Works Books

Dr. Mardy Grothe has written yet another book that will delight linguaphiles. In fact in his introduction Grothe says, " This book is aimed at readers who have a deep interest in seeing language used in creative ways." This latest volume, _I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like: A Comprehensive Compilation of History's Greatest Analogies, Metaphors, and Similes_, includes nearly 2,000 quotations.

Since Grothe became a voracious reader more than four decades ago, he has collected hundreds of thousands of quotations, some of which appeared in his earlier works: _Viva la Repartee_, _Oxymoronica_, and _Never Let a Fool Kiss You or a Kiss Fool You_.

_I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like_ follows the same format as Grothe's previous books. The introduction acquaints readers with the figures of speech included in the book. Grothe clearly explains the similarities and differences between analogies, similes, and metaphors, and he recounts their earliest known appearance in history. His explanation is perfectly seasoned with illustrative quotations.

The body of the book is divided into fifteen chapters, each of which includes analogies, similes, and metaphors on a particular theme, such as definitions, relationships, stages of life, stage and screen, politics, sports, and -- of course -- the literary life. Again in the format of his earlier books, quotations included in the first part of each chapter are enhanced by discussion and historical anecdotes. It is interesting to see nearly identical quotations from widely separated contemporaries or to see various ways that a similar idea is expressed -- the idea, for example, that love is mental illness. Equally fascinating is to see the wide range of things to which one other thing can be compared. Love, for example, is compared to a cigar, a snowmobile, measles, a game of poker, and dozens of other things. The latter part of each chapter presents additional quotations, usually without explanation. The book concludes with an author index.

Grothe advises readers to read the book slowly, as one would amble through an art museum, "taking the time to savor the observations and to admire the skill that was required to create them." Once we have tasted these morsels, it's nearly impossible to resist the desire to share them. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. --Victor Borge

Modern English is the Wal-Mart of languages: convenient, huge, hard to avoid, superficially friendly, and devouring all rivals in its eagerness to expand. --Mark Abley

Grothe's explanations and quotations would serve to instruct and inspire writers; however, parents and teachers might want to monitor young people's use of the book since -- especially in the "sex" chapter -- some body parts and functions are named and described.

I am glad that Dr. Grothe has found such an effective way to share his collection of quotations with the world!

Yes, relationships seem dangerous or at least irritating at times. And our choices often appear murky. Want a surprisingly quick and satisfying exercise for making wiser decisions next time? Try it by opening to any page in this witty new book by Dr. Mardy Grothe. (Relationship Is Like a Shark is one of his chapter titles.)

Once a Big Man on Campus (BMOC) Dr. Mardy Grothe took a dramatic approach to self-discovery. Seeking deeper meaning for his life, he abruptly resigned as president of his fraternity, vice-president of the student-senate and from several social clubs. He even moved off campus and spent all his spare moments, not in dating or with friends but in reading Emerson, Thoreau, Camus and more.

"Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use."
- Charles M. Schulz, writing for Charlie Brown

To reinforce his self-discovery, Grothe thumb-tacked to the wall of his room his favorite quotations. That practice morphed into typing them onto his computer and continues to this day, a habit for which thousands of us are grateful. His newsletter of quotations and the remarkable stories of the people behind them is the mental candy break for many of us.

"Life is like a cobweb, not an organization chart."
- H. Ross Perot

After devouring Grothe's first three books, Never Let a Fool Kiss You or Let a Kiss Fool You, Oxymoronica and Viva la Repartee, I dove into his fourth "intellectual smorgasbord" I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like, and you will too.

"Assumptions are the termites of relationships."
- Henry Winkler

With chapters on wit, sex, stages of life, humor and the human condition, this may become the book you open to try my college professor's suggested exercise - figuring out what you really want to do. Or, more deeply, what you are about in this life you are living. His droll chapter titles include The Lights May Be on, But Nobody's Home (Insults & Criticism), An Actor is a God in Captivity (Stage & Screen).

