5 comments about On the Road with Rabbi Steinsaltz: 25 Years of Pre-Dawn Car Trips, Mind-Blowing Encounters, and Inspiring Conversations with a Man of Wisdom.

1. Anyone who reads this book will find him or herself to be very fortunate indeed to go along for the ride. I have read numerous books, but never one so powerful. It evokes such a wide range of emotions with a turn of a page. You'll find yourself laughing out loud, with tears in your eyes, perplexed or contemplative. Once you finish, you'll want to read it again. Don't be surprised if you find yourself quoting this book to family and friends. I highly recommend it!



2. We are instructed by 'Pirke Avot' to get ourselves a Rabbi, a teacher, a spiritual guide. Arthur Kurzweil took this teaching seriously and has for many years questioned, dialogued with and learned with his own chosen teacher. In this very rich and instructive intellectual and spiritual adventure story Kurzweil tells of his meetings and talks with his revered teacher, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz.
   Kurzweil also tells his own story of return to Judaism, and something of Rabbi Steinsaltz's story. Rabbi Steinsaltz whose father was a kibbutznik himself returned to religious Judaism at the age of seventeen. The fact that he went on to became the great 'talmid chacham',maker and presenter to the Jewish world of a remarkable new translation of the Talmud , and is today considered one of the greatest of all Jewish spiritual leaders is devotedly described in this book.
   Arthur Kurzweil in searching for a teacher volunteered to be of any kind of help he could to the Steinsaltz organization. He was given the task of meeting Rabbi Steinsaltz at the airport and chauffering him during his visits to New York. For twenty- five years Kurzweil has chauffered and gained valuable hours of discussion with Rabbi Steinsaltz.
   However even before meeting Steinsaltz , Kurzweil was on a path of returning to traditional Judaism. His genealogical researches which are pioneering and central were first undertaken before his meeting with Rabbi Steinsaltz. And this though Rabbi Steinsaltz subsequently greatly encouraged him in these researches, insisting upon the spiritual importance of each person knowing their own roots. Out of this knowledge Rabbi Steinsaltz feels there will certainly come deeper religious obligation.
   Arthur Kurzweil in this book is constant in his praise of his teacher. This focusing on his teacher in a way leads him to underplay his own great contributions to the 'Jewish world' As editor he has helped bring to the public many outstanding works of Judaica including works of extremely great spiritual value , such as Yitzhak Buxbaum's 'Jewish Spiritual Practices' Nachum Amsel's work on Jewish Morality and Ethics and Seth Kaddish's work on Jewish Prayer.
   Kurzweil describes Rabbi Steinsaltz's meetings with Jewish intellectuals and writers in New York upon the appearance in English of two volumes of his Talmud translation. In citing Steinsaltz's answers to some of these writers' questions he in a sense clarifies a good part of the meaning of the Steinsaltz enterprise. Rabbi Steinsaltz sees the Jewish people , or the greatest share of them as having lost a vital part of their body and soul. They do not know their own religious tradition. In a sense his translation of the Talmud is meant to help them restore that soul.
   In other words Steinsaltz is not simply a rabbi for individuals but for the Jewish people as a whole. Here Kurzweil too chronicles Steinsaltz's connection with Habad ( His wife comes from a Habad family) and the whole outreach effort in the Jewish world. But Kurzweil makes it clear that Steinsaltz does not put himself under the rubric of any particular Jewish group but rather works for the Jewish people as a whole.
   Kurzweil is not simply a student. He is a vivid and active admirer. He has helped publish much of Rabbi Steinsaltz's work in English. Kurzweil in searching for guidance and wisdom in raising his children also turned to Rabbi Steinsaltz and was helped. The Rabbi advised him among other things that teaching of children need not be confined to what they literally understand.
   While it is impossible to question Kurzweil's admiration and devotion to his teacher it is possible to ask whether he is not a bit too uncritical. Even Moshe Reibenu is after all seen in the Jewish tradition as having his faults. And it might even be said that there is something 'non- Jewish' in the kind of total worship various Hasidic groups have displayed towards their 'tzaddikim'.
   Yet it must be said that Kurzweil is a devoted student, a person of great intelligence who in his dialogue with Rabbi Steinsaltz also provides knowledge and insight. There may not be equality between student and teacher yet what is felt here is a great mutual respect. And my sense is that Rabbi Steinsaltz has a great appreciation of Arthur Kurzweil as more than simply chauffeur and student, but as true friend and 'mensch'.
   I loved reading this book and I think that all those who care about Jewish learning and life, will also do so.



