A Monk's Alphabet

Subtitled 'moments of stillness and a turning world', this book has the unusual format of alphabetical entries on a wide variety of topics. The author explains in his introduction that monastic life is very regular, but that this enables the interior dimension of existence to emerge more strongly and freely. It is striking that the monk's perspective is one of humility (I have also been reading Thomas Merton's book on contemplative prayer) while certain more new age writers seem so self-assured. Driscoll is anchored in a historical spiritual tradition, which may paradoxically give him a form of freedom unavailable to those who are not. The book can be read sequentially or simply dipped into with with equal profit.