Religion and Spirituality Books

I was given this book by a friend. I found it to be the most helpful of all books in my library when it came to introducing initiates to Wicca. I have made this book a preliminary requirement before I begin teaching anything because of it's easy reading style and brief tactfulness. It covers many of the basics of the craft and is excellent for beginners. I wish I had come across it sooner in my journeys.

Faced, today, with such a proliferation of books promising to Impart The Secrets Of The Craft, choosing who to listen to can be daunting, even impossible. Yet the aspiring Witch is unlikely to have a seasoned practitioner in easy reach from whom to seek advice; most of us have little option but to rely on books, at least to begin with.

In light of this, you can do a great deal worse than pick up a copy of Moorey's book, if you can find it. This remains one of the best short introductions to Witchcraft (and, to an extent, to many of the concepts of modern Paganism, too) out there: clearly-written, non-nonsense, filled with practical advice on how to celebrate and live your beliefs - rather than sitting around with a pentagram and a few joss sticks, feeling faintly cheated. For the poetically-challenged of us, there are also nicely-expressed suggested verses for sabbats and esbats.

At every stage it is practical, helpful, and (hurrah!) largely non-fluffy. Recommended.

Although it's been awhile since I've read this book (my brother owns it,) I remember what a great little book it was.

I really enjoyed the sections on The God and Goddess and Witches and Sexuality. This was one of the first books I ever read on Witchcraft. I also recommmend Living Wicca by Scott Cunningham in addition to this book.

I am going to buy myself a copy soon.

Update: Feb. 25/03
I borrowed this book from my brother and am reading it again and have been noticing quite a few things that I'm not sure are correct. Things such as Witchcraft being a religion (I'm still not sure of my take on that) and she calls what I know of as the Wiccan rede as the Witches Creed but not all Witches follow it. She says that Satanists worship the devil (which they don't) and when talking about the Burning Times, does not mention that most of the people who died weren't actually witches, and I am only at Chapter 2!

an excellent beginners book for anybody with a curious interest in witchcraft, easy to read easy to follow and digest

Of the many introductory books I've read on Witchcraft, this one is short, sweet, and to the point. Moorey packs a lot of quality information into a small book. I would recommend this book for someone wanting a good overview of the Craft, and looking for a starting out point for further exploration.

I really enjoyed this book. As a female I couldnt relate to everything in this book, but there were many situations I felt kin to. He doesnt sugar coat the problems in his life, or pretend his change to Christianity was over night.
I would buy a copy for the male friends in my life to read, only I dont want him to think this man is correct on the topic of submission. For example he says his wife's friends would call to make sure she was cooking for her man. Maybe this worked for their relationship, however, I do not feel God has this outlined as a role for all women in marriage. Some of us are very successful in business and other avenues, we work more then our men or have men who enjoy cooking for us/shared responsibilities. He non-intentionally he belittles women, not his wife or other believers that live up to his standard, but every other woman out there. In his opinion all men in the game want is sex, and all women fall for men through this same avenue.
In the same respect, I think he is just ignorant to it; he handles homosexuality in an awesome and loving way. I found this to be right on!
I also liked the way he discussed his troubles in giving up smoking weed, this is a major topic for most people I know who become believers. I would recommend this book depsite its downfalls it is great for new Christians, especially young men who love hip hop as it is parallelled throughout the book.

I can't top what has already been said about this awesome book! It inspired me, challenged me...I could not put it down. I will be buying more copies for friends. I thank the Lord for Mykel (and Sheeri.) They have the amazing ability to be so passionate for Christ yet real and humble in their walk. Hey, I would love for them to write a book on parenting! They have great insight....Blessings Mykel and Sheeri!

It's about time!

Over the years there has been a brewing desperatation for someone in the hip-hop generation to stand up and be a voice for others who hunger and thirst after a relationship with God. Mykel Mitchell is that voice. He says what many people are thinking and simply cannot articulate. He helps his readers understand that you are more cool being a Christian than not. No pun intended.

I love his expertise on the hip-hop culture. I love the fact that although there was a huge transformation in his life, he didn't lose himself, because the reality is, the Lord can use all of us. Hmph! Look at Paul.