3. This is a wonderful collection of anecdotes by Mr. Kurzweil, a wonderful teacher in his own right. However he just doesn't quite communicate what he finds so inspiring about his own teacher, Rabbi Steinsaltz. The book left me a bit frustrated and wanting more examples of those teachings.



4. Arthur Kurzweil has been a leading figure in Jewish publishing in America for more than 20 years. In this delightful book, he shares the wisdom and humanity of his spiritual teacher, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, with readers. The author is honest, straightforward, and enlightening in this thought-provoking book. Highly recommended.
   Edward Hoffman, Ph.D., author
   THE WAY OF SPLENDOR: JEWISH MYSTICISM AND MODERN PSYCHOLOGY



5. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz was and still a source of inspiration to me, to my family and to my friends.
   Do not look upon him as simply a Jewish scholar, because he is much much more than that. He is a man for all seasons; a man of goodness, intelligence, knowledge, and wisdom. A philosopher, a teacher, a mentor and a pillar of our civilized world.
   
   His wisdom, and his teachings enriched our hearts and minds. This book reveals the multiple aspects and facets of this great man. It is a heart felt book rich with stories that come directly from the heart and a brilliant mind.
   
   I loved it. What a treasure!!

5 comments about Tramp for the Lord.

1. Tramp for the Lord is ONE of the most rewarding books I have ever read in my life. Everyone should read this book. She too was a human who sinned and came short of the glory of God. Corrie shares so much of her heart and life - not only because of her experiences in prison, but in every day life as she traveled the United States and to other countries to share God's work. As she experienced real life situations with ordinary people, that grew her daily in her walk with God, because as Paul learned, God's work was not easy. It was those situations that she shared in "Tramp for the Lord" that she was also growing with each situation she faced as Paul did as he continued in his day discipling for God. Corrie's book, "Tramp for the Lord," is a must read after "the Hiding Place" and will be hard to put down.



2. This book is a sequel to "The Hiding Place" a biography about Corrie Ten Boom's experience during World War II, arrested and sent to a German concentration camp for hiding Jews.
   
   Corrie surrenders to God's Will for her life to take the Gospel and her story to the entire world. Because of her humbleness, she is able to connect to people from all walks of life, from royalty to prisoners. She was especially able to connect with prisoners who were hopeless because of her own experience of being locked up.
   
   It was easy for her to minister to the victims of WWII, but Corrie resisted going back to Germany, the land that she dreaded. But she obeys and goes to Germany where she meets one of her former prison guards, one of the cruelest, walking up to her after a meeting. A chill grips her heart and bitterness wells up when he asks for her forgiveness. Leaning on the power of the Holy Spirit, she was able to forgive her enemy and found God's love overflowing.
   
   Each chapter is a story and devotional about a situation Corrie encounters. My favorite one is, "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go, Dear Lord... but Not Up Ten Flights of Stairs."



3. If you read this book you will NEVER forget it. Such wonderful testimony to the miracles that the Lord is still doing in the world. I highly recommend it. It's a real page turner.



4. Tramp for the lord is an eye opener for you to look at where you are, where you have been and where you are going. A good read for those moving through life and a must read for those that want to celebrate life to it's fullest.



