A Year with Thomas Merton: Daily Meditations from His Journals

I've read almost all of Merton's books. I looked forward to reading the "Daily Meditations" and recommend it; however, it is a collection of edited clips from Merton's writing. I prefer his unedited work because he emerges more distinctly, and it is he who inspires me more.

Wonderful way to start my day. Each reading took me five minutes or less. Often I’d spend another few minutes writing down my own reflections. I value Merton’s thoughts and the intimacy of readings from his journals. Sometimes I felt tired even annoyed by Merton’s obsession with sainthood and perfection - a kind of self importance that he was also aware of and struggled with. Sometimes I just felt sorry for him

Received on time in almost new condition Great value for a used edition.

These are short pieces that touch on universal feelings; yet for reasons unknown to most of us; we seem to have misplaced them. Fr. Merton finds them again for us. The brevity of the daily pieces shows us how easy it is to see and to think about what gifts we are given. He also lets us see that all of us are frail needing God's support and love. A fine book that allows us to go into our own minds without making a great fuss of things. I also have Conjectures of A Guilty Bystander which follows somewhat the kind of thoughts here. The two are not comparable though since Conjectures is what? Deeper? Certainly wider in scope. Year shows us the thoughts that a good man has before going to bed. A fine model for all, even to try emulate because writing a few lines at the end of the day lets us see what we have done with our days.

A Year with Thomas Merton: I have several of his books and enjoy rereading them, so this daily journal is nice. I was hoping for more of his descriptions of being in the woods, etc., which he does so well, but it's ok for daily reading. I just enjoy the ones with a touch of nature in them more.

To begin with, I admit I'm a Thomas Merton follower, and not just because we share the same birthday. But to celebrate my birthday this year, I bought this year and am journaling each day to this meditations. I will never completely understand Merton any more than anyone can completely or even barely know God. But what a comfort it is to realize that one of the world's greatest monks also wrestled with being human.

Merton of course is so good, but one gets the idea he's sometimes a little full of himself with all his self-conscious, precious writing - even while he talks about his folly in such regards. Also, estranged from the fullness of Christian Orthodoxy by his membership in the Roman sect, he doesn't quite get it when he talks about the Greek Fathers from whom his cult broke off. Outside of the communion with them that Orthodoxy, not Romanism, has maintained, he just can't really help himself there. But many inspiring flashes in this good book worth having.

I decided to read this book because I like to know about the lives of people who have dedicated themselves to God, as is the case with Thomas Merton. He writes about the simple things in life, like his surroundings, which gives the reader the impression that he lived life in the present moment observing God in all things. He also writes about current events of the time and his opinions about this and that. But through it all, his wish is to serve God with the utmost dedication and sincerity, at least that's what I came away with. The book was very uplifting for me to read at this point in my life, and I will probably read more of Thomas Merton.

I bought this book on my kindle at the beginning of the year, and after half a year I am still entranced by the thoughts and meditations of this solitary monk. He is totally honest as he wrestles with his past, his present, his place in the world, and the distractions of thoughts and ideas. The readings are not taken chronologically from his diaries, so it is interesting to see how various trains of thought and constant wisdom permeate his life.This book has more than lived up to my expectations. Thomas Merton's deep love of God and gratitude to Him, which underpin all of his writings, are infectious and have enriched my life as a consequence. I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to enrich their inner life with God.

Very interesting to see more into the mind of Thomas Merton. I am enjoying the book and have only given 4 stars as I did rather want a book that had some small gem for all of the days of the year.However, it is by my bed and will be read most nights.

This is Merton at his very best and can be read from year to year _ buy it and enjoy

Have only recently started to read this book for daily meditation. Refreshing and thought provoking. I'm looking forward to reading more.

Book is well bound. Pages feels good to the touch.Editing was executed well.Each page has a digestible set of thoughts. (Thomas is like De Nero in the Devil's Advocate: "never let them see you coming". Thomas sneaks up on you when delivering his though d'jour. )Merton reads more like Aesop than Luke.