This book needs to be in EVERY household, recording studio, beauty salon, barber shop, prison, school, group home and the like. It is a must-have! It will inevitably cause people to feel uncomfortable, and that is okay. When that happens, just know that is the Holy Spirit at work and don't try to blame the writer.

Lives will be transformed.

This book is a blessig for anyone who wants to know how GOD sees the hearts of this generation. The message of this work,could not have the impact it does ,without the ispiration of GOD. Thank you Mykel Mitchell for being obdient in completing this testament .

What keeps young people away from the church? What can be done to draw them in? Why would young people want to go to church anyway? These are but a few of the questions Mykel Mitchell addresses in his book WORD: For Everybody Who Thought Christianity Was for Suckas. Using his own life as an example, he shares his experiences in a vivid and honest manner.

He begins by explaining why he was turned off by churches and religion and then candidly explains the sense of despair and lack of fulfillment that led him to give it another try. He reflects on how his professional success, material goods and hip-hop lifestyle were not enough to provide a true sense of fulfillment. He reminisces about his journey back to Christianity and the struggles he encountered while trying to be not only a better Christian, but a better man. From there he goes on to discuss various issues such as sex, money, marriage, and forgiveness, all from the Christian perspective. Most importantly he notes, that while he has changed in many respects, he hasn't rejected his hip-hop style.


I can't express what a gem this book is. It is great for churches trying to build or enhance youth ministries because it highlights some of the reasons why some young people are difficult to engage. The book uses everyday language and hip-hop slang to explain some of the basic tenants of Christianity. As a result, it is a book young people can enjoy and relate to. This can be used to expose non-Christian teens and young adults to the faith and would also be a wonderful discussion tool for Sunday School classes and youth groups. Mitchell points out that commitment to God doesn't mean giving up having fun and being hip, but it offers the added security of knowing that God is working in your life and has your back. I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

this book comprised of blessing prayers that allow parents to bless their children in every aspect of their lives, to teach them to treasure God's promises, the blessings God has for them, and helping them to continue to live through their continuing faith in God.
Unlease your blessings.

Do you want your children to receive the blessings of God? This is a book that all parents should take to heart if you what to bless your children. It is easy to read and use, the concept is simple just need 5 minutes or more depending on what you desire. You'll find out what a great difference your blessings really make in the lives of those you love most (your children). The bottom line is - you need to give time to expose spiritual matter in their lives instead of leaving God's promises and blessings out altogether.
I'm thrilled that here is a book to enrich my family's prayer life and God's promises to pass on.

This is not the sort of book you read at one go and say, "THAT"S NICE". This is a book you do. The more you use this book daily, the more you'll benefit and get out of it. So, set aside the time to use this book and do this book to bless your children. Thank You Pastor Sebastian. May this book release more of God's promise and blessing to our children so that they can enjoy God to the fullest. God bless them plentifully.

This is such a great way to pray for & with your child everyday!!! It is very simple & easy to fllow... I LOVE IT!! I am thankful i found it! A must for every parent!

A must to have book for every mom and dad who wants to make a difference in the spiritual lives of their children. The book reminds us of the value of pronouncing blessings - how they can begin to experience God's promises in a different way and becoming aware of the blessings bestowed on them.

Add blessings and excitement of God's promises to their growth. They will benefit by how God's Word communicates to them. It's a tool that will literally prepare them to achieve what God had planned for them.

I received this book in the post last week and I really couldn't put it down. Every chance I got I read a chapter or two. It's entertaining, honest and very informative. I was particularly interested in this one because there were so many parallels to my own life and journey. It was almost uncanny. I'm just doing the final edits to my own manuscript which I hope to get published next year. I think what appealed to me most was the fact that the author fought against her 'true calling', refusing to belive that she had a special gift. She also encourages her readers to believe in themselves. It's very empowering and shows a lot of insight. I would highly recommend it - it's well written.

I've tried so many times to read books on this subject, but have always got lost in the "technicalities". Natasha has wonderfully combined her journey and endnotes in a way that was logical, simple to understand and easy to read.