5. I bought this book because I grew up hearing stories of Corrie ten Boom from my mother and her friends, and I wondered what all the fuss was about.
   
   Well now I know. I couldn't possibly describe the experience of reading this book, and what it did for me, except to say that it was so much more than just a good read. I would say that it changed my life.
   
   This book showed me that walking side-by-side with the Lord wasn't just for people in Bible times--it is meant for us today.
   
   Corrie wasn't perfect. This book isn't about being perfect. And it isn't even about giving all you can give to God. On the contrary, it's about taking all you can take.
   
   Her language is so simple, yet her message incredibly profound: there is an endless resource available to each and every one of us, and that resource is Jesus Christ.
   
   Whether you're going through the most difficult time of you life, or you simply want to be inspired--Tramp for the Lord is the book for you.
   
   I've read many of Corrie's books since this one, but "Tramp" is still my favorite. I own three copies, so I always have two to lend.
   
   Now I'm the one telling people "Corrie stories" the way my mother used to. They are stories the next generation needs to hear.

2 comments about They Come Back Singing: Finding God With the Refugees.

1. The author, a Jesuit priest, spent about six years working with Sudanese refugees living in Uganda; he was "with them" in every way possible and came to love and be loved by many. The book is a series of rather short vignettes of his experiences and profoundly personal reflections drawn from those experiences. There is no effort in the book to prosyletize or argue religious propositions; but most of the primarily reflective pieces do draw on Catholic theological vocabulary. As one who has never been in Africa, I came away from this book with a very very different sense of the ordinary people there than I started out with. Nothing I have seen in the media has come at all close to describing the situation of Sudanese refugees with the poignancy or nitty-gritty detail of this enormously readable book.



2. This is a very moving book about a man finding the Lord in very deplorable situations. Seeing the strength and humor and watching him
   grow spirirtually is an awesome experince for the reader. I would love to see him write more books as he journeys through life.

4 comments about A Holy Life: The Writings of St. Bernadette of Lourdes.

1. This book is a wonderful resource for all who want to know Bernadette better. From her writtings one can see the depth of her faith. She saw all that occurred in her life as the will of GOD and she accepted everything that came her way. One learns that Bernadette carried her cross in life with acceptance and love. She suffered greatly and wanted to unite her suffering with Jesus' for the sake of all sinners.



2. In developing my own book on the famous apparitions at Massabielle (Lourdes: Font of Faith, Hope, & Charity, Paulist Press, Sept. 2007), I researched a great number of titles. None of them, however, gave me better insight into the real person of Bernadette Soubirous than A Holy Life. Thanks to Patricia McEachern's careful translation, English-speaking readers can appreciate the oftentimes difficult journey to sainthood through Bernadette's candid letters and journal entries as she lived out her sanctity in the motherhouse at Nevers. A true treasure -- it was like meeting the visionary in person!



3. In the initial account of the apparitions Dr. McEachern uses the method of drawing lines from various different accounts given by the Saint over several different years in order to present one comprehensive report. If you accept this methodology as valid, you will draw much from this book. I felt a bit uncomfortable realizing I was reading a mosaic of shards shattered and shorn from so many different sources and presented as her complete account, but perhaps such textual criticism does not present a problem to other readers. I would prefer to read the accounts in their entirety, including to the various ecclesial and legal authorities who questioned her, in chronological order, and piece together a conclusive report from that entirety. Here this work has been done for us, leaving only the golden threads from among the whole cloth. I would hope one day to see the fullest tapestry.
   
   After that opening, the compiler of this volume does leave us a fairly representative collection of the Saint's letters, translated. Again I hope one day to see them in the original, including the regional dialect, and in chronological order, as here we find the intriguing and often difficult and treacherous work of translation done for us.
   
