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SoBrief
Searching...
Strangers to the City
by Michael Casey • 2005
Benedict's ancient rule transforms self-denial into a path to freedom and deeper love.
4.29
148
Strangers to the City Summary
Strangers to the City 90%
Benedict's ancient rule transforms self-denial into a path to freedom and deeper love.
by Michael Casey 2005
4.29
148 ratings
The Silent Life
by Thomas Merton • 1957
What four monastic orders discovered by stripping life to silence: a Trappist's survey.
4.06
192
The Silent Life Summary
The Silent Life 90%
What four monastic orders discovered by stripping life to silence: a Trappist's survey.
by Thomas Merton 1957
4.06
192 ratings
Aflame
by Pico Iyer • 2025
Fire took everything. In a monastery above the Pacific, he found what silence returns.
3.79
1k+
Aflame Summary
Aflame 89%
Fire took everything. In a monastery above the Pacific, he found what silence returns.
by Pico Iyer 2025
3.79
1k+ ratings
Eve of Snows
by L. James Rice • 2018
A gifted orphan hides deadly magic in a frozen monastery as ancient darkness stirs beneath.
4.03
196
Eve of Snows Summary
Eve of Snows 88%
A gifted orphan hides deadly magic in a frozen monastery as ancient darkness stirs beneath.
by L. James Rice 2018
4.03
196 ratings
Little Angels
by Phra Peter Pannapadipo • 2005
Most Thai novice monks did not choose the monastery. Hunger chose for them.
3.94
135
Little Angels Summary
Little Angels 88%
Most Thai novice monks did not choose the monastery. Hunger chose for them.
by Phra Peter Pannapadipo 2005
3.94
135 ratings
No Man Is an Island
by Thomas Merton • 1955
True selfhood means giving yourself away, not asserting yourself. Merton on the relational soul.
4.16
5k+
No Man Is an Island Summary
No Man Is an Island 88%
True selfhood means giving yourself away, not asserting yourself. Merton on the relational soul.
by Thomas Merton 1955
4.16
5k+ ratings
The Monk
by Matthew Gregory Lewis • 1796
A monk revered as a saint falls into lust, murder, and a bargain with the Devil.
3.86
35k+
The Monk Summary
The Monk 88%
A monk revered as a saint falls into lust, murder, and a bargain with the Devil.
by Matthew Gregory Lewis 1796
3.86
35k+ ratings
Father Sergius
by Leo Tolstoy • 1911
To escape humiliation, a proud prince chases sainthood. But pride follows him into the cell.
3.86
6k+
Father Sergius Summary
Father Sergius 88%
To escape humiliation, a proud prince chases sainthood. But pride follows him into the cell.
by Leo Tolstoy 1911
3.86
6k+ ratings
The Light Ages
by Seb Falk • 2020
Eclipse math, precision clocks, a six-foot computer: the medieval laboratory inside the monastery.
3.67
2k+
The Light Ages Summary
The Light Ages 88%
Eclipse math, precision clocks, a six-foot computer: the medieval laboratory inside the monastery.
by Seb Falk 2020
3.67
2k+ ratings
Thoughts in Solitude
by Thomas Merton • 1956
Solitude is not geography. It is the interior awakening where silence replaces everything unreal.
4.02
3k+
Thoughts in Solitude Summary
Thoughts in Solitude 88%
Solitude is not geography. It is the interior awakening where silence replaces everything unreal.
by Thomas Merton 1956
4.02
3k+ ratings
The Power of Silence
by Robert Sarah • 2016
We use noise to hide from ourselves. A cardinal's case for silence as the way back.
4.41
3k+
The Power of Silence Summary
The Power of Silence 88%
We use noise to hide from ourselves. A cardinal's case for silence as the way back.
by Robert Sarah 2016
4.41
3k+ ratings
The Path to Salvation, A Concise Outline of Christian Ascesis
by Theophan the Recluse • 1869
The soul's ascent: from first zeal, through inner war, to the stillness of union with God.
4.69
150
The Path to Salvation, A Concise Outline of Christian Ascesis Summary
The Path to Salvation, A Concise Outline of Christian Ascesis 88%
The soul's ascent: from first zeal, through inner war, to the stillness of union with God.
by Theophan the Recluse 1869
4.69
150 ratings
Cave in the Snow
by Vicki Mackenzie • 1998
Six years into her cave retreat, a blizzard buried her alive. She stayed six more.