Words can not express how Natasha's writing has touched me and renewed my strength to listen to my inner self. Thank you, Natasha.

"I really enjoyed your book. Great advice! Well written! Thank you for having the courage to talk about your past. It does help in understanding the growth that you have accomplished that has brought you to the wise place you now hold."

Aaagh! I think I'm Psychic (And You Can Be Too), by Natasha J. Rosewood, is an intriguing book about and internationally renowned psychic Natasha rosewood, who is based in Vancouver Canada. It read like a biographical novel, that you can't put down.

Page after page, Natasha unravels 'coincidents' and changes that shaped her life and made her aware of her destiny; encouraging us, the reader, to do the same! Each chapter is punctuated by `metaphysical endnotes' that give further `teaching' on how, for example, to establish psychic boundaries, understand different levels of consciousness, death, and develop a new and different perspective on life. At times, Natasha's account of her life and the psychic forces that were at play is heartbreaking; yet in never fails to inspire.

Natasha believes she `magnetized' events to her to help her accept her `psychic awakening' as she spent many years reluctant to do so. Natasha's own life roller-coasted between happy memories and sad, painful ones, which she shares candidly and honestly. She writes: "In the beginning my search had been to understand my mother, but now it appears that she had motivated me to understand the Universe... It was my own very private, individual journey, and all I really wanted was to be master of my own life"

Natasha's writing style is also humerous (there were many incidents when I was in stiches-enjoying a good laugh) and succeeds in demystifying what a psychic is, how a psychic works, and how to find out if you are one. She shares with her reader how her own psychic abilities manifested themselves as she reflects on her life, how her various abilities grew and they unfolded; and that no matter how difficult and painful at times, life can be, it is those incidents that shape who we are and guides us towards fulfilling our lives.

In her book, Aaagh! I think I'm Psychic (and you can be too), Natasha also believes that we are all intuitive, perhaps even psychic, and that perhaps our fear of the unknown, instilled in us as a cellular memory, is what stops us from acknowledging these abilities. Natasha writes: "The most valuable education I absorbed that day, over and above the color of auras and their meanings, past and future lives and the difference between various levels of consciousness, was that we are all, if not psychic, inherently intuitive"

Natasha's love of travel lead her to an international adventure, and misadventure at times; she speaks six languages and has lived in various countries- adding an cosmopolitan drop to this psychic adventure! And along the way, her abilities unfolded in various too: she learnt palm reading, astrology, Psychometry, developed her telepathy, mediumship, chanelling, and interpreting her dreams.

And although Natasha was reluctant to accept this awakening to begin with, as her psychic abilities developed they helped her understand how we all `write our own movies', and how we `magnetize' events and people into our lives who would help us understand and develop our awareness.

Natasha's book, I Think I'm Psychic (And You Can Be Too, is entertaining as much as it is inspiring. She succeeds in engaging the reader by 'zooming in' on her life, and then 'zooming out' for a 'big-picture' perpective on the universal reality of the soul. I strongly recommend it.
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others.

I like the way Natasha Rosewood writes - it's her story and in the end of every chapter there is a metaphysical endnote which explains from a higher view what her (and also our) experience was about.

It helps you to understand how a psychic works and what life is about.

Really uplifting.

All of Grace was a wonderful book. It was rich with doctrinal truths that believers at any stage of their growth in Christ will appreciate. Spurgeon always humbly directs the focus on God and His word and brings the reader greater understanding into the riches of God's grace. He makes it very clear that God's mercy and grace is not earned, but given freely - Eph 2:8,9. The chapters dealing with Salvation and Faith are extremely helpful. The book is written in devotional form, so it is excellent for bible studies, or for your personal devotional time with the Lord.

Good book about the grace of God and salvation to everyone that believes in Christ Jesus.

We need to believe in the forgiveness of our sins. God gives us a new heart and a right Spirit through salvation.

Recommend to those that want to understand what salvation is all about.