   I also found the opening introduction touched by a persistent trait of other reports on this Saint, the disparagement of her family and conditions and education and mind, rather than a charitable embracing and comprehension. I am always uncomfortable to read such judgmental emphasis, yet here find it more balanced and contextualized than in earlier standard texts. The Saint herself suffered this from the first moments she reported the Visions, and for the rest of her life on earth, and accepted this suffering, for reasons she examines in this book, including unmentioned yet infinitely consoling comments by Our Lady herself, who was of similar age and education and conditions. I am not so holy and so feel deeply uncomfortable for the Saint suffering such mistreatment both during and after life, but I must resolve to convert by her very wise and holy and compassionate example, and by her own exhortations shared here in her own, translated hand.
   
   A necessary addition to any Catholic spiritual library, and probably the best we can get for this Saint.



4. An enlightening story about the humble, poor little shepherd girl who encountered the Mother of God and the tremendous impact it had on her life. Details and insights that kept me excitedly turning those pages.

5 comments about Ruth, A Portrait: The story of Ruth Bell Graham.

1. I don't enjoy reading the much and I'm also a slow reader in that I get lost in the content and descriptions. This is definitely not a Patricia Cornwell suspense novel. She was very close friends with the Grahams and begged Ruth to let her write the book for people to see the woman behind the man...Billy Graham. She did it so well that Ruth did not speak to Patricia for about 3 years after the book was published. Sometimes the truth hurts and sometimes it will set you free. It was an interesting, easy read for me. It was a book I kept picking up to want to read the next chapter...something that's very hard for me...something keeping my attention. I've loaned the book out to several friends and they have all enjoyed it. I read it about 3 months before Ruth died.



2. I bought this because I'm a fan of Cornwell's other work, especially the earlier stuff. My expectations weren't very high, since most books about religious "greats" tend to be syrupy or on a witch-hunt.
   
   Instead, Cornwell brings in just enough of her personal experience with the Grahams to explain her adoring views of Ruth. But for the rest of the book, she manages to take herself out the story masterfully and give us a three-dimensional portrait of a strong, stubborn, soft-hearted woman's walk through life. Both of the Grahams are seen as normal, flawed, generous people with single-minded commitment to their lives' callings. The realistic presentation of both of the Grahams really highlights God's presence and action in their lives. I loved that Cornwall just trusted the facts to present a well-rounded picture, without inserting a lot of personal opinions. It's a perspective on Ruth that you won't find in a lot of simpering bios which show her as the ever-supportive, ever-submissive wife of an equally flawless evangelist. Here, you get to see her as a worthy match with a quick mind, a soft heart and sharp tongue.
   
   The most incredible chapter is the last one, where we see how Ruth's compassion and acceptance of wounded and lost people had such on effect on the author's life as well. Just a really great book. I'm officially gushing to everyone about it!



3. This is a great book if you want to learn about Ruth's life from the perspect of a close family friend, someone who knew her well. It's easy to read and very interesting. However, as I read the book, it felt like there was an important aspect missing: the faith of Ruth Graham. The author, who I don't believe is a Christian hereself, does an excellent job describing Ruth as an incredible person, wife, mother, and friend; but I perceive from her writing that the author never realized the value or importance of Ruth's relationship with God. I read this book hoping to find encouragement and insight from Ruth's walk with God. However, I was disappointed in that area. Although very accurate and full of wonderful details about the life of this great woman, the author thoroughly glorifies Ruth as a person (with no real credit to her faith) so much so that by the end of the book I felt that Ruth was described as almost superhuman, someone to look at on a pedestal rather than try to relate to and learn from.



4. I think this is Cornwell's best book, you can feel her love for Graham. Ruth Graham had an extraordinary life, her life in may ways is as interesting as her iconic husband. Her early live in China and how it enlightened her, it's interesting that such a forward thinking woman married the most famous evangelical. I found the information on her courtship with Billy fascinating, he really had to win her, she was beautiful and he know he had to be at the top of his game to get her. Ruth Graham was an amazing woman, though i was dismayed to see that she gave in and allowed herself to be buried in Charlotte instead of her chosen place Montreat, but ultimately she couldnt imagine not being next to Billy. Very good book on a singular American.



