The Cloister Walk

Rating:
Summary: OK, but overall, pablum for the masses
Review: As someone who is familiar with monastic life and customs, this book really didn't do much for me. Most of it is wide-eyed wonderment at the way these people live which, at least for me, does not inspire deep spiritual thinking and reflection although the other reviewers seem to have gotten something from it, so that's good for them. The fact that this book appeals to so many people shows the lack of depth America has in its religion. Her "golly gee" attitude and continual repetition of stories showing how "normal" monastics are is very tiresome and is no different from how the media and Hollywood portray religious life. A big problem with the book is her writing style. She has to constantly remind us she is a writer and the techniques she uses are very obvious. The better writers use writing technique and style in an unobtrusive way, getting their points across without calling attention to themselves. Another annoying facet of this book is her constant mention of women and their contributions to religion and life. I am among that group of people who is very tired of having "inclusivity" shoved down our throats. Perhaps her next book will display some depth and reach out to a larger audience. She could also use a good editor.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book BUT
Review: Why does Kathleen Norris never mention her father John Norris, who was a wonderful father to Kathleen Norris, and was a very accomplished Musican with the United States Navy Band, did she hate her father? and that is why she ran away.? If so, she finally came back to earth and has helped others by her fantastic God Given Books

Rating:
Summary: Thought provoking, a good companion book to savor
Review: I've really taken my time reading or better yet savoring this incredible book! Norris writes with such a clear and down to earth style that you feel she is in the same room with you discussing her experiences. I would recommend this read to anyone who finds themselves at a spiritural crossroads, plateau, or "dark night". Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Rhythmn and Balance
Review: As a former monk, a former educator in the Catholic and public school systems, and as a present Roman Catholic priest, I found this book to be the perfect companion (along with Willa Cather) for a recent retreat less than thirty miles from St. John's Abbey. As an insider and an outsider to monastic living and lifestyle, it was interesting to read about how a complete outsider turns from traveler to pilgrim. Once one has encountered Benedictine spirituality, one's life takes a new direction. Norris blends her experiences, both "secular" and "sacred" into what the Gospel calls to be: disciples who try to do the best we can. I'm happy to see that she has found rhythmn in her life. She reminded me of that same rhythmn and balance that the great liturgy and monastic disciplines of the Roman Catholic church offers. This book helped me to remember where I have been and, more importantly, it helped me to remember my future and our future.

Rating:
Summary: An intriguing diary that calls up many questions
Review: When Kathleen Norris found her life in a shambles, she sought shelter in the cloistered world of the Benedictines. She never details the specific problems that led to her quest for renewed faith in God. Although she has joined the monastery as an oblate--unlike the monks and nuns, she can leave to resume her married life and her book tours--she nevertheless feels that she has penetrated to the core of the monastic experience. Her descriptions of what the liturgy means to her, what the companionship of celibate men and women has given her, show us what has kept the Catholic monastery alive for nearly two thousand years. The topics of faith and spirituality, God and religion, monastic service and celibacy are interpreted through her own experience. She writes movingly and convincingly of her own feelings and thoughts, but I am left wondering just what it was that drove a married Protestant woman of middle age, who confesses to a "checkered past," to seek haven in monasteries. Surely her life's experiences color her perceptions and interpretations of cloistered Catholicism. In addition, she identifies herself as a poet, and she is a conspicuous participant in many rituals as she walks ahead of hundreds of monks to begin the reading for a service. Her anecdotes and quotations beautifully present the understanding she has gained, but how close is that to what the lifetime monks and nuns experience?

Rating:
Summary: She captured Benedictine life, especially its nuances, well.
Review: As a Benedictine woman myself, having seen many "cloister walks" in various monasteries, I was too intrigued, from the very first reading of the title not to read this! I can easily understand how readers who are not at all familar with Benedictine life in the US, especially those who are non-Catholic/non- Christian, might not get past the first chapter; however, as both Catholic and Benedictine, I can respond that that Kathleen has captured Benedictine life quite accurately. There are, however, some significant differences between male and female communities and, I believe, that the majority of her experiences come from her visits to male monasteries. The two most common experiences I had while reading Cloister Walk were: 1) laughing and 2) saying, "ah, yes." Laughing because community life is humorous... no less so with religious vows than in any other large group. One has to be within it daily to know where to see it and understand its importance; And this she has done well. Much more common was the "ah, yes" response, as Kathleen did a "poet's job" of sharing the beauty, the spirituality and the every day holiness of life that I have also experienced as a Benedictine. Thanks, Kathleen; I hope our communities can live up to your reflections on them.

Rating:
Summary: chronological, yet confusing geographically
Review: The chronology from dawn to night works well, and the seasonal journey from September through winter, summer, fall is meaningful--in the form of a diary only loosely. Since I have yet to read Dakota, I found the geography confusing. She seems to take for granted that we can place St. John's in a specific place, and she tells about Benedictine monasteries in various states. I enjoyed her account of Christmas in hawaii. Her accounts of South dakota sent me to the atlas, and I found Spencer in the lower southeast corner, but she frequently refers to "western dakota" and specifically to the northwestern corner. Perhaps I'm too much the reader who wants to have a sense of place--I often read with an atlas handy. Her descriptions of the virgin martyrs and nuns in their habits have been helpful as I prepare to discuss Chaucer's Prioress and other tales--for example, the Physician's tale. The book has been a stimulating read, and I look forward to DAKOTA.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting, at times preachy & generally worth reading
Review: This is one woman's journey, sketching her life, her troubles, and her spiritual salvation through a Benedictine Monastery. Quoting the Bible extensively, Ms. Norris tells of her experiences with the Monks and Nuns. She is a writer, a searcher and a poet. Words are her vehicle to explain life and God. She sees the poetic in the mundane, and the special in the everyday. It is worth reading, even for people who are "non-biblical". I found it interesting. The cover blurb reads ". . .Strange & Interesting . . ." which is apropo.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent faith prodding material!
Review: I loved the book -- used it for my morning devotions for about three weeks, reading a bit a day. Her topical, short chapter focus is perfect for this approach. I also passed it on to my sister who is reading it; we now talk about how we understood each passage as she reads. Great discussion starters.

Rating:
Summary: This is a Read-It-In-A-Night-And-Then-Read-It-Again-SLOWLY
Review: Like another reviewer, THE CLOISTER WALK was a book I intended to read and never got around to. I finally got around to it, and couldn't put it down. There are times, in writing about her life and her past, where I felt Kathleen Norris was writing for me, in my own life, and her prose is just lyrical. I was 1/2 way thru this book when I turned to my husband and said..."I can't wait to read this book again!". Highly recommended for anyone who is slogging thru the world looking for a little direction in the day to day, and a little comfort and joy!