“In this day of widespread interest in spiritual reading, the practice of lectio divina (literally, “divine reading”) has sparked renewed interest among Catholics who have reclaimed their ancient contemplative heritage and among those generally interested in prayer and meditation. In the first millennium, when a majority of people were unable to read for themselves, lectio divina involved hearing passages from the Bible during church services or sometimes being given a word or phrase by a spiritual mentor. Pennington, a Trappist monk and author of books on centering prayer, monastic life, and Thomas Merton, emphasizes the experiential aspects of the practice, noting that the intent is not to study Bible passages for knowledge but to deepen awareness of God’s presence. Suitable for theological collections and large public libraries.”
“There are very few books in our days that strive to capture the deep moments of experiencing of a young mind. This book certainly does. Of course the times have changed since Goethe brought to his readers the overwhelming suffering of young Werther, but the basic quest for immediate human understanding remains a historical and transnational universal drama in which we all are players. Reading this book makes one want to be oneself—yet in a world which attempts to turn us all into obedient consumers of superficial news-bites, politicians’ rhetoric claims which we know to be untrue, and so much more.”
“Andrew Shurtleff has written a story filled with archetypes and brimming with wisdom beyond his years. He pours his rich inner life onto the pages, providing a glimpse into a soul dedicated to truth-seeking and truth-telling.”
“Leaning on Cedars is an intelligent young man’s reflection on life and its meaning, captured in vignettes that are inspired by fictionalized versions of lived and virtual experience. Shurtleff uses fictional characters and situations to describe the working of his mind as he explores the mental processes by which he seeks to better understand himself without revealing to the reader the personal meanings of this struggle. But the focus on personal meaning is made unnecessary since, at several points, he makes reasonably clear the compass by which his travel is being guided. The author thoughtfully revisits points on this compass and celebrates them in the lives of his three key characters. His storyline is engaging. His use of dialogue is very effective. This young mind is esthetically agile as the author captures sense of place. This reader is drawn to this work by its natural talent that flows from a thoughtfully anchored mind. It is not often that we get to be privy to the mental and emotional struggles of an intelligent young male as he seeks to make sense of life. I found myself reading one line again and again: ‘To seek thyself and know thyself is to live and experience what the gift of wisdom brings to the soul.’ ”