Rating: 
Summary: Undependable and Inaccurate Information
Review: As another reviewer alluded, many of the monasteries/convents in this book are included without the nuns'/monks' knowledge or permission. Further, at the end of each state's chapter "other places" are listed for guest accommmodations. The listings are totally inaccurate. Having contacted many of the "other places" I discovered that some have facilites for guests and others do not. The information in the book is not dependable.
Rating:
Summary: Undependable and Inaccurate Information
Review: As another reviewer alluded, many of the monasteries/convents in this book are included without the nuns'/monks' knowledge or permission. Further, at the end of each state's chapter "other places" are listed for guest accommmodations. The listings are totally inaccurate. Having contacted many of the "other places" I discovered that some have facilites for guests and others do not. The information in the book is not dependable.
Rating: 
Summary: Sanctuaries: A guide to great places to visit!
Review: During these very stressful times, when the simple desire to find peace within becomes a burning obsession, this book can help you locate some perfect places to do just that.There are many guide books out there to choose from for a myriad of vacation styles but this book is extremely unique as it only offers places where a seeking soul can find inner peace, can find the true divine nature of who they are, to find deepest form of traquality one can obtain on a vacation or perhaps in life itself. If a person were looking for dinner shows, black diamond restaurants, thrills and high-entertainment for the whole family, this isn't that kind of guide, nor are the places mentioned between the covers going to be appealing.This book is only for those who seek the greatest thrill of all: inner tranquillity and divine connectedness. It's a "must have" book for the inspired traveler. I give it a 5+ rating! Laurie.
Rating:
Summary: Useful and Beautifully Produced
Review: I haven't visited any of the sanctuaries mentioned here, but I hope to soon. The authors have done an excellent job of presenting useful information in an organized, evocative way (I especially was grateful for the line drawings of each site). Admirable thoroughness. And the map-based extra index is another nice touch.
Rating: 
Summary: some locations not available
Review: I love the idea of this book, and I love its execution. I've called a half-dozen places all across the USA to make plans to visit, and most of them have not even known that they were listed in this book! The places listed for New Orleans indicated that they wouldn't want to be in the book if they had the choice - so I don't know how they got in the book in the first place. It's very disappointing, to say the least. Still, the book overall inspires me to find unconventional lodging arrangements when I travel.
Rating:
Summary: Great for vacations!
Review: My husband and I used this book for a cross-country car trip! It was fantastic. A new way of seeing the country! For a few of the places, we had to travel on small farm roads that we hadn't known existed. At the end of the road, there waited welcoming, quiet, joyful places. This is not for a "club med" sort of vacation. But if you need some space in your life, and a new way of seeing the world around you, this book is a first step!
Rating:
Summary: Great for vacations!
Review: There are quite a lot of places not listed in this book, as the previous reviewer allowed. That is not a glaring problem, though, since a truly complete compendium might might be more than a little difficult to pull off. Still, ask yourself, would YOU know about these places if the Kelleys had not put you on to them? Let me offer a few suggestions for finding accomodations in Christian retreat houses. First, Benedictine monasteries have an ancient tradition and obligation to visitors. That means, de facto, that they will take you as a guest (don't abuse this, of course, or act "entitled" to their hospitality. They do live there, after all). Also, if you will call the diocese (Episcopalian or Roman) of the area you'd like to visit, the office will happily put you in touch with any and all monasteries, retreat centres, etc., within their purview. Even if you have no intention (yet) of making a retreat anywhere, this book is a wonderful conversation starter, coffee table (or bathroom, let's all be honest), or waiting room book. Indeed, I imagine that if you are a therapist, clergy, or a doctor (or all three), this would certainly be a book you'd want out for your clients/parishoners/patients/etc to see, in plain view. Also, it is great fun to read, for the explorations it opens up. You should buy a copy, you might be suprised.
Rating:
Summary: A nice book to own
Review: There are quite a lot of places not listed in this book, as the previous reviewer allowed. That is not a glaring problem, though, since a truly complete compendium might might be more than a little difficult to pull off. Still, ask yourself, would YOU know about these places if the Kelleys had not put you on to them? Let me offer a few suggestions for finding accomodations in Christian retreat houses. First, Benedictine monasteries have an ancient tradition and obligation to visitors. That means, de facto, that they will take you as a guest (don't abuse this, of course, or act "entitled" to their hospitality. They do live there, after all). Also, if you will call the diocese (Episcopalian or Roman) of the area you'd like to visit, the office will happily put you in touch with any and all monasteries, retreat centres, etc., within their purview. Even if you have no intention (yet) of making a retreat anywhere, this book is a wonderful conversation starter, coffee table (or bathroom, let's all be honest), or waiting room book. Indeed, I imagine that if you are a therapist, clergy, or a doctor (or all three), this would certainly be a book you'd want out for your clients/parishoners/patients/etc to see, in plain view. Also, it is great fun to read, for the explorations it opens up. You should buy a copy, you might be suprised.
Rating:
Summary: Sanctuaries the Complete United States ...
Review: This is an excellent guidebook -- not only the best of its field, but also the only one that I know of. In my opinion, this is an absolute essential for the spiritual adventurer. Armchair seekers -- such as I -- will also enjoy its many, many stopovers and tales. I recommend it highly, but wonder why something like this wasn't written sooner ... when I was still young and single enough to put it to better use.
Rating:
Summary: Sanctuaries the Complete United States ...
Review: This is an excellent guidebook -- not only the best of its field, but also the only one that I know of. In my opinion, this is an absolute essential for the spiritual adventurer. Armchair seekers -- such as I -- will also enjoy its many, many stopovers and tales. I recommend it highly, but wonder why something like this wasn't written sooner ... when I was still young and single enough to put it to better use.
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