4.29
3k+
Cave in the Snow Summary
Cave in the Snow 88%
Six years into her cave retreat, a blizzard buried her alive. She stayed six more.
by Vicki Mackenzie 1998
4.29
3k+ ratings
The Seven Storey Mountain
by Thomas Merton • 1948
Pleasure, communism, literary fame: all failed him. A silent monastery in Kentucky did not.
4.08
21k+
The Seven Storey Mountain Summary
The Seven Storey Mountain 88%
Pleasure, communism, literary fame: all failed him. A silent monastery in Kentucky did not.
by Thomas Merton 1948
4.08
21k+ ratings
Brilliant Moon
by Dilgo Khyentse • 2008
He walked out of Tibet with goats and monks, then became the Dalai Lama's teacher.
4.48
132
Brilliant Moon Summary
Brilliant Moon 88%
He walked out of Tibet with goats and monks, then became the Dalai Lama's teacher.
by Dilgo Khyentse 2008
4.48
132 ratings
The Name of the Rose
by Umberto Eco • 1980
A medieval abbey's first death draws a friar into a library that murders to guard a forbidden text.
4.14
398k+
The Name of the Rose Summary
The Name of the Rose 88%
A medieval abbey's first death draws a friar into a library that murders to guard a forbidden text.
by Umberto Eco 1980
4.14
398k+ ratings
Thirty Steps to Heaven
by Vassilios Papavassiliou • 2013
An ancient monk's thirty-rung ladder to divine love, built for the monastery, now made for everyone.
4.64
301
Thirty Steps to Heaven Summary
Thirty Steps to Heaven 87%
An ancient monk's thirty-rung ladder to divine love, built for the monastery, now made for everyone.
by Vassilios Papavassiliou 2013
4.64
301 ratings
Stone Yard Devotional
by Charlotte Wood • 2023
Fleeing grief, a woman retreats to an abbey where silence is not escape but a trial.
3.72
30k+
Stone Yard Devotional Summary
Stone Yard Devotional 87%
Fleeing grief, a woman retreats to an abbey where silence is not escape but a trial.
by Charlotte Wood 2023
3.72
30k+ ratings
The Imitation of Christ
by Thomas à Kempis • 1427
The reward for wanting nothing is peace. Getting what you want only postpones the restlessness.
4.24
27k+
The Imitation of Christ Summary
The Imitation of Christ 87%
The reward for wanting nothing is peace. Getting what you want only postpones the restlessness.
by Thomas à Kempis 1427
4.24
27k+ ratings
The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios
by Dionysios Farasiotis • 2002
Yoga gave him power. Gurus gave him terror. A Greek monk gave him back his soul.
4.49
1k+
The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios Summary
The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios 87%
Yoga gave him power. Gurus gave him terror. A Greek monk gave him back his soul.
by Dionysios Farasiotis 2002
4.49
1k+ ratings
The Secret Supper
by Javier Sierra • 2007
A Dominican sent to decode da Vinci's Last Supper finds his anonymous informant is staging murders.
3.46
7k+
The Secret Supper Summary
The Secret Supper 87%
A Dominican sent to decode da Vinci's Last Supper finds his anonymous informant is staging murders.
by Javier Sierra 2007
3.46
7k+ ratings
Enthusiasm
by Ronald Knox • 1950
Montanists to Methodist revivals, a recurring temperament claims direct guidance, then unravels.
4.45
51
Enthusiasm Summary
Enthusiasm 87%
Montanists to Methodist revivals, a recurring temperament claims direct guidance, then unravels.
by Ronald Knox 1950
4.45
51 ratings
The Spiritual Life and How to be Attuned to it
by Theophan the Recluse • 1996
The soul has a structure, the passions have a cure: a recluse's letters on spiritual repair.
4.67
179
The Spiritual Life and How to be Attuned to it Summary
The Spiritual Life and How to be Attuned to it 87%
The soul has a structure, the passions have a cure: a recluse's letters on spiritual repair.
by Theophan the Recluse 1996
4.67
179 ratings
Eager to Love
by Richard Rohr • 2014
A spiritual path that runs toward failure, poverty, and weakness. Francis of Assisi opened it.
4.38
1k+
Eager to Love Summary
Eager to Love 87%
A spiritual path that runs toward failure, poverty, and weakness. Francis of Assisi opened it.
by Richard Rohr 2014
4.38
1k+ ratings
How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization
by Thomas E. Woods Jr. • 2005
Universities, science, and human rights emerged not despite the Catholic Church but because of it.