5. This book is great. It gives so much insight into Ruth Graham's life - both before and after Billy. Beginning with her early life in China, her tranision to life in the States, her meeting/dating/marrying Billy Graham and the effects of his journey with God on her and their family. I think it interesting that we see the demands that Billy made on this brave woman, as his spiritual journey of preaching took him all over the world. In some instances, I felt sorry for her because she wanted to be home with her children, and he refused to allow her to go- even canceling her traveling arrangements and ordering other staff members not to allow her to leave. Ruth hated the "media focus" on herself. A true behind the scenes kind of woman. Supporting her husband and trying to do her part with those who came forward to receive Christ. A wonderful book. I feel it is well written and gives the reader a rare glimpse of just what a special woman this lady was. She will be sorely missed.

2 comments about The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison.

1. I could not put this gripping, haunting, and unforgettable book down! Nguyen suffered a tragedy that no human being should have to undergo. The pain, the emotional trauma, the physical attacks that Nguyen endured will burn in your memory for a long time to come.



2. You have to imagine yourself in a dark prison to understand the faith of Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan. There is no word i can tell you the feeling of reading this book except i know my faith grows. No wonder the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI speaks so highly of the cardinal in his encyclical letter

5 comments about Finding Home: An Imperfect Path to Faith and Family.

1. Finding a Home (literally and figuratively) for Jim Daly was not an easy task. Jim was the youngest of five children. His parents had met at Alcoholic Anonymous and alcoholism became an ongoing theme for the couple, particularly for Jim's father. Realizing that she had to choose between her children and her own issues, Jim's mom left his father and fled with the children. She had to work several jobs at a time just to make ends meet.
   
   Then tragedy struck. Jim's mom got sick. None of the kids really understood what was going on until cancer took her life. At this point, in their step-father abandoned them and left them to fend for themselves. Finding a place to live was difficult enough but the real trouble was finding a home.
   
   Finding Home is a wonderful read. The author's purpose for writing the book is to share his life lessons with the reader. In this, he provides a very open and honest story. He has been extremely careful to show his life in a balanced way: the good times and the bad times, his mistakes and his misjudgements, and the many times when grace stepped in. Extremely inspirational.



2. Jim Daly's early years read like the start of a sort of horror story that gets worse and worse a time goes on. If you have struggled with anything and become discouraged, get this book and see what faith can do for you (as it did for Jim Daly).



3. This was an excellent book. The author shares so much of his own personal life - much of which was heartbreaking. But he also shares how he was able to rise above his past to become the man God wanted him to be. This book will give you hope that you, too, can rise above your own past and have a fulfilling, life of purpose.
   It was definitely worth reading. I'm putting a copy in my church library to share it with others.



4. Jim Daly and Bob DeMoss have combined their gifts to produce an excellent book for married couples and parents. Well-written and positive, the book constantly points us to enduring values --- and thus away from the stress and strain that so often sidetrack us.
   
   How do you see past the daily grind? The answer is a change of focus: Daly shows us what we ought to be thinking about, looking at, and considering as we raise children, manage a career, and forge a family.
   
   A great wedding gift --- helps new couples think about these issues on a pre-need basis. An excellent anniversary present --- shows couples how to unite around common goals and common ground.
   
   Well-written, encouraging and always realistic. A hope-filled book that lights your pathway to the family God wants you to be!
   
   Dr. David & Lisa Frisbie
   The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
   Authors of: Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent



5. Jim Daly's book is not just inspirational. It's important because it is real. It is as real as the chipped linoleum floor of a crummy kitchen in a lousy apartment building. And that's about as good as his future looks. How he overcomes betrayals, heart aches, deaths, and a slew of disappointments is amazing.
   