As with all works done by Spurgeon, this is a timeless classic. First printing in 1894, it is still in print. Simple yet profoundly true, Spurgeon explains the true Grace of God with a heart desire that many will come to know Christ through this work. I actually bought a whole case of 120 of these in paperback to give away from Moody Press. The audio version is awesome. I loaded it onto my iPod to listen while on the go.

There are three great strengths of this book; 1)the ability to make the gospel so clear that even a child can understand, 2)it is written in modern english, and 3)the chapters are very short and to the point. Asking someone to read this is one of the easiest ways to introduce the subject of Christ. The book provides a basis of discussion and followup that many can not deny.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon is considered by many to be the greatest preacher of the 19th century. This book, subtitled, "An Earnest Word with Those Who Are Seeking Salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ," is Spurgeon's great explanation of salvation and God's grace. He explains what God has done and why, and what we must do to be saved and to persevere in the faith.

This is a great book, showing the power and intelligence that form the bedrock of Spurgeon's reputation. But, even more, herein you really see his earnest concern for those who are unsaved and dying in their sins. I found this book to be enlightening and uplifting.

It's a truly wonderful book, a true classic of Christian literature - as much alive and relevant to today as it ever was. I highly recommend this book!

Pam Vredevelt writes from a Christian point of view. She is a wife of a man in the ministry, a woman who gives talks, and a mother of three. Their third child was born with down syndrone. Pam went through a period of depression. Slowly, she began to realize that there is beauty in having a "special needs" child. The messages of hope throughout this book make it an appropriate book to give to any friend who is going through a difficult time. (ie cancer, divorce, etc.) I received mine as a gift, and have dog eared pages to refer back to.

Anyone who has faced disappointment, death or any kind of tragedy this book is for you. It is filled with hope. I will give this book as gifts to many of my friends and family. I hope others will treasurer it as much as I have.

I loved this book by Pam Vredevelt so much that I am reading it a second time. It is so encouraging because it gives the perspective of a parent in clear and heartfelt wording. I have many "Nathan's" in my classroom whose parents have surely felt some of the same grief and joy expressed by Pam. I applaud her for writing such an emotionally open and inspiring book becuase it has given me new perspective into what the parents of my students continually deal with.

Someone gave me a copy of this book years ago when I was going through tough times. Though details of my situation were in no way similar to the author's, I could relate to the fears and spiritual/emotional struggles she faced. Her story of hope and spiritual strength helped me to face and then conquer my own fears. I have since given several copies of this book to other friends facing their own life struggles, and have received much positive feedback. Highly recommended.

I am the mother of a child with Down Syndrome. My neighbor gave me this book and it was at a time when I most needed it. Sometimes raising a child with a disability can be challenging and this gave me hope. I sent it to two other people who could also use the same hope at a difficult time. It is inspiring to know that these children are not alone. I learned that from this book and it helps us as we go on this journey. Thank you Pam Vredevelt!

Finally someone explains prayer simply and clearly. Dr. Price breaks prayer down into its different points and reveals why many don't get what they pray for. This book is only for those who are ready to put down their religious ideologies and accept that they might be wrong. It is a very good book!!

This is one of the best books on prayer I have ever read.
I recommend this book to any christian who want to see results when they pray.

The book is excellent. Dr. Price writes in a very down to earth manner where you could not possibly misunderstand what he is trying to convey. I have really learned a lot from the book on how to properly pray and have sent the book to several other people to help them. I plan to even teach a bible study from the book. Yes, if you are not getting your prayers answered, this book IS THE ANSWER.

I absolutely loved this book. Dr. Price has taught me so much about prayer. I did not know you could pray the wrong prayer. In my whole life, I never heard a pastor from any church make that statement. I pray all Christians will get this book and learn how to pray. If Christians prayed like we are supposed to pray I think we could change the world. Thank God for this book.

