Rating: 
Summary: Finally, a collection of saints as inclusive as God
Review: I have always been attracted to books of "lives of the saints" but have always been disappointed by the author's "collection". Often the "saint" makes the collection because they were undeniably orthodox or their passion was plastered over to make them presentable. The collections were eurocentric, patriarchal, & pious reflecting a narrow, self-satisfied god. Ellsberg's "All Asaints" is happily all-inclusive, revealing the myriad facets of God, the Lover of Creation. The sole standard which the author seems to use is how the individual manifested his/her relationship with God by pursuing agape between desperate communities via prayer, mysticism, ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, social justice, political empowerment, education, gender equity, environmentalism, healthcare, journalism, communication, and good ol'-fashion "Speaking to the Truth". Ellsberg's "all saints" are people of passion & compassion--flesh & blood & spirit. The book is intelligently written, with suggestions for further reading. I unreservedly recommend this book. Seldom has a book so resonated with me--I read it before my evening devotions & it draws me into the heart of prayer. Kudos!
Rating:
Summary: Finally, a collection of saints as inclusive as God
Review: I have always been attracted to books of "lives of the saints" but have always been disappointed by the author's "collection". Often the "saint" makes the collection because they were undeniably orthodox or their passion was plastered over to make them presentable. The collections were eurocentric, patriarchal, & pious reflecting a narrow, self-satisfied god. Ellsberg's "All Asaints" is happily all-inclusive, revealing the myriad facets of God, the Lover of Creation. The sole standard which the author seems to use is how the individual manifested his/her relationship with God by pursuing agape between desperate communities via prayer, mysticism, ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, social justice, political empowerment, education, gender equity, environmentalism, healthcare, journalism, communication, and good ol'-fashion "Speaking to the Truth". Ellsberg's "all saints" are people of passion & compassion--flesh & blood & spirit. The book is intelligently written, with suggestions for further reading. I unreservedly recommend this book. Seldom has a book so resonated with me--I read it before my evening devotions & it draws me into the heart of prayer. Kudos!
Rating: 
Summary: Friends in Heavenly Places
Review: I have bookcases filled with books and guides on the lives of the saints. It was reading the lives of the saints that led me on my journey home to the Roman Catholic Church --- yes by choice! I was a Baptist. So true to the way of Light in their words and actions and in the mystical understanding of God with us and the merits of redemptive suffering ALL THE SAINTS draw us closer to a higher place. I found this book refreshing, new, insightful filled with hopeful commentary. I loved the authors selection of holy peopple on non-canonized yet still holy or wholey-striving people as great models for a modern age. There are 365 vivid examples of saints that I now read over and over again. While I may not pray to Ghandi, yes he is in the book, his life is an example for all. A must for any fond reader of great people, holy people, or who have yet to find someone they admire and need hope in humanity.
Rating:
Summary: This Book is a Daily Boost!
Review: I have read the daily sections of this book for over a year and find new encouragement in it every time. These people - with or without official halos - are the kind of role models we need today.
Rating:
Summary: This is an important addition to my devotional library
Review: I have seldom read a book and so quickly been captivated. I am going to order several copies for special friends. My husband, who can be slightly skeptical at times, thinks of saints as people with out-of-control appetites--much like any other sort of greediness--except,perhaps, that their appetites happen to be directed toward the godly. I think this book points to a differernt sort of saint. I am grateful that I chanced upon it. I use it in my daily devoltional.
Rating: 
Summary: "Orthodox" is not a dirty word
Review: I picked this up in a used bookstore because it looked interesting, but I should have looked at it more closely. Some of the entries are touching, thought-provoking mini-bios of truly inspirational people, some of whom are not well-known enough. But Mr. Ellsberg's own politics are too intrusive, both implicitly in the people he chose to profile, and explicitly in the way he profiled them. I could not find an instance in which "orthodox" (as an adjective for someone faithful to Christian teachings, not "Orthodox" as it describes Eastern Christians) was not used as a synonym for narrow-mindedness or outright ignorance. I also could not find a flattering portrayal of a person who defended Christian teaching against heresy. Instead, people are championed who believe that "Christians [have] greater need of the spirit of the Gospels and should put less emphasis on laws, prohibitions and dogmas." Of course, the idea that the "spirit" of the Gospels compels followers to obey laws, prohibitions and dogmas is sniffed at. Pacifisim is championed again and again in the entries. There are times and situations in which pacifisim is a heroic and correct choice. But to refer to "priests and bishops who casually gave their blessing to war" is terribly offensive. It is especially true in that this phrase comes in the entry on an American who opposed U.S. involvement in World War II. Should the Allies have chosen pacifism over liberating millions of Europeans, Asians and Africans from Nazi and Imperial Japanese tyranny and genocide? Meanwhile, the entry on St. Therese of Lisieux refers in a condescending manner to the "somewhat cloying and sentimental style of her provincial piety." St. Therese, a Doctor of the Church and who evinced a theology far deeper than that of most people of far more education and worldly experience, is dismissed as "provincial." How absurd! If you are looking for a guide to help you develop your faith and spirituality, in fact, I would recommend reading Therese's The Story of a Soul over this very PC, politically tilted book.
Rating: 
Summary: Not orthodox but interesting nonetheless
Review: I quite enjoyed this book, particularly when the writer wrote about those we don't know - rather unknown heros who were edifyingly Christian. The political correctness got a little tiresome, but it still is worth having. I keep it on the table in the family room and my kids thumb through it now and then, pick a 'subject' and read. I'd rather they read about these folk, orthodox or not, than some celebrity magazine.
Rating:
Summary: "Orthodox" is not a dirty word
Review: I was first introduced to this book on Br. David's transformative website, Gratefulness.org. What a rewarding purchase. Each day features a short biography of a saint or prophet from all religions and all eras. The short passages are concise and carefully-crafted, with emphasis paid to the prophet's particular spiritual gift. I sometimes read passages to my fiance at night. It is quite a beautiful tribute to these amazing people.
Rating:
Summary: This book will expand your heart
Review: I was first introduced to this book on Br. David's transformative website, Gratefulness.org. What a rewarding purchase. Each day features a short biography of a saint or prophet from all religions and all eras. The short passages are concise and carefully-crafted, with emphasis paid to the prophet's particular spiritual gift. I sometimes read passages to my fiance at night. It is quite a beautiful tribute to these amazing people.
Rating:
Summary: I can hear the heavens applauding! suzie@sterlinginn.com
Review: I'm just a plebe-- certainly not saintly quality, but I do want to improve my spiritual life. All Saints dropped into my life 3 weeks ago and I just can't put it down! It's a goosebump book about neat people, not just Catholic saints, but those who've stood for human goodness: ML King, Sojourner Truth, Henri Nouwen, Mollie Rogers, Stanley Rother, Simone Weil, Chief Seattle, even Van Gogh! As I read and discover about the lives and accomplishments of these spiritual giants, I am totally astounded. These people, for the most part, have been totally forgotten about (by lowly plebes anyway)and, as I slowly "rediscover" each one, I feel as if they're cheering up in the heavenlies. This book is way illuminating and could easily inspire you to gladly seek out that straight and narrow path. Like Augustine says, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in thee". Just get it.
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