The Seven Storey Mountain, (Hardcover)

from albertgoldfain

Merton's writing is clearly the product of a lot of solitude and reflection. The comparisons with Augustine an Aquinas are apt, but he is less of a theologian and more of a literary writer (wasn't surprised to find he was a reader of Joyce and Dante). Still, the impulse to retreat into solitude d...

from Neftzger

This book is essentially Thomas Merton's autobiography of his early life through the time of his conversion to Catholicism and entry into a monastery. Aside from being an interesting story, there are a few additional insights to be gained from this book that make it extraordinary. For example, at...

from laudemgloriae

I was very impressed with this auto-biography, and I'm not one for auto-biographies. I think they seem too egotistical generally, but this one is different. His life is fascinating, and he writes humorously, really giving all the glory to God for the good things in it.

from Donna828

Merton writes with genuineness about his unlikely journey of faith. Who knows why God persistently calls a normal, flawed young man until he gives up everything so that he can devote his life to God? Merton was a French-born U.S. citizen who was mean to his little brother, went to the wild side i...

from steller0707

Merton is most eloquent in describing his soul- searching and the contemplation of his faith. The writing of the events of his life, though very interesting, is choppier. In his Epilogue he is very eloquent. He doesn't call for following his choice of vocation in becoming a monk - he's not a "rec...