If you've seen Frederick K.C. Price on television, you know he's not shy about expressing his thoughts. What sets him apart from many of his contemporaries is that he does not resort to theatrics and jumping around and yelling. If he wants a particular thought to really sink in, he'll speak...very...slowly and make an extra effort to clearly enunciate every word so that it's understood. On TV he often repeats "We walk by faith, not by sight," and you know you're reading one of his books when you get to page 12 and the statement "At the moment you pray, believe that you receive what you have requested. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Your faith is substance - it is something real, something tangible. It is evidence of things you cannot see." It's a dynamic book grounded in Scripture, not one of the many that "teaches" you how to "bargain" with God to get what you want. If anyone wants to know what lies at the heart of this book, it's very simple: Pray as the Bible instructs (and ample Scripture is offered here) and believe your prayers are being heard WHILE you pray. And remember, as Price points out on page 111, "Pray according to the Word of God." God has no obligation or interest in answering prayers that are based in selfish or destructive motives. Act as if you are asking God for what you need directly...because, in fact you are.

Book is outstanding. A real weapon in the empowerment of my walk with God and encouragement of others.

Excellent resource for spiritual help. This book addresses everyday challenges and problems faced by Christians. It's an easy to use source for prayer suggestions and accountability for ones actions.

I use this book everyday...it is so easy to find that exact scripture you are looking for. The intro of the book says for teens, but THIS BOOK is for everyone! I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone.

This book is set up in categories that teens deal with and then for each category it lists verses that correspond with that category. Unlike a lot of scripture by subject book that list adult topics, this one has topics like peer pressure, drug use, abortion, alcohol, appearance, astrology, beauty, cults, dating, depression, fear, gossip, homosexuality, love, lust, porn and many others...topics that teens really do seek answers to. The really great thing about this book is that Ive found that there have been times when my concordance didnt produce results about a particular subject but this little book did. Another great thing about this book is that it makes a great reference for those times when we actually have to have a sit down face to face talk with a youth about somehting thats big in their life and this gives us fast facts without scaring our youth with a big fat bible. Ive found that youth will pick up this little reference book and find what they need but the task of finding quick answers int he bible is often to tough so they give up. Sometimes all they need is one scripture to cling to but if it means reading chapter after chapter to find it, they wont bother. Naturally, it has a lot of other great topics too, but I just listed a few of the obvious ones---but seriously, it is a must have.

I discovered this book from my Sunday School teacher several years ago, and I have loved it ever since! I literally cannot keep myself a copy because I enjoy giving it away to everyone. It is an excellent tool for finding appropriate verses about nearly every topic from abortion to dancing. I couldn't imagine planning for a lesson without this book! I truly feel that everyone would be more than pleased with this selection. God bless!

Awake Joy is the best book I have ever read. It is totally new, unique, with fresh perspectives and flawless non-duality. Thank you Katie!

Awake Joy is truly unique and quite amazing. Katie so clearly and effectively guides deeper shifts in perception of our consciousness. The book is successful at this in two ways. First, her writing is so beautiful and mystical, when she occasionally shares her direct encounters with nature that are embodying the chapter's teaching. Instead of teaching the subject matter in these sections, we have an inside view of heart living. In these few, but totally unique sections, we disappear into the beauty and without noticing it at all, we are suddenly so energetically deeper. It all seems to happen in such a discreet manner. Secondly for the intellect, she points sharply with such clarity to notice the references of perception. All it really takes is to look where she is pointing and the reference point disappears and we find a profound shift has taken place.

In 1986, the author, Katie Davis, owned an aerobics business named Body by Katie. One day of that year, while Katie was teaching a superfit class, she simply disappeared from all earthly experience into the divine mystery beyond all awareness of form. Clearly a challenge to put into words, Katie calls this divinity within us, Awake Joy, the essence of living. Though her attention returned to the aerobic floor, its space and time, after being in attention only to its essence, it took her twelve years to fully re-integrate with the body and mind in this dimension. During that period, Katie was faced with the daunting challenge of integrating every human sense and impression that arose into the divine within her knowing. For that entire period, she existed in a state of consciousness that burned away every trace of illusion as it arose. In fact, her aerobics business literally burned down two years after her awakening. Many symbolic burnings followed. By 1998, the divine essence was fully embodied and the inspiration for this book was born into this life.