4.12
3k+
How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization Summary
How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization 87%
Universities, science, and human rights emerged not despite the Catholic Church but because of it.
by Thomas E. Woods Jr. 2005
4.12
3k+ ratings
If Truth Be Told
by Om Swami • 2014
A millionaire CEO renounces everything, even his name, to wander India as a penniless monk.
4.45
3k+
If Truth Be Told Summary
If Truth Be Told 87%
A millionaire CEO renounces everything, even his name, to wander India as a penniless monk.
by Om Swami 2014
4.45
3k+ ratings
New Seeds of Contemplation
by Thomas Merton • 1962
Your ego is a fiction that flees reality. Your true identity waits in God, beyond thought.
4.27
9k+
New Seeds of Contemplation Summary
New Seeds of Contemplation 87%
Your ego is a fiction that flees reality. Your true identity waits in God, beyond thought.
by Thomas Merton 1962
4.27
9k+ ratings
The Spiral Staircase
by Karen Armstrong • 2004
A failed nun, an undiagnosed brain disorder, and the world religions that rebuilt her faith.
3.94
9k+
The Spiral Staircase Summary
The Spiral Staircase 87%
A failed nun, an undiagnosed brain disorder, and the world religions that rebuilt her faith.
by Karen Armstrong 2004
3.94
9k+ ratings
The Road to Jerusalem
by Jan Guillou • 1998
A warrior-monk loves the wrong woman. The church exiles him to the Crusades for twenty years.
4.02
9k+
The Road to Jerusalem Summary
The Road to Jerusalem 87%
A warrior-monk loves the wrong woman. The church exiles him to the Crusades for twenty years.
by Jan Guillou 1998
4.02
9k+ ratings
How the Irish Saved Civilization
by Thomas Cahill • 1995
After Rome's fall, Irish monks became the unlikely saviors of classical literature.
3.81
47k+
How the Irish Saved Civilization Summary
How the Irish Saved Civilization 87%
After Rome's fall, Irish monks became the unlikely saviors of classical literature.
by Thomas Cahill 1995
3.81
47k+ ratings
Desire and Mental Health in Christianity and the Arts
by David Torevell • 2023
The West's mental health crisis has roots that psychology overlooks: a forgotten theology of desire.
Desire and Mental Health in Christianity and the Arts Summary
Desire and Mental Health in Christianity and the Arts 87%
The West's mental health crisis has roots that psychology overlooks: a forgotten theology of desire.
by David Torevell 2023
Reaching Out
by Henri J.M. Nouwen • 1986
Three transformations that use your loneliness, defensiveness, and death-denial as doorways to God.
4.17
5k+
Reaching Out Summary
Reaching Out 87%
Three transformations that use your loneliness, defensiveness, and death-denial as doorways to God.
by Henri J.M. Nouwen 1986
4.17
5k+ ratings
Ecclesiastical History of the English People
by Bede • 2003
Holy kings, miracle-working monks, and a council that chose Peter's keys: the conversion of England.
3.91
94
Ecclesiastical History of the English People Summary
Ecclesiastical History of the English People 87%
Holy kings, miracle-working monks, and a council that chose Peter's keys: the conversion of England.
by Bede 2003
3.91
94 ratings
Iota Unum
by Romano Amerio • 1996
The post-Vatican II Church turned reform into a dismantling of authority, liturgy, and truth.
4.34
61
Iota Unum Summary
Iota Unum 87%
The post-Vatican II Church turned reform into a dismantling of authority, liturgy, and truth.
by Romano Amerio 1996
4.34
61 ratings
Going to Church in Medieval England
by Nicholas Orme • 2021
9,500 buildings held medieval England together: the parish church, from birth to burial.
4.19
295
Going to Church in Medieval England Summary
Going to Church in Medieval England 87%
9,500 buildings held medieval England together: the parish church, from birth to burial.
by Nicholas Orme 2021
4.19
295 ratings
The Druid
by Jeff Wheeler • 2022
Guarding a captive druid, a servant learns a forbidden magic that challenges her entire world.
4.29
14k+
The Druid Summary
The Druid 87%
Guarding a captive druid, a servant learns a forbidden magic that challenges her entire world.
by Jeff Wheeler 2022
4.29
14k+ ratings
Vie de Saint Dominique
by Henri-Dominique Lacordaire • 2012
When the medieval Church crumbled, one man held it up with poverty and preaching alone.
4.08
12
Vie de Saint Dominique Summary
Vie de Saint Dominique 87%
When the medieval Church crumbled, one man held it up with poverty and preaching alone.
by Henri-Dominique Lacordaire 2012
4.08
12 ratings
Catholics in Exile
by Scott Hahn • 2023
Exile redefines everything: heaven breaks in through worship and the slow, patient work of love.
