subjects:  1. Christian life    2. Christian men    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Men's Issues    4. General    5. Men    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Religious life    8. Self-Help    9. Christian life & practice    10. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    11. Self-Help / Spiritual   

Reviews (8)

Dr. Deepak Chopra & Happiness!
I want to make you aware of a new book written by Dr. Deepak Chopra, called: Power Freedom and Grace: Living from the Source of Lasting Happiness. This book was published by Amber-Allen Publishing, the same publishing company that published The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz. Dr. Chopra is an illimitable author of over 45 books, more than 100 audio, video and CD-ROM titles which have been translated into 35 languages with over 20 million copies sold worldwide.
Powerful and real
Deepak Chopra helped turn my life around years ago--I'm so glad others have discoverd him and his insightful advice. Especially today, this book is needed. Makes a great gift also.

Lost opportunity
Dr. Chopra is a dear man.To be in his presence is a powerful experience.But sometimes it's painful to read his work, as when he goes over the same material again and again, chapter after chapter.Mimicking his one time spiritual master, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who does the same thing so much more elegantly.
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Subjects:  1. Hinduism    2. Personal Growth - General    3. Personal Growth - Happiness    4. Psychology    5. Self-Help    6. Spiritual    7. Spiritual Healing    8. Spirituality    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Self-Help / Personal Growth / General   

Editorial Review

A respected Zen master in Japan and founder of the San Francisco Zen Center, Shunryu Suzuki has blazed a path in American Buddhism like few others. He is the master who climbs down from the pages of the Read more

Reviews (117)

"Gone, gone, gone far beyond, enlightenment."
ZEN MIND, BEGINNER'S MIND is the most easily accessible guide to Zen practice, and is usually the first book that new practitioners and the Zen-curious approach after reading the more general "What's Zen Anyway?"-type books. Thus, it has developed an almost canonical reputation. Shunryu Suzuki (1905-1971) spent only a few years in America, was less than fluent in English, and taught in a way that was both simple and yet profound. With his easy intensity, Suzuki had a seminal role in establishing Zen as a viable spiritual practice in the United States and beyond.
This is the one that finally did it
This is the book that finally told me what enlightenment really IS--its something, but at the same time nothing.In addition, it tells you the no BS way to actualize it in your daily life.Just get it and see what happens, you will not be disappointed.If you are dissappointed with it, your cup is too full, poor some out and try again.

Thank you for this book
Thank you for your kindness. It's been a part of the years themselves. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. General    3. Meditation    4. New Age    5. Philosophy    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Religion / Buddhism   

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Jesus Christ    3. New Age    4. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    5. Spiritualism - General    6. Spiritualistic interpretations    7. Spirituality - General    8. Body, Mind & Spirit / Spirituality / General   

Reviews (17)

Enlightened?
The ability to heal even though a person has been wounded is an extraordinary message. Hence the appropriate title for this book. The author proposes that the spiritual counselor relate to their directee from their own personal experiences. He suggests that it is through reaching within oneself that those in this kind of service can truly be of help. Nouwen validates the experiences of many in this or allied professions; that we uncover our own pain and weaknesses as we attempt to guide others.This affirmation is valuable. In healing others, the counselor is healed. In being able to recognize and share our own pain, we can better serve.
Very Academic
I'm reading this book with a group of friends, and we all were surprised at how "academic" this book is written. By "academic" I mean, this book seems to be written during Nouwen's days when he was still at Yale University. The wording and word choice of the sentences are much more collegiate than his later works, which he wrote after going to L'Arche in Toronto. The book is still great and speaks powerfully to things of the Spirit, but it is just a little bit more difficult to understand than say, a John Eldredge book.

Contrarian
I have hated this book ever since I first read it. It is incredibly light in any kind of real thought; it provides no original insights. It is practically barren of any Scriptural references. I frankly am astounded that any Christian finds anything to like about this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Christianity - Pastoral Ministry    3. Clergy    4. Inspirational - Catholic    5. Office    6. Pastoral theology    7. Religion    8. Religion - Classic Works    9. Spirituality - General    10. Christian moral & pastoral theology    11. Religion / Leadership   

Editorial Review

In a modern society characterized by insensitivity to violence, ambivalence to the suffering of others, and a high-octane profit motive, is talk of ethics anything more than a temporary salve for our collective conscience? The Dalai Lama thinks so. In his Read more

Reviews (80)

