Rating: 
Summary: A MUST TRAVEL BOOK FOR EUROPE!
Review: This book was my greatest treasure on my recent trip to Europe!!! I traveled to a number of countries, and was able to visit some of Christianity's greatest monasteries. I absolutely loved the monastery of Solesmes in France, what a beautiful and peaceful place (as the author said). There were so many things I loved about the book: the introductory chapters on the history of monasticism, the story on Gregorian chant, how to contact the places, and the information on each monastery/convent (and what they have to offer). I can't wait to get back to Europe and visit more places using this book!!!
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT RESOURCE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES!!!
Review: This is exactly the book we were looking for! It has all the pertinent information for learning about which monasteries and convents are able to accept visitors for overnight stays. It also provides the contact information for each place which has been invaluable for us, and it provides key information such as whether the place accepts men, women, and/or families. Also, other tidbits that were helpful to us were information pieces such as whether the liturgies are in said/sung in Latin or the vernacular. Lastly, the opening part of the book which provided brief summaries of monasticism and key terms was of great help. We would highly, highly recommend this book for anyone planning to visit monasteries and convents in Europe. And as the author mentioned, one should have a spiritual purpose in mind if you plan to visit these places. God bless! Brian & Jane
Rating:
Summary: Perfect for European travels and/or Monastic research
Review: We really enjoyed this book, as it proved to be very helpful in regards to our travel plans for Europe, and in contacting the monasteries (the book features many website and email addresses which makes it quite easy to contact many of the places.) It was also refreshing to have book of this nature actually discuss the history of monasticism, and some of the major orders. We also found the monastic website listing at the back of the book extremely helpful. We would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is hoping to stay in a monastery/convent in Europe, and is open to experiencing the peaceful Christian solitude of these places.
Rating: 
Summary: Practical & Spiritual
Review: We were very pleased with the format of this book. Not only is the book practical (it has the monastery contact information we were looking for), but it also approached the subject from a spiritual perspective - very important. The only disappointment, however, was that it didn't have any maps, which made it more difficult to find out where many of the places were located. But nonetheless, it's been very helpful for us, and we've also loaned the book out to friends who have also found it very helpful in making their travel plans. We give it four stars.
Rating:
Summary: Practical & Spiritual
Review: We were very pleased with the format of this book. Not only is the book practical (it has the monastery contact information we were looking for), but it also approached the subject from a spiritual perspective - very important. The only disappointment, however, was that it didn't have any maps, which made it more difficult to find out where many of the places were located. But nonetheless, it's been very helpful for us, and we've also loaned the book out to friends who have also found it very helpful in making their travel plans. We give it four stars.
Rating:
Summary: Great book for those wishing to visit a monastery in Europe
Review: What a great book for travelers to Europe, and those hoping to visit monasteries and convents. I had searched everywhere for a book of this type, and just when I thought it didn't exist, a friend told me about it. Hence, I am so glad I found it, as it was very helpful during my pre-planning stages of visiting Europe. In fact, because of the contact information that is listed in the book under each monastery/convent, I was able to correspond with many of the places before I went (and even set up reservations). I also liked the introductory chapters which gave me a refresher course on the history of monasticism, special terms, the various religious orders and their charisms, etc. So, I would highly recommend this book to anyone that truly wants to visit the monasteries/convents across Europe for purposes of a spiritual retreat/visit. If you don't have plans of visiting these places with a spiritual purpose in mind, then the book is probably not for you (by the way, the previous reviewer must have bought some other book....did he not realize that the book provides contact information to more than 400 places....and that most monasteries and convents are not on the Internet?).God bless, Jason
Rating:
Summary: Awesome, awesome travel book!!!
Review: What an awesome book and idea! Not only can you learn about all these monasteries and convents in Europe and where to stay, but you can access many of them via their websites (which are provided in the book). If you're even thinking about going to Europe, definately get this book - you'll love it!!! I also loved the chapter on Gregorian chant, especially the part on where I can buy CD's of this music.
|