"Luck is the residue of design"
- Branch Rickey

"Love is a kind of dementia with very precise and oft-repeated clinical symptoms."
- Louis de Bernieres, Corelli's Mandolin

By the way, my favorite story in his book begins the chapter, Humor Is the Shock Absorber of Life.

"Gratitude, like love, is never a dependable international emotion"
- Joseph W. Alsop, Jr.

The quotes in this post are culled from over 2,000 gems in his book. For those much-needed mental vacations, keep this book within easy reach on your bed stand or in your bathroom, study or kitchen.

Mardy Grothe's new book, I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like, is a first class meal in the back row of the plane. It's a waterfall after three weeks in the Sahara. It's a brand new Beatles album at an estate sale. It's....it's....you see why I like this book? I need help with my metaphors!

Seriously, this book is a gem. The historical and literary references make it more than a book of great quotes. It's fascinating reading and a terrific tool for would-be writers. Pick it up and start reading anywhere. It's harder to let go of than a hot date at the prom.

-- Greg Tamblyn, Motivational Humorist, recording artist, author of "Atilla The Gate Agent." [...]

Atilla The Gate Agent (Travel Tales and Life Lessons from a Musical Laf-ologist

Saving the World from Whiny Victim Love Songs

I could peruse this latest book by Dr. Mardy for hours and never tire of it. As a writer who enjoys quotations of all sorts I have long been a big fan of Dr. Mardy Grothe's weekly column. With i never metaphor i didn't like, he has so won my heart that it is now and always the first place I will ever look to discover helpful quotations to illustrate or embellish my thoughts. So long Bartlett's, you've been replaced. Simply reading the pages of this book is a vastly entertaining experience. Like many who enjoy cooking, I appreciate perusing cookbooks. For a writer, a book of quotations is not unlike a compilation of recipes, and just as worth reading for the stimulation it provides. I especially appreciate the further explanations he appends to the quotations as they do much to help me to learn more about a variety of interesting things. All hail the Master Chef of Cordon Blue wordsmithery: Dr. Mardy Grothe and his wonderful i never metaphor i didn't like.
Tasha Halpert author of Heartwings: Love Notes for a Joyous Life.

I enjoyed every metaphor, simile and analogy in this book-- but why, pray tell, did he have to ruin them by explaining what they mean? Anyone literate enough to buy and read this book should able to understand them without having them explained. But he overloads on the explanations. The pleasure of a metaphor, etc, comes from thinking about the meaning. He gives them, then right away tell what they mean like he's teaching a bunch of school children. He talks down to his readers. On page 181 we read " Courtship to marriage; as a very witty prologue to a very dull play." Then he proceeds to tell us dummies what a prologue is. Same all thru the book. I guess he thinks the people who read this book are stupid. If he had left out the explanations it would have been so much better.

Great books to help one to grow spiritually and to understand scripture as it was intended to be understood. Also great for daily application to one's life. Very good source for priests to prepare for homilies. If you want more nourishment with regard to homilies, these books are ideal.

I love it. As a Catholic seeking daily meditations, it was exactly what I was looking for. Though the price may seem steep, buying the books as a set saved me money over buying each book individually.

In Conversation with God, is a fantastic series of books that are helping me reflect and meditate on God and His love. They follow the Liturgy and give great advice on how to deepen one's relationship with God and with those around them through daily work and family life. I don't always have a lot of time to sit down and read, however with these wonderful books I can read a couple of pages in as many minutes and feel revived and inspired. These books are for EVERYONE. If you have a need to sit and converse with God and feel peace, these are the books for you. God Bless!

A wonderful series of daily thoughts and meditations based on the Catholic readings of the day that helps you realize what's important in living a good Christian life. The best daily readings that I have come across. A must have for every home!!!!!

If you are looking to follow the liturgical year, but the Liturgy of the Hours has left you feeling like you want something more, then I can't recommend this series more highly. It is very hard-hitting, but not theologically complex. It stresses holiness, and adds praticality (not the other way around).

