Rating: 
Summary: One Story, Insight for Many
Review: While I do not normally read fiction, I was strangley drawn to a copy of this book in a used book store. Perhaps because I am a religious person, I thought the book sounding interesting. While the book is a slow read at times, I found it to be both informative and enlightening. Sister John of the Cross faces a dilemma. She has visions which are accompanied by migrane headaches. A small meningioma is causing epilepsy like seizures. Immediate removal of the growth would relieve her of her pain with little risk. However based on its location, the meningioma is causing the seizures and halucinations. Sister John's choice is between health and an intimate relationship with God. How she arrives at her decision is a frustrating but practical process. Through this book, I received a deeper understanding of a nun's lifestyle. It also made me appreciate the daily burdens I bear. More importantly, I gained more insight into a person's relationship with God. While the ultimate desire is to become close to God, it is not possible in this life. Similarly, everything we learn about God leads us to deeper mystery. Our relationship with Him is a continued journey that we can not measure the progress for in this life.
Rating:
Summary: Thought provoking and engrossing
Review: I was hesitant to read this. I mean, how interesting can the live of a nun be, right? Salzman does a terrific job of addressing the true nature of faith--faith in anything really. The themes here are outstanding: what is real versus what we believe; how to pick up and carry on in the face of humiliation, failure; what brings someone to the nunnery. It is all just handled so well. This is an interesting book. I am still thinking about it and I finished it a week ago and am a quarter into another book. Lovely job, Salzman does here.
| 