Said the Buddhist to the hot dog vendor, "Make me one with everything!"
Very few religious leaders speak deeply about ethics in a manner that allows people to think deeply as a result. Too many religious leaders are authoritarian in their edicts about morality or lax because gaining converts and their money is foremost on their minds. (Yeah, I'm a little cynical.)
He knows what he's talking about...take notes and learn
The Dalai Lama considers the state of the world in relation to ethics with a fine-toothed comb. (I am currently borrowing "Ethics for the New Millennium" as an abridged audiobook from my local library. This is a tape I will repeatly listen to until its due date...)The Dalai Lama is such a sweetheart! I love how he perceives the world, suggests solutions and alternatives to global and ethical dilemnas, and remains optimistic about the future. He believes that we are a people who want to be happy while avoiding suffering.He acknowleges that we do have a dark side that we must keep in check and subdue; but to counter this dark side, the Dalai Lama believes that people are mostly gentle by nature and can return to that natural state with discipline and guidance. We deviate from our better nature when we try to find happiness the wrong way or in the wrong things, and thereby only feel transitory illusions of happiness that may cause harm to others.As a pop song claims, "If you want to make the world a better place, take a look in the mirror and then make a change...I'm looking at the man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways...etc."The Dalai Lama is definitely in favor of the need for personal growth and an inner revolution for everyone.
A Simple and Comprehensive Study on Ethics
There are few books that I've read that have captured my interest so much as to inspire me to read them twice. This is one of those books. It is not a book about Buddhism. It is not a book about religion. Yet I am confident that most people will find the core values of their faith in these pages. "Ethics" is a book about morality. It teaches the reader how we benefit individually from living our lives in an ethical manner as well as how society as a whole benefits. And it describes how society suffers, and we suffer, when our actions are immoral and self-serving.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Tibetan    2. Buddhist ethics    3. Ethics    4. Inspiration & Personal Growth    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Spirituality - General    8. Religion / Spirituality   

Editorial Review

Edward Boyd's agnosticism rested "not ... too much on any positive position ... but rather on a host of negative ones" about Christianity. In an attempt to address these negative issues, his son Greg, a professor of theology, asked his father, a strong-willed, highly intelligent, and stubborn 70-year-old, to enter into a correspondence in which "all of their cards would be laid on the table." Greg would give his father the opportunity to raise all his objections to the veracity of Christianity, and Greg would "answer these objections as well as give positive grounds for holding to the Christian faith." Read more

Reviews (103)

Jerking Tears & Provoking Thoughts
What could be more touching? A son, brilliant and educated, trying to reconnect with his father via a series of touching, challenging, and thought provoking letters. Over a span of three years, the father and son try to reconcile each other's beliefs and in the end both of them experience an insurpassable victory in life, death, and God! This relatively short book is easy to read and will definitely capture the imagination and hearts of skeptics and believers alike. Highly recommended.

Insightful
The book was letters from a father raised in the Catholic church that had many questions and doubts about a loving God. His evangelical son answers all his questions, and in the end the father gives his life to Christ. This book gives insightful answers to some difficult questions like "Why is there suffering in the world?" And "Why would a loving God let people go to hell?"

Father - Son Dialog On the Things That Matter
Greg and Edward Boyd have have given us a great blessing in publishing their correspondence on the nature of Christianity.This book is unique among the many apologetic sorts of books I have read for a few reasons:
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Subjects:  1. 1957-    2. Apologetics    3. Boyd, Edward K    4. Boyd, Edward K.    5. Boyd, Gregory A.,    6. Christianity - General    7. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    8. Correspondence    9. General    10. Letters And Correspondence    11. Religion    12. Theology - Apologetics    13. Boyd, Gregory A    14. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (74)

The book for a lifetime
Truly inspirational.A book to change your life.It speaks of the valleys and heights of life in a beautiful metaphorical way.

Spiritual Awakening
Hinds' Feet On High Places is thoroughly enjoyable.It takes you on a journey that allows you to see yourself and the situations you face from God's perspective.The book beautifully expresses the tender love the Lord has for His children who seek Him. After reading Hinds' Feet, it caused me to search my soul and strive for a deeper relationship with the Savior.

