Rating: 
Summary: The essence is intensely powerful
Review: Initially, in fact for many years, I found Thérèse's sweet, rather childish means of expression to be so trying that I failed to see the stark realism and love in her work. Though I still do not favour her literary style or means of expression, this book contains both a solid approach to spirituality and the picture of one who, contrary to first impressions, was actually a complex and fascinating personality.One underlying truth is both that God works with whatever "material" our personalities and circumstances present, and that the influence of others in our lives is equally important. Thérèse is an intriguing study in contrasts: so timid that attending school was too much for her, yet so determined and willful that she would approach Pope Leo himself (against all instruction!) to petition him to allow her to enter the Carmel at 15. Thérèse's writing of herself is completely without affectation or reserve. One delicious example, quite humorous yet giving the reader the picture of an intense and somewhat melancholy interior struggle, is that of her heroically remaining cheerful when she overhears her father expressing annoyance that, as a teenager, Thérèse still expects her shoes to be filled by Pere Noel. This story naturally has its hilarious side. Not only was Thérèse far past the age when Father Christmas might be expected to visit, but she was convinced of and actively pursuing a vocation to the austerity of Carmelite life. It is more humorous yet that, as an adult nun, she would include this as an example of the practise of virtue. Yet, for all that the incident makes one smile, it does capture a very important truth, key in Thérèse's spirituality. The intention and the offering are what matter, rather than the greatness of the act. Most of us could certainly feel for an exhausted, widower father, already in his fifties, whose adolescent daughter is attached to ritual more suited to those less than half her age. Yet, for one with Thérèse's sensitivity and great devotion to her father, the wound of the words undoubtedly was intense. Thérèse's oft quoted line about wanting to be a plaything for the Child Jesus seems to border on the saccharine, yet is powerful in the entire context of her life (recalling that this was one who, at a very young age, suffered a breakdown.) The message is quite strong: whether she was the favourite toy, or the one left in the toy box, all that mattered was to whom she belonged. Thérèse's wisdom is apparently that the offering is what matters, however little or obscure one's life is. That she turned a will as powerful as hers clearly is to a single-minded devotion to God is a great witness to divine grace's power coupled with that of a loving heart. This is a book to be read without the temptations of falling into sentimentality. The greatest power is much "between the lines."
Rating:
Summary: an obsolete translation of an incomparable book
Review: John Beevers, a British layman, had a great love for St. Therese and introduced countless people to her and through two other books about her. His translation has been superseded by the translation of Father John Clarke, OCD, who worked directly from the original manuscripts and produced a translation for ICS Publications which has gone into three editions. That text is universally acknowledged as the authoritative English translation, and I would like to see all new readers start with it. We appreciate the Beevers translation as an important historical work in the rise of the cult of St. Therese.
Rating:
Summary: Mixed feelings
Review: St Therese was obviously not an accomplished writer and her prose become quite wearisome. She litters her writing with a combination saccharine-sweet sentiments and Victorian angst. Nevertheless hidden in the pages of this book are some deep spiritual truths and revelations given to this saint from Jesus himself. Her method of resisting the evil, her vision of all believers as flowers in the Lord's garden, some wild, some cultivated, all different. These are profound truths spoken simply "out of the mouths of babes and sucklings" as it were. Only there are not enough of them for my liking to compensate for dreary writing in between.
Rating: 
Summary: The best selling book of the twentieth century
Review: St, Therese of Lisieux, "The Little Flower", was recently declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II, the third woman to receive this honor in 2,00 years. She thus ranks with such intellectual and theological giants as St. Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas. This elevation is all the more astonishing when we consider her background; born to a bourgeios family in provincal 19th century France, she entered a cloistered convent at the age of 15, and died in obscurity at age 24. The posthumous publication of her spiritual journals created a sensation in the Catholic world comparable to that produced in the postwar world by THE DIARY OF ANN FRANK. Adopted as a universal "little sister" by the French soldiers of World War I, St. Therese's naive, charming, but profound words were carried next to many an infantryman's heart. Therese's story and the effect of her powerful personality and passionate devotion have lost none of their force. "At last I have found my calling," she declared. "My calling is love." The core of her spiritual message, the "little way" is the recognition that any act, no matter how trivial, is infinitely valuable if done out of love. Her influence on other great 20th century figures such as Theresa of Calcutta and Edith Stein is obvious. This is a unique book, to be read with pleasure, with joy, and with the assurance of great spiritual benefit. The homely and human details of Therese's short life lead to the path of enlightenment.
Rating:
Summary: The best selling book of the twentieth century
Review: St, Therese of Lisieux, "The Little Flower", was recently declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II, the third woman to receive this honor in 2,00 years. She thus ranks with such intellectual and theological giants as St. Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas. This elevation is all the more astonishing when we consider her background; born to a bourgeios family in provincal 19th century France, she entered a cloistered convent at the age of 15, and died in obscurity at age 24. The posthumous publication of her spiritual journals created a sensation in the Catholic world comparable to that produced in the postwar world by THE DIARY OF ANN FRANK. Adopted as a universal "little sister" by the French soldiers of World War I, St. Therese's naive, charming, but profound words were carried next to many an infantryman's heart. Therese's story and the effect of her powerful personality and passionate devotion have lost none of their force. "At last I have found my calling," she declared. "My calling is love." The core of her spiritual message, the "little way" is the recognition that any act, no matter how trivial, is infinitely valuable if done out of love. Her influence on other great 20th century figures such as Theresa of Calcutta and Edith Stein is obvious. This is a unique book, to be read with pleasure, with joy, and with the assurance of great spiritual benefit. The homely and human details of Therese's short life lead to the path of enlightenment.
Rating:
Summary: Spiritual Triumph Through Daily Crosses
Review: St. Theresa of Lisieux wanted all her life to be a saint. So earnest was she to enter the Carmelite Convent that she appealed to the Pope for special permission. Once inside, however, she found suffering, rejection, and misunderstanding. This book is the story of her triumph over the daily trials and tribulations of a thoroughly human life. A Classic.
Rating:
Summary: An incredible book written by an incredible Saint!
Review: The autobiography of Saint Therese is overflowing with the love and tremendous happiness she had in her soul. This little Saint who seemed so small and meek, was incredibly strong with her faith in God. From the very beginning, when she was a little girl, till the end of her young life, she wanted to travel over the world and bring more souls to God. This book has fulfilled her goal! Through her "little way", St. Therese has inspired and amazed people all over the Earth! She is a beautiful Saint and that beauty shines through in this book! I recommend it for everyone of all ages!
Rating:
Summary: The Little Flower is a great Doctor of the Church
Review: The insights of this cloistered Carmelite nun have profound impact over one hundred years after she put them to paper. It is amazing to read the thoughts of someone who was so close to God. This book is a wonderful read, and no amount of explaining can give it the credit it deserves. Everyone should read this book-- period.
Rating:
Summary: The Little Flower is a great Doctor of the Church
Review: The insights of this cloistered Carmelite nun have profound impact over one hundred years after she put them to paper. It is amazing to read the thoughts of someone who was so close to God. This book is a wonderful read, and no amount of explaining can give it the credit it deserves. Everyone should read this book-- period.
Rating:
Summary: A must read that you won't be able to put down.
Review: The Story of a Soul is a magnificient insight into one of our most beautiful saints, St. Therese of Lisieux. Her story is an inspiration for all of us to find holiness in the 'little ways'. A pure delight written in easy to read language - a book for all ages.
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