The author is very sacramental, very well-versed in Church teaching and the Fathers of the Church, very Marian, and very loyal to the Holy Father. He quotes scripture, Church fathers, Councils, and, of course, Josemaria Escriva. His grasp of morality and human behavior is incredibly insightful and probably comes from studying traditional Catholic wisdom in pastoral matters.

The readings tend to follow the Gospel, and even on Sundays he has separate sections for each cycle of Sunday readings (A,B,C). There is so much material here, it can provide a lifetime of reflection and inspiration.

My father is recovering from his second brain surgery in two months, and will soon begin adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy. I've been looking for information for him on what he can do to help the healing process from the inside. I recently checked this book out from my local library along with five others. I returned the other four, and haven't put this one down.

Brimming with inspiring stories of actual patients, facts on cancer types and treatments, overviews of alternative therapies, and many references to other books, tapes and organizations which may help you on the "journey through cancer." I know our family will be referring to this book often, throughout the journey, wherever it leads.

I have been a person with cancer since June 1998. I am one who wants answers to questions about my health all the time. Mild depression sets in when I don't get it. "The Journey through Cancer" is definitely a journey through life as Dr. Geffen states. Take one day at a time. Don't fill yourself with questions and grab for answers. His "gameplan" enables a person with cancer to deal with cancer with less anxiety and makes us more in touch with reality. How I wish there were more Dr. Geffens in this world full of cancer whose compassionate nature and an open-minded understanding about various treatments will make it easier for a patient to relate with their physician.

I highly recomend this book to any person with cancer and their families. For truly understanding what we go through physically, emotionally and spritually will make the steps through healing an easier and less stressful one. It will definitely bring about a more loving and compassionate relationship between the patient and the members of the family. Knowing about cancer isn't enough. How we accept and deal with it contribute far more to healing than all medical practices combined.

My most wonderful gift? Dr. Geffen and I communicate regularly by e-mail. I was so happy to receive a reply to my congratulatory message and through his mail, I can definitely experience his compassionate spirit. Thank you Dr. Geffen.

When I was a happy and healthy 39 years old, I abruptly became the first cancer patient I'd known, with a stage III colorectal cancer. Once diagnosed, I put together the best medical team I could. Then I found myself with many equally crucial needs for help as I entered the strange and uniquely personal terrain of my cancer experiences. How will I get through this? What does this cancer mean for my life? Journey Through Cancer provided excellent questions, stories, and tools that helped strengthen and enrich my ability to navigate through cancer. I found Journey Through Cancer at the library, and it was the sole book I found that understood that cancer patients need more than prescriptions for treatment, diet and attitude. Journey Through Cancer coaches readers through a process of discovering their own best responses to the unique impacts of cancer on our lives. For cancer patients and their loved ones, this is a must-read book.

I have been a person with cancer since June 1998. I am one who wants answers to questions about my health all the time. Mild depression sets in when I don't get it. "The Journey through Cancer" is definitely a journey through life as Dr. Geffen states. Take one day at a time. Don't fill yourself with questions and grab for answers. His "gameplan" enables a person with cancer to deal with cancer with less anxiety and makes us more in touch with reality. How I wish there were more Dr. Geffens in this world full of cancer whose compassionate nature and an open-minded understanding about various treatments will make it easier for a patient to relate with their physician.

I highly recomend this book to any person with cancer and their families. For truly understanding what we go through physically, emotionally and spritually will make the steps through healing an easier and less stressful one. It will definitely bring about a more loving and compassionate relationship between the patient and the members of the family. Knowing about cancer isn't enough. How we accept and deal with it contribute far more to healing than all medical practices combined.

My most wonderful gift? Dr. Geffen and I communicate regularly by e-mail. I was so happy to receive a reply to my congratulatory message and through his mail, I can definitely experience his compassionate spirit. Thank you Dr. Geffen.

Dr. Geffen's book, A Journey through Cancer, was a revelation to me, because it showed me how MY participation in the healing process was vital to the outcome of the cancerous condition that had arisen in my body. Good as the doctors and nurses were, I soon discovered that they were most willing to treat my symptoms, that is the outer reality, but there was no inclination whatsoever to address the inner reality,that is the spiritual and emotional aspects of the patient. In most oncology centers, as far as I can see, the holistic approach is practically unknown, to all intents and purposes.