This book saved my brother's life - literally and many others, too!
Many years ago, my Brother, Jeff, lived a very unfulfilling, sinful life.(When I say sinful, I DO mean full of the worst kinds of sin imaginable).A co-worker sensed histotal dissatisfaction with life, so she brought this book to work and placed it in his locker.Jeff did not think much of it, but he grudgingly took it home and read it in one sitting!He got down on his knees the second he finished reading "Hinds Feet on High Places" and prayed: "Lord, I don't care what price I have to pay.I am like the character "Much-Afraid" and I want to walk the High Places with you.Please forgive my sins, enter my heart and make me a new creation".Nothing happened immediately, but Jeff felt the weight of the world lift from his shoulders.One week later, he was driving home from practicing the organ at the church where he played each Sunday.After setting the organ stops, he grabbed his coat, got in his car, buckled his seatbelt and slowlymerged onto a four-lane highway with a 45mph speed limit.After just a few minutes, Jeff's life went black.A drunk driver was being chased by the police for speeding , clocked at 82mph in this 45mph zone.The drunk driver never even realized my brother was in the far right lane.He easily could have passed him as there were no other cars on the road at the time.But instead, he plowed directly into the rear of Jeff's car sending it in a spin, end over end 6 times until it rested in a telephone pole.The paramedics were there within 2 minutes.But Jeff was not breathing, his heart had stopped, he was hanging upside down still fastened in his seatbelt with a spinal cord injury trying to take his life. Needless to say, miraculously Jeff survived against all odds and went on the eventually finish his degree in Ministry.He rode in his wheelchair-lift van and spoke against drunk driving at high schools; he went from church to church to preach that contentment comes only from being satisfied with what one has in Christ Jesus; Jeff rode thousands of miles, preaching the goodness of God and how he would NEVER change a thing about his life, because he now was free and able to walk on thine high places with his Savior.Jeff, today, seventeen years later, three years after going to Heaven,still preaches the Gospel with a smile on his face.I am certain he is no longer encumbered by a wheelchair.But it wouldn't matter to Jeff if he was or wasn't.As long as Jeff is still walking, hand-in-hand on thine high places with Jesus, his Savior..................I can't think of a higher recommendation for a book than this. One could easily and sincerely say this can be a life-changing book. If you are looking for TRUTH but don't want it in a Church-like presentation, this book is for you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian life    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Religious    4. Religious - General   

Reviews (44)

Finding and Being Your Purpose is your ONLY task in life
Ever wonder why it is never enough for some people? Well... that is what happens when you have no clue what you were meant to be in this human life. Without vision the people perish said Moses in the desert. And without a vision for your life from a place of higher spiritual self awareness ... you are at risk of getting way off course and living somebody else's idea of whatyour life should be. DO NOT DO THIS! This book was invaluable to me during college and my life purpose still plays out today. It is my north star ... read this in combination with Martha Beck's Finding Your North Star... and reach for your very own star! Love yourself first too,

Amazingly accurate and life changing
This book analyzes your life purpose with clarity.It allows you to look at who you are and where you need to be both from the positive and negative aspects of your goals.It also provides laws and principles to apply to daily living that allow you to focus on the positive potential of why you are here.It was so accurate in terms of my life that I bought it for those I love and they are also finding it to be life transforming.I highly, highly recommend it.

Awesome Book
This is a really awesome book for those wondering why we are here. It tell you so many thing including health problems you are prone to,careers,your personality traits whenworking in both the negative and positive. Also tells about couples and where we are in our 9 year cycles. One of my Favorite newage books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Motivational & Inspirational    3. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Self-Help    5. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    6. Popular psychology    7. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Subjects:  1. Christian Life    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Character & Values    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Workbooks    8. Religion / Christian Life   

Editorial Review

In 1941, a brilliant, good-looking young man decided to give up a promising literary career in New York to enter a monastery in Kentucky, from where he proceeded to become one of the most influential writers of this century. Talk about losing your life in order to find it. Thomas Merton's first book, Read more

Reviews (80)

The Call of the Wild
This story of youthful conversion strangely remains the most famous of Merton books, and is usually called a "classic spiritual autobiography"though it is really neither.Which is not to say it lacks value; it is evident that decades after publication it retains its original power for many.Doubtless its status owes a lot to its partial inarticulateness, and the obvious youth of its subject.Others at about the same stage of life may justly understand it and prize those qualities, and gloss over its faults. It has a certain unabashed personal quality that cannot be faked.
Rich in detail and compelling in plot, Thomas Merton's life makes for a stellar read.
Upon reading the spiritual autobiography of Thomas Merton, the immediate details of his life that boldly jutted out and painted the overall portrait of the man was his controlled yet cyclonic whirlwind of pell-mell inconsistency and the overall amorphousness of his ever evolving life up into manhood.
Interesting, inspiring, & thoughtful
I'm not a Catholic and knew nothing of Thomas Merton, but came across this book by following links of "customers who bought this, also bought..." and by reading Amazon reviews.I was not disappointed.Reading like a novel at times, this book is an autobiography of a faith.I was very impressed with the author's search for a faith, his many trials and searches in the wrong place, and his determination to find somthing "bigger than himself."This book written over 50 years ago is dated in ways by theology and politics that seem out of place now; however, the overall impact of Merton's search is well worth the effort to read.This book is for someone who is searching for a deep quiet faith -- one that is found through searching, reading, praying and worshiping quietly and individually.
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Subjects:  1. 1915-1968    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Christianity - Catholicism    6. Inspirational - Catholic  &n