   It is THE amazing grace in the end that sends this story into a realm that couldn't just happen without some divine help.
   
   Focus on the Family is lucky to have this guy. He's the real deal. He's the genuine article, not fake, not flattering, not unfamiliar with real struggle. He knows how important a family is because he didn't have it.
   
   This would be a great movie; uplifting and meaningful...something movies have not been in a long time....and it's so gritty even Focus on the Family could not handle it.
   
   This book took courage and bravery to write. Read it because it will impart these traits to you.

5 comments about Unseen Warfare: The Spiritual Combat and Path to Paradise of Lorenzo Scupoli.

1. This book will set you on the path to God, if you so desire. It dispells with a lot of the myths and answers the important questions that most folks need answered but don't even know to ask. For example: What is the goal of the spiritual life?



2. As a Christian pacifist, I'm extremely wary of militaristic language, in either common speech ("bullet points" or "I got bombed last night") or allegedly spiritual discourse ("Onward Christian soldiers, marching off to war..."). So I was initially put off by the title _Unseen Warfare_. But as soon as I began reading the book, it becane clear that the type of warfare discussed was quite different from what we usually take the word to mean.
   
   Scupoli (along with Nicodemus & Theophan, his Orthodox editors) argues that Christian perfection lies in aligning one's will with God's, but that this alignment is extremely difficult because an entire army of contrary "wills" resides in us, continuously dragging us away from God. In order to counter these "wills," the Christian must arm herself with "invisible weapons." The "most trustworthy and unconquerable" of them are: (1) never rely on yourself in anything; (2) always bear in your heart a perfect and all-daring trust in God alone; (3) strive without ceasing; and (4) remain constantly in prayer.
   
   It's clear that these weapons, rather than seeking to overpower by sheer brute strength, take seriously the strength-through- powerlessness that St. Paul writes about. Unseen warfare is fought not by pitting one's will against a foe, but by surrendering oneself to God; not by trusting in one's own resources, but by acknowledging dependence; not by risking everything on one flashy, dramatic battle, but by persevering, little by little, day by day; and not by drawing up battle plans so much as by ceaseless praying. The language may be militaristic, but the purport of the language actually subverts the violence and self-assertion associated with war. It speaks of self-sacrifice, love, devotion, discipline.
   
   _Unseen Warfare_ is a sobering read, because it convicts the reader (or at least it convicted THIS reader) of falling woefully short in the quest for Christian perfection. But it's also an inspiring and ennobling read, because it encourages the reader to greater resolve. Highly recommended.



3. Every Christian is faced with a battle with an unseen foe. In His book, "Unseen Warefare," Lorenzo Scupoli gives the Christian excellent tools with which to wage this war. This writing is not for the casual reader. But, if you are serious about your faith and wish to fortify your self for the battle, this book is a must for your library.



4. While a number of books on Christian spirituality discuss the ascetic means by which reunion with God can be facilitated this is one of the few I have found in English geared toward the layperson (but still relevant for the ascetic).
   
   I cannot add a great deal to what other reviewers have said except that I was pleased but not surprised to discover that St Nektarios was said to regularly read Unseen Warfare (see "St Nektarios", a Saint for Our Century). After reading this remarkable Saint's life this is no surprise. The (Orthodox) Church has exalted Nektarios to the level of the Holy Fathers evidently because he battled and defeated his passions while living in the world--an often more difficult feat than doing so in seclusion.
   
   To accomplish such instruction Unseen Warfare takes the teachings one would derive from reading the lives of the saints and/or the Philokalia and places them within an almost instruction manual setting. However, it is far more readable and alive that a simple manual. The book speaks to the reader in a fashion that a staretz would speak to his son or daughter.
   