Dr. Geffen explains the basics of the disease and the treatments in very clear terms, so that we are aware of the various processes. These explanations were very helpful to me when asking questions of the doctors and nurses.

I learned from Dr.Geffen that true healing can only come from within ourselves, once we have been able to overcome our fears and denials, once we have reversed our tendencies to repress and withhold, and to view, or feel, that treatments are ordeals to be borne, instead of envisaging our whole being as coming into action in tandem with the treatments. In "The Hound of Heaven", the poet Francis Thomson says: "Fear wist not to evade as Love wist to pursue" - in order to heal, our goal should be to replace fear with love, and Dr.Geffen illustrates this in a singularly illuminating way.

One of Dr.Geffen's most compelling concepts is that of transformation: we are not at war, we are not trying to kill or destroy anything, our wish is to bring harmony throughout our bodies. There is intelligence in all our cells, and our wish is to make all of them aware of their inherent power for wellbeing and joy.

A Journey through Cancer is a masterpiece of a rare order: it is imbued with knowledge, kindness, understanding, and above all it shows that the path of healing, and eventually of being, is through consciousness.

I had her first book and really like it, but this one is better! The entries are short, but are incredibly motivational and offer a great deal of food for thought. They are a perfect way to end the day on a positive note! I would reccommend this to anyone.

...but every day I read this book, the meditation is timely and sometimes so relevant to my life situation that I can hardly believe it. I bought this book as a special gift to myself this year, so it is the first time I have read it, each day in order- and I can hardly wait until tomorrow to see what comes next! This book is a true blessing, a pleasant surprise, and honestly amazing at times. I will be looking forward to reading it in the years to come and plan to purchase several as gifts for Christmas presents this year. Kudos, Melody! And, thank you, for writing this very wise and insightful (and almost magical) inspirational work.

This book was recommended by my yoga teacher. I have found such peace and comfort in reading the daily meditations. This was exactly what I needed in a time in my life when I was searching for peace and acceptance. It is well written and has something in it for everyone. The stress of living is put in perspective by her observations and encouragements.

Melody's beautiful book of daily meditations invites us to go on an inner journey of self-reflection. The entries are inspiring and thought-provoking and encourage us to slow down and take time to enjoy each moment. She gives great advice on how to change the way we think about the way we live and bring more peace and joy to our heart. This book would make a beautiful gift for a frazzled friend or loved one.

I have read this book on a daily basis for over 10 years. Ms. Beattie's thoughts and feelings about life has helped me to live life in more thoughtful and meaningful ways. On rare occasions (twice), I have bought the book again to share with very special people in my life. That is why I ordered 2 books recently. One Journey to the Heart: Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing Your Soul for my friend and one for me (my original copy is wearing out!).

good read and one all can benefit by. a book to keep handy as you will read it again & again.

This small book is sooo powerful it is unbelievable! I had so many aha moments that it shocked me. Would recommend this book to everyone at every age.

I picked this book up after leafing through it a bit, and what I found intrigued me to buy it. It's an interesting journey through life and growth, offering insight along the way. "The Laws of Spirit" can be read quickly, but should be savored for its rich content. Our life is always open to transformation, and only we have the power to fully direct that transformation. All life is a journey, and this books helps lay it out in simple terms to achieve balance in life. Elaine Williams

I came across this little book completely by accident (fate?) in a bookcase/library of about 800 books while renting a house for a few weeks scouting locations for my company. I was at a very low point in my life and this book taught me a new way of looking at almost every detail. This particular Dan Millman book shows you how we make life so much more difficult than it has to be. I have purchased and given away almost 40 copies of this book to friends, family, and sometimes to people I have just met or barely know that seem lost or overwhelmed with life. Suggestion: Find a spot that is special to you to sit back and absorb this book...it's an easy "short read" and I hope it speaks to you as it has to me and many others.

This book is short and to the point. The problem is that once you have the tools in this book, can you apply them. That seems to be my downfall. Another good guide book out there by my favorite author.