Awake Joy is Katie's gift of sharing the Truth with all of us. The fullness of Love and Joy is all that truly is. She states that this is who you are and what is always here and now. The "I" that you think you are and the body that you perceive are wondorous symbols that point to your timeless essence and formless beauty. The frequency of the divine Spirit within form is vibrantly alive and awake in this writing. My favorite passages are found where Katie shares her impressions of the natural world perceived from within the intelligence of the awakened Heart. Here we are lifted into the awe and wonder that she knows as the reality of our nature. Katie is simply a living angel, who's intimately aware of our life's goodness, beauty, love, peace and co-passion for all Being. How do I know this? I am her Beloved husband in this life. That admitted, this is a great book that will profoundly touch your soul if you are willing to give your mind to your Beloved, this Being, this life, this moment, just as it really is.

One proviso: Awake Joy is not for the timid or those of us who are still great believers in the personal self and what it might achieve. No, Awake Joy calls for your surrender of all that holds you to this surface dream. You see, causeless Joy depends on nothing you dream about, it depends only on You, or rather...it is You.

Injoy, Sundance Burke, Author, Free Spirit: A Guide to Enlightened Being

A friend recommended this wonderful book and I found it very useful to move deeper in awakening. This is a book that I will reread along the way. The author writes with both clarity and eloquence that allows both deeper insights and spiritual awe at the same time. The great silence is apparent on every page.

Upon awakening, the pathway seemed quite confusing and many books that I read furthered that confusion. This is a an accessible guide to keep from being lost in trying to understand concepts. It progressively points deeper and deeper through intelligent inquiry and devotion. It leads us to awakening, deepens to enlightenment, encourages integration and full embodiment of truth. It then points to awake living, but not conceptually, rather directly in a lovely manner, so that we may have a peek at what it might be like to be living the ultimate potential of the real human being, when our multi-dimensionality is finally embraced.

Because of my own awakening, I know that waking up is available to everyone. However, I also had the impression that enlightenment and Self-realization were reserved for monks in robes who sat in caves. Now, I realize that this too is available for anyone who is willing to continue noticing the unfathomable depth of pure awareness. The chart of reference points in this book is helpful for this deeper investigation.

I also recommend this book for the Practices and Meditations in the Appendix. They are effective in helping those who would like to live more consciously in the present moment and then they shift deeper by removing the idea of the pratitioner altogether. In this deeper awakening, evermore subtle layers of the intellect are revealed to finally discover the Essence of pure being; the Truth.

Thank you to Katie for providing this amazing and wonderful book. I have been a student of enlightenment literature for a long, long time. (Still not enlightened!) Katie's writing is unique because she is able to use words and language beautifully to effectively describe very profound and subtle awareness and being. She seems to capably deconstruct / define the levels of consciousness that are experienced as one traverses the levels of consciouness. She includes in the book some lovely and breathtaking writings and poems that reveal her awareness. This book is beauty expressed in writing (excellent writing). Wow!

Having gone back to this wonderful book on more than one occasion, it compelled me to proclaim it's abundant worth to the world. For those who have no knowledge of Benedictine Spirituality or monasticism, it is a great way to learn more in an easy to comprehend format. For those people who have visited monasteries, participated in retreats and/or been taught in Benedictine schools, it still speaks very clearly to the more experienced reader. That blanket coverage of a wide spectrum of believers is what makes this effort so special.
I am fortunate to have had some tremendous Benedictine monk friends, and the subjects covered in this book are done so in a way that you want to holler "bullseye" at the conclusion of each chapter. This is truly thought-provoking writing and reflection at it's best. The authors are to be commended for such a concise, yet complete explanation of how St. Benedict (and his rule) is indeed a worthwhile tool, even today.
I would say that with all the hype that surrounds some of the offerings in the world of books, this one has virtually none (hype). However, it delivers ten-fold on what may appear to be a rather simplistic exploration of the structural pillars of Benedictine wisdom and traditions.
To see how we can can increase our stability, be more attuned to humility, become more authentic and disciplined in our faith, while also lessening our need for possessions and conflict...what other priceless virtues can we incorporate in our lives? The answer? There are 2 dozen more wonderful attributes covered in this outstanding gem of a book.
You will most definitely read it once, and undoubtedly again...multiple times. Or, if you are like me, it is a simple treasure to be passed along to a friend in need when the time arises. Upon it's return, the rave reviews continue, cementing your own feelings and helping to soothe the bumpy roads that life lets us travel from time to time. Let this help be your own personal roadmap to a deeper understanding of the time honored monastic communities that thrive today...and all the way back...a millenium and a half ago.
May the Benedictine monastic communities continue to floursih in the world, never letting us lose sight of the tremdously valuable teachings of Saint Benedict!