   I would disagree with some reviewers who have said it is a good "introduction" to spirituality. If one is looking for dense theological material then indeed, Unseen Warfare, may seem more straightforward. It is also easier to read than say, the "Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian". However, the former such work is not intended for spiritual development and the latter is for the monk (peroperly guided by a spiritual father) who has reached a very advanced spiritual level. Moreover, putting what is said into practice (which theological material almost never concerns itself with) makes it as "deep" as the writings of St Simeon the New Theologian or Abba Dorotheos (from whom many discussions are borrowed).
   
   One thing I would suggest is to skip the introduction. It is misleading and often simply incorrect about what is going on in the text. The author (H.A. Hodges) also seems only to refer to Catholic figures as saints while disrespectfully referring to St. Nicodemus and St. Theophan as merely "Nicodemus and Theophan". Moreover, the introduction, while making an attempt to sound deeply theological is rather simple-minded, or I should say, "simple-hearted". Hodges clearly has little idea of what the essence or goal of spiritual struggle is yet he wishes to overlook its nuances in order to make the Roman and Orthodox Churches appear to be "two sides of the same coin". He neglects the fact that grace is simply more perceptible in one church than in the other and that much of this is due to the Orthodox preservation of the essential lessons contained in Unseen Warfare. Such a reductionist approach merely wastes the reader's time and delays the valuable lessons of the text.
   
   Finally, and I say this with caution, while I believe everyone needs a spiritual father (a guide who can objectively evaluate your thinking, as the book suggests) the book is an excellent guide for someone who has yet to find one BUT who prays to God that one will be given to her. Temporarily, it can suffice to answer a number of questions when no one experienced in spiritual warfare is around to assist.



5. I am now on my third copy of this great classic. Earlier copies fallen apart from use.
   
   This work along with St. John Cassian's Conferences gives the needed help for the stuggles of our journey through life.
   
   When started, this work may appear a fairly easy read. Upon reflection it is very deep and rich guide. Well worth the time to read and follow the advice.
   
   I strongly recommend this edition.

5 comments about Reluctant Saint: The Life of Francis of Assisi.

1. Donald Spoto's Reluctant Saint is good introduction of the life of Francis of Assisi. It pulls together many of the "lives" of this saint written by original sources and the modern reflection on his life.
   
   One of best features of the book is clearly breaking the chapters into dates so you can sequentially go through Francis's life and compare with the events occurring at the time in the rest of Europe.
   
   The book does not have the emotion and passion of some the "lives" of this saint but this somes times makes his subject closer to us.
   
   Clearly shows Francis as both a man of his times but also one for ours.



2. St Francis is a model saint. Donald Spoto wrote a thorough and moving account of his life. It is hard to get in the mind of another person but this book certainly provided a framework of St Francis's life and thought process. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to further understand the life of this very spiritual saint.



3. I have been enjoying reading this book because not only do we learn about francis, but we also have the opportunity to learn about the society in which he lived in and its values, etc. And what I also love is that francis is portrayed as the human he was and not as some fantasy land, high in the clouds character. You will enjoy this book!!!



4. I hate to write this, but I have to be honest. This book is nicely written, but it really tells us nothing about the real Francis - the human being behind all the myth and fanciful legend. Perhaps that is simply not possible to do, since all the source material is written by purveyors of the Francis cult. But there are so many imponderables, so many holes in the popular story of his life...yet this author doesn't even adopt a skeptical approach.



5. This is an amazing book that shows how Francis was a real human being, not the figure of legend that we've all grown up to believe. It shows how he struggled his entire life trying to figure out what God's will was for him and how he failed repeatedly. This gives us a Francis we can actually relate to. But don't buy the DVD that's supposedly based on this book. It's terrible, leaving out huge amounts of important information and done with really cheesy production values.

5 comments about The Empty Mirror: Experiences in a Japanese Zen Monastery.