This book was excellent. In perfect condition. Exactly what I needed for class. Got to me even quicker than I expected. Completely satisfied.

Pretty self explanatory, but the side coloration page layout is great and the book comes with a cd rom, so you don't have to lug it around with you.

The book arrived in new condition, but it took over 2 weeks to get here.

I'm a first year nursing student and I would definately recommend it to anyone going into the medical field

I like this mosby book for reference. It's very reliable and informative. Helps me in my hospital job.

i orignially purchased this book as a resource for a paper i was doing on tuscany, but when i received it and began to browse through it, i sat down and read the entire thing from cover to cover. the photography was magnificent; the information was just the right amount without going on and on; the entire product was stunning. i wanted to run to the internet and book the next flight to tuscany!

Great service and beautiful pictures of Tuscany but somewhat dissapointed at the lack of an organized route map for efficient traveling to the various villages.

This is the best for someone wanting to visit interesting places in Italy. It is not only well arranged and written, but it helped so much in trip planning. I highly recommend this to anyone traveling on their own to Italy.

Since I love Italy as a place to visit, this book is great to own.

Yes, the photos are nice, but how many coffee table books with pretty Tuscan villages, cypress trees, and silvery olive leaves shimmering in the wind do we need?

Someone who reviewed this book suggested bringing it along on a Tuscan trip; if you put this large and heavy book in your luggage, you will have to leave the toothpaste, underwear, and a number of other things at home, particularly now that some airlines are apparently toying with the notion of lowering weight allowances and charging for the excess.

The text in most instances is not particularly helpful. There are quite a few books on Tuscany that do a much better job. And I was truly surprised to see the town of San Quirico d'Orcia included in the list of "most beautiful villages". I happen to know San Quirico and because it is off the usual beaten tourist path, it retains an "Italianness" that has been lost by, for example, Greve in Chianti, where one would be hard-pressed to find an Italian in that town's lovely main square on a Saturday afternoon. But San Quirico could never be called "beautiful", by any stretch of the imagination.

Despite my reservations about this book, it would probably be a welcome present for a friend who has recently returned from the grand tour of Tuscany and it will, at least for a while, have a prominent place on this friend's coffee table.

I want to congratulate Amelia Davis on creating a book that is different from all of the other MS books. Her book reaches into the lives of people living with MS and shares some of the feelings that caregivers and friends experience as well.

This is a wonderfully unique look at the amazing people who are challeged by this disease and how they live extraordinary lives in spite of it. Amelia's photography is a window into this world, her work is "present" and revealing of who people are.

Davis reaches the inner soul of the reader--regardless of whether or not you have MS. Her photographs capture the essence of the folks who share their stories. I was touched and inspired by this book!

Ameila Davis is a documentary photographer, diagnosed with MS in 1998.

Though titled "My Story", this book is really "their stories". In this book, she uses her trained eye to illustrate 32 essays personally portraying the lives of men and women with Multiple Sclerosis.

They range from 17 to 70, across a spectrum of ethnicities, genders, occupations, socio-economic backgrounds and family circumstances.

Through her book, Amelia captures the unique approach each person has used to frame their chronic disease with, not only a positive attitude, but with a positive approach to life.

She also includes the caregivers ... those frequently forgotten in the struggle with MS and all chronic disease.

Her essays help others to see, through the stories of real people, the different possible treatments and therapies and the techniques for coping (such as exercise, yoga, creative activities and competitive sports).

Her photographs capture the people behind these essays, putting a real face, a personal face, on what is often discussed in impersonal, clinical terms. You don't just read their story; you are drawn into a human connection with them.

This is a book to buy and read. And it is also a book to buy and display, a coffee table book.

Discussing MS with friends and family can be difficult. Chronic disease can create a "distance", a separation. This book can help to bridge that gap.

As someone picks up this book to browse and becomes captured by the photographs, it can crack the door to an open conversation about MS, about what it means and about how lives continue after diagnosis.

