Norris, Kathleen

Why would a married woman with a thoroughly Protestant background and often more doubt than faith be drawn to the ancient practice of monasticism, to a community of celebate men whose days are centered around a regid schedule of prayer, work, and scripture? This is the question that Kathleen Norris herself asks as, somewhat to her own surprise, she found herself on two extended residencies at a Benedictine monastery. Yet upon leaving the monastery, she began to feel herself transformed, and the daily events of her life on the Great Plains - from her morning walk to her going to sleep at night - gradually took on new meaning.

The author, a poet, investigates and defines various words in the language of the Christian tradition, including "faith, " "judgement, " "sinner, " and "inquisition, " and discusses her own Christian faith.

A poet's journey through language to faith, with each word serving as the occasion for an examination of a particular aspect of the Christinan lexicon.

Poet Kathleen Norris' account of her two extended retreats at Benedictine monasteries and the resulting enrichment of her marriage, her daily life, and her poetry.

Tells the story of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica, twins and best friends born in the mountains of northern Italy who followed their own paths to religious faith and work.

The history and character of the Great Plains and their inhabitants.