4.45
114
Catholics in Exile Summary
Catholics in Exile 87%
Exile redefines everything: heaven breaks in through worship and the slow, patient work of love.
by Scott Hahn 2023
4.45
114 ratings
Crucible of Chaos
by Sebastien de Castell • 2023
A scarred magistrate enters a storm-wracked abbey where poisoned monks war over murdered gods.
4.05
929
Crucible of Chaos Summary
Crucible of Chaos 87%
A scarred magistrate enters a storm-wracked abbey where poisoned monks war over murdered gods.
by Sebastien de Castell 2023
4.05
929 ratings
The Great Façade
by Christopher A. Ferrara • 2002
Empty seminaries, liturgical chaos, missionary collapse: not despite Vatican II, but because of it.
4.30
77
The Great Façade Summary
The Great Façade 87%
Empty seminaries, liturgical chaos, missionary collapse: not despite Vatican II, but because of it.
by Christopher A. Ferrara 2002
4.30
77 ratings
The Rotting Room
by Viggy Parr Hampton • 2025
A young nun at a remote abbey discovers the Sisters sell the dead as bottled grace.
3.39
1k+
The Rotting Room Summary
The Rotting Room 87%
A young nun at a remote abbey discovers the Sisters sell the dead as bottled grace.
by Viggy Parr Hampton 2025
3.39
1k+ ratings
Canticle
by Janet Rich Edwards • 2025
Medieval Bruges: a merchant's daughter reads forbidden texts, finds God, and challenges the Church.
3.87
7k+
Canticle Summary
Canticle 87%
Medieval Bruges: a merchant's daughter reads forbidden texts, finds God, and challenges the Church.
by Janet Rich Edwards 2025
3.87
7k+ ratings
A Mind at Peace
by Christopher O. Blum • 2017
Phones are designed to hook you. The real cure is an ancient set of virtues.
4.12
164
A Mind at Peace Summary
A Mind at Peace 87%
Phones are designed to hook you. The real cure is an ancient set of virtues.
by Christopher O. Blum 2017
4.12
164 ratings
Union with God
by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen • 2019
Your prayer runs dry, and you think you have failed. A sixteenth-century mystic says otherwise.
4.63
59
Union with God Summary
Union with God 87%
Your prayer runs dry, and you think you have failed. A sixteenth-century mystic says otherwise.
by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen 2019
4.63
59 ratings
Thomas Aquinas
by Robert Barron • 1996
Aquinas the rationalist is a mirage. His entire theology is a path to ecstatic union with God.
4.48
276
Thomas Aquinas Summary
Thomas Aquinas 87%
Aquinas the rationalist is a mirage. His entire theology is a path to ecstatic union with God.
by Robert Barron 1996
4.48
276 ratings
Zen Is Right Here
by Shunryu Suzuki • 2001
Awakening hides in dishwashing and bird calls, not in temples: a Zen master's anecdotes.
4.18
323
Zen Is Right Here Summary
Zen Is Right Here 87%
Awakening hides in dishwashing and bird calls, not in temples: a Zen master's anecdotes.
by Shunryu Suzuki 2001
4.18
323 ratings
Happy are You Poor
by Thomas Dubay • 1981
Radical poverty is not for saints alone. It is the normal Christian life, and it is joyful.
4.39
727
Happy are You Poor Summary
Happy are You Poor 87%
Radical poverty is not for saints alone. It is the normal Christian life, and it is joyful.
by Thomas Dubay 1981
4.39
727 ratings
In Good Company
by James Martin • 2000
He traded a corporate salary for a mop at Mother Teresa's, and found what he'd been missing.
4.30
381
In Good Company Summary
In Good Company 87%
He traded a corporate salary for a mop at Mother Teresa's, and found what he'd been missing.
by James Martin 2000
4.30
381 ratings
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
by Shunryu Suzuki • 1970
Mastery narrows your vision. The Zen practice of not-knowing is how you get it back.
4.21
50k+
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind Summary
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind 87%
Mastery narrows your vision. The Zen practice of not-knowing is how you get it back.
by Shunryu Suzuki 1970
4.21
50k+ ratings
Secular Buddhism
by Stephen Batchelor • 2017
Buddhism without rebirth or ritual: four practical tasks for flourishing in this life, right now.
3.88
289
Secular Buddhism Summary
Secular Buddhism 87%
Buddhism without rebirth or ritual: four practical tasks for flourishing in this life, right now.
by Stephen Batchelor 2017
3.88
289 ratings
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