I happen to have MS and one of the problems of having a little understood illness is the distance it creates in one's personal relationships. Even with friends and family.

I now have a copy of "My Story" on my coffee table and I'm truly amazed by the number of people who, because of the presence of the book, are finally able to speak and ask questions about MS . They glance through the book and suddenly a dialog window opens.

The photos are superb, respectful and celebratory at the same time and every person's essay is different. I highly recommend the book.

I was fortunate to have been photographed by Amelia Davis in her new book about Multiple Sclerosis. Amelia traveled all over the country interviewing physically challenged individuals and their care givers. In doing so, she composed an enlightening yet very touching collection of stories, all through the eye of her camera. Her choice of black and white photos added another dimension and increased the already dramatic content. I was very skeptical that photos could capture the anguish I sometimes feel or capture the love and concern my care givers provide but I am now a believer! Her artistic eye caught the underlying emotions and all while we quietly talked and laughed among ourselves.

Many of Amelia's photographs portray some of the more difficult aspects of the disease, how many young people have learned to live with what is often a chronic illness. Her photographs also show how indiscriminate MS really is and how, like myself, you too could walk up one morning numb and tingling from head to toe. For me, the most healing aspect of the book was how others handled their emotional difficulties. Early on, I felt as if I was being punished for mishandling something in my past. I felt lonely and isolated due to my new differences. However, like many of the other biographies, I too have learned that 'attitude is everything' and that you alone are capable of taking the 'limits' out of limitations.

The book's addition of the often forgotten care giver was an extremely refreshing aspect of her book. I always thank my husband for having made the decision to stay but so little credit is given to these unselfish individuals. It is easy to take others for granted until your welfare is suddenly out of your control.

I gave Amelia a five star rating not because I was included in her book but because her photographs speak for themselves! Even if you are not faced with a chronic illness, the biographies will touch you with their uncensored frankness. Amelia walked in and out of my life but her pictures captured a fleeting glance, pose or emotion that explains to others the essence of that particular moment in time...

Great work, Amelia!!!

Book was suggested by a physiatrist as part of back rehab program. I found the chapter on strengthening inner core muscles very useful.

This was a great book loaded with valuable information and experientals. Lots of useful information for yoga teachers, movement therapist, PT's, OT's, and bodyworkers. I intend to forma class based on the experientals, lots of exercises and new concepts of proper movement.

I have learned so much from this book. I am sure with the the awareness and the knowledge gained from this book, I will be able to improve my posture in a healthy way. I can already see my dancing and my yoga practices improve as a result. I am so glad I read this book. Mary Bond's writing kept me interested the whole time. I will be buying more copies as birthday gifts to my family and friends.

I am a yoga teacher, and have read many books on the body. Anatomy books, posture books, etc. This book rocked my world.
I thought Pilates was sub-par to Yoga, but his book proved me wrong. We can all learn from eachother.
It will show you how everyday life affects your posture, spine, and outlook.
It's a MUST READ.

I have been receiving Rolfing treatment for a while and had experienced a lot of improvement but I wanted more. I eventually realised that no treatment is going to work unless after/in between treatments you make life style or muscle movement pattern changes. I first came across the free down loadable article on Mary Bonds website about sitting. This article is one of the chapters in the book. After, following the advice on sitting, I experienced immediate benefit, so I decided to buy the book. I haven't yet worked my wat through the whole of the book - that will take several months - but after 2 weeks and working on the feet and breathing execises in particular I have experienced releif from a groin pain I have had for 2 years plus. This isn't an overnight fix book, real results will take 6 months of dilignetly following the program. If you are prepared to put in the time and effort for this sort of time frame, I recomend this book. At the very least the book is a good explantion of how the body can function optimaly.

This was the first book I read by Merton and that was 30 years ago. It had a significant impact on how I looked at things. Well, not things but life in general, people, and most importantly God. Merton writes in a style that reaches mind, heart, and soul. It is timeless. I recently gave it to my daughter as a gift. Then browsing for old times sake, I just had to have a copy. It still resonates. It makes you reflect on questions and ideas that may not surface without the read. Well worth the time. It is one that can be read front to back or in excerpts.