1. You can't fault Jan-san for his honesty.It may even help some people who over-stretch themselves with warped fantasies about the perfect Zendo. Nevertheless, it isn't a helpful account. The experiences which seem to endear many readers to this book are common place, the hops over the wall, night life etc. - obtained without reference to Zen. Given the lethargic atmosphere inside the temple, it is hardly surprising than Jan-san sought stimulation - outside it. Jan-san honestly reports a luck-lustre attitude. If you want apathy - well, life is short.
   This 'mirror' - is empty, empty of all the benefits one might find, practicing Zen in earnest.



2. too many - this is one of the first and is the BEST. period.



3. In the summer of 1958 Janwillem van de Wetering showed up at the door of a Zen monastery in Kyoto Japan, knowing pretty much no one, not speaking the language, and without a really good idea what he was doing there. This book describes, with a certain amount of humor and what seems to be quite a bit of honesty, the months that followed (interlaced with Zen stories that he heard during those months, including some that I hadn't heard anywhere else before; I like Zen stories).
   
   There aren't many dates in the book (or I wasn't paying enough of that kind of attention to notice them), but I think he stayed at the monastery for more than six months and less than two years. His descriptions of the time are interesting, funny, warm, vivid, and all sorts of good words like that (and also rather dark, mordant and/or grouchy in tone, often frustrated, impatient, dissatisfied). He did not find the answers to life's problems, his knees hurt alot, he misunderstood the head monk and Zen master frequently, and he (like the other residents of the monastery) cheated and broke the rules with impressive frequency.
   
   The writing is spare and specific; this is the story of what one particular set of months in one particular monastery were like. Any broad conclusions about The Meaning Of Zen Training or anything else are left pretty much entirely to the reader.
   
   The author left feeling that the whole thing had perhaps been a failure; but the master said "now you are a little awake; so awake that you will never fall asleep again". Which altogether is more satisfying, I think, than perky converts describing how happy and fulfilled their new meme complex has made them.
   
   One tiny annoyance that struck me as out of keeping with the tone of the rest of the book: on a crowded train ride during a brief trip away from the monastery to renew his Dutch passport, he concentrates so hard on the feeling of a woman who is pressed up against him that he convinces himself that he is mentally influencing her to rub herself against him, trembling. She got off at the next station (can hardly blame her!), and he concludes that the idea that "someone who has trained his will can influence others, without saying anything, without doing anything observable, had now been proved", but that that's not really the point of Zen and he probably shouldn't do it anymore. He doesn't seem to consider the possibility that he's just proven that he can fool himself, which seems to me much more likely, and something that should have occurred to anyone actually paying attention.
   
   But that's just a nit (I like nits), and perhaps adds as much to the book as it takes away from it. I very much enjoyed reading it (and it didn't take long; it's 146 pages, with little or no bogging down). He has at least two other books about his experiences in other vaguely Zen-related places; I intend to someday maybe read those also.



4. I had to read this for class. Not great literature, one may even say that it is bad. It is more of a diary about Zen buddism. I would bet that there are better books out there about Zen that are better.



5. 
   "The empty mirror," he said. "If you could really understand that, there would be nothing left here for you to look for."
   
   
   
   A Dutch student spends a year in a Zen Buddhist monastery in Kyoto in the late 1950's. He shows up at this monastery not really knowing why he wants to be there; he just vaguely knows he wants to do Zen.
   
   The storytelling is lean and direct; no tangents or wordiness with this narrative. This makes for some very engaging and quick reading.
   
   Van de Wetering is one of those rare people who can produce a compelling first book with such seeming effortlessness; his style engages you from the first paragraph and doesn't let go until the last sentence.
   
   This is a spiritual odyssey without the spirit; the seeker seeking for what he knows not. In his pursuit of this unknown, "Jan-san" is brutally honest about his limitations and cultural alienation; his inept struggling with his koan penetration seems to be the core problem he has.
   
   Yet, his humor underpins much of this struggle: with himself, his fellow monks, and his sense of "What the hell am I doing this for?"
   
   Quite the entertaining read - highly recommend.
   
   Extracts: A Field Guide for Iconoclasts