In the rush of our lifestyle, instant is the watchword for our culture. BENEDICT'S WAY by Lonni Collins Pratt and Father Daniel Homan, OSB, helps you take a deep breath and learn from an unexpected source of strength. St. Benedict is often credited as being the father of Western monasticism. He lived in a time when chaos rocked Christianity and the situation seemed to be worsening with every passing day. In the middle of such chaos, Benedict was a man with order, sense and peace. Doesn't the quest for balance resonate with most of us?

The authors describe their purpose saying, "This book is our attempt to enliven the Rule of St. Benedict for those who have never read it, as well as those who are already familiar with the Rule." Father Homan is prior major of St. Benedict Monastery in Oxford, Michigan and has lived the Rule of St. Benedict for forty years. Lonni Pratt is an award-winning journalist and a Catholic laywoman who has informally associated with the monastery through friendship. The pair of authors have a common interest in Benedictine spirituality.

Thirty short chapters enlighten the reader about keys to spirituality like listening, prayer, work, stability, friendship, balance and celebration. Each chapter includes a quote from St. Benedict, then a brief section from a scholar of St. Benedict. Also a short devotional thought is included and a section of application called, "Going Inward." As the Rule of St. Benedict says about joy, "As we journey I this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path...our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love."

Readers can expect insight and wisdom as they learn from St. Benedict. You can read the book daily in the morning or before bed or as a refreshing break in the middle of a hectic day at work.

Benedict's Way guides the reader easily into understanding God's intentions of our time here on earth. We have created a fast paced lifestyle that is self serving causing much anxiety. This is evident by the ever increaing need for lifestyle managing drugs. Our current society with all its technology and materialism has the highest rates of divorce, depression, sucide, etc., in history. It seems that all this financial wealth has done little to make us truly happy. Is it possible that God in is infinite wisdom understood this and inspired spiritual teachers like Buddha, Mother Terresa, and St. Benedict to teach us how to live?

Pratt and Homan have challenged the reader to look at their own life and reflect on it. For me personally this book has opened my eyes to my own self serving ways. Each chapter is thought provoking and one of my favorites Balance and Celebration caused me to pause and look at how I approach my family time, work time, personal time, spritual time, etc.

The format makes this an easy read with each chapter ending in a reflective prayer. Another great aspect of the book is the suggested reading section that includes web-sites to visit.

This book is a must read for anyone serious about living a simplier spirit filled life.

I'm new to Benedictine spirituality but am learning to value the simple things. I thought that made this book a good place to start my Benedictine journey. The book challenged my long-held ideas about spirituality and the nature of the universe and I came away feeling good about myself believing that maybe the universe is a good place after all. It helped me. I think that's what I really needed from a book rather than advice on Benedictine spirituality although I'm confident that is also a strength for this book. We all want balance and this really does help.

Of the reviewers posted here, I think I am probably the only one who read Radical Hospitality, the other book by these authors, before reading Benedict's Way. I like Radical Hospitality better if only because it spoke to me about how I need to make some changes in my life. Benedict's Way is a great book for anyone who wants to go a little deeper into benedictine spirituality but isn't much into serious scholarship. My brother is a Benedictine monk and he showed me a review of the book that came out recently. It talked about how this book is written in a simple and direct style but there is an evident scholarship lurking in the backgrounds of the authors. They just don't seem to be showy about it. Which is very good news for the reader who wants depth without pretentiousness. Even if you do read Radical Hospitality first, you'll love this book.