Touching Heaven: Discovering Orthodox Christianity on the Island of Valaam

Rating:
Summary: Touching Heaven
Review: "Touching Heaven" is astonishing. Read it slowly, with great care and expectation.

Rating:
Summary: Good idea for a book, but...
Review: As a Roman Catholic monk, I was excited initially to see a book on the Russian Orthodox monks--especially since it seemed to be intimately written from experience. The writer, John Oliver, must be commended for his help to the monks. The book, however, lacks personality and intimacy. I wanted to hear more about the lives and stories of the monks! The author, repeating how much the monks have affected him simply does not say to the reader the specific ways he was challenged.

Great concept for a book, but simply lacks good stories.

Rating:
Summary: Too Short!
Review: I will be reading this one again. Mr. Oliver's poetic and soothing prose lulled me into the story of his wonderful transformation from a "seeker" to an Orthodox Christian. His account of Valaam and Elder Raphael are like an afternoon recollection--as if I can close my eyes and share in his memories.

Rating:
Summary: Too Short!
Review: I will be reading this one again. Mr. Oliver's poetic and soothing prose lulled me into the story of his wonderful transformation from a "seeker" to an Orthodox Christian. His account of Valaam and Elder Raphael are like an afternoon recollection--as if I can close my eyes and share in his memories.

Rating:
Summary: Touching Heaven
Review: With some appreciation for Russian culture at the beginning, John Oliver sets off to help rebuild part of the Valaam Monastery. His life is changed as he becomes a better Orthodox Christian and at the same time grows within as a thinker. The silence and the cooperate work in Northern Russia makes him realize his part in the scheme of life. He does find internal peace and understands why men over the centuries have turned to the monastic life. It is well written and could be re-read time and time again.

Rating:
Summary: Touching Heaven
Review: With some appreciation for Russian culture at the beginning, John Oliver sets off to help rebuild part of the Valaam Monastery. His life is changed as he becomes a better Orthodox Christian and at the same time grows within as a thinker. The silence and the cooperate work in Northern Russia makes him realize his part in the scheme of life. He does find internal peace and understands why men over the centuries have turned to the monastic life. It is well written and could be re-read time and time again.