This book by Thomas Merton is a marvelous exploration of what it is to be human and the fundamental problems of disconnection from the depths of Being. More practically, it addresses the solution to our isolation in a direct, loving and compassionate way. Thomas Merton is clearly one who has traveled the path to his deepest self and has much to share about his journey.

Thomas Merton is a mystic who has spent a lot of time in silence and deep contemplation. He had a grasp of contemporary issues facing the modern person and he has a way of using language that is simple, but touches the heart.

Although Merton was a Catholic Christian mystic, his message is universal. He illuminates the mystic's path and shares the fruit of his explorations through writing in a way that is accessible and powerful. Somehow, between the lines it is obvious that his experience has been profound and he translates this into terms that help the reader to find meaning.

This book will be especially appealing to Catholics and Christians. The tone is understanding and gentle, although it is packaged in a way that is most digestible to fellow Catholics. On the other hand, there are so many gems that are applicable to the human condition that it will be a valuable read by people of any faith.

Thomas Merton wrote a lot of books and this is one of his best for lay people. New Seeds of Contemplation is also very thought provoking and could be considered a companion volume. It also goes a bit deeper into some of the more existential and metaphysical aspects of living, but not in an esoteric way.

If you have an interest in Christian Mysticism in general, I also highly recommend Practical Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill. This is a great short introduction to Western Mysticism delivered in a very poetical style and that is geared to the average person looking for meaning in their lives.

This book was an amazing read for me the first time through. I have since read again and it continues to reveal insights into my life and relationship with God and to others. Thomas Merton is amazingly timeless and contemporary throughout. These are not abstract views of spirituality, but real and meaningful looks at a life of faith in the world, our world, today. Merton looks truthflly at how we relate to God and to each other in a world that is filled with noise and distractions. I highly reccomend this book to anyone who is honestly seeking to deepen their own interior spiritual life. Merton is a man of our times, understanding the depths and treasures of faith as well as the pitfalls of our humanity. This book will help you to believe that goodness is very possible and that being a spiritual person is possible while living in the world. Merton shows that the religious life is not just for priests, monks and nuns, which is very compatible with the John Paul II vision that all lives lived in faith can be a vocation.

This hardcover is very nice as it is linen bound with a gold ribbon marker. Chapters are broken up into numbered segments, making it possible to read a little each day and to find favorite sections.

"No Man is an Island" is a spiritually moving set of essays--or meditations, rather--that address many issues but ultimately center on our relationship with God, with each other, and with ourselves. Having read only a little of Merton, I found this book somewhat more straightforward and prosaic compared to a later work of his, "The New Man", and he gets a tad dogmatic in spots (well, he is ordained, so he has a license to do so, fair enough)--I was reminded of some of the more trenchant passages in "The Seven Storey Mountain" before he'd mellowed out a bit. And yet Merton's characteristic mix of simplicity and profundity, his fine-tuned mystic's sense of paradox, and his ability to take Catholic teachings and breathe new life into them are all here in full; indeed, in many ways this book would serve very well as a Catholic Monastic statement of what life's all about, spoken in Merton's gentle conversational tones at once calm and serious, critical of the shallow aspects of modernity while articulated in a manner that speaks eloquently to modern people. I have no doubt that this book should appeal to readers who profess Christianity as their religion, but I also think that many non-Christians (such as myself) will find much here that is inspiring and spiritually enlightening.

Every adjective title used to describe this book in the reviews so far i have found to be true.

"The truth i must love in my brother is God Himself, living in Him."
excerpt from this book (Thomas Merton "No Man is an Island"

Reading just that line is enough to contemplate for some while.

I found i had to read small sectionsm and re read to gain fuller meaning
because some concepts are difficult to grapple with, but grapple with them.
I will re read this book many times over throughout my life. It strikes richly at the core of Catholic teaching, its value universal for everyone.
Its a celebration of God and his creatures, it affirms the truth of His love as His gift living in us, for us also to share, for it is not ours to keep selfishly.