Acedia & me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer's Life

In Acedia and Me, Kathleen Norris provides us with a helpful exposition of the monastic idea of torpor or spiritual and mental sloth, what the ancients called acedia. Explaining how this term, uncommon in our day, has developed historically and theologically, is a key theme of the book. Norris surveys a vast range of monastic, contemplative, theological, and other literary treatments of this idea, helping us grasp how the recognition of this vice might serve us today in our own spiritual journeys.

As noted by other reviewers, Norris's autobiographical selections are particularly insightful. While some may consider these digressions or departures from the central theme of the book, I found them to be illuminating, in that the realities of life contribute to the condition of acedia. Norris's lengthy discussion of her marriage with her husband David, his suicide attempt, his personal struggles with depression and the abuse of alcohol, and his later battles with illness that ultimately led to his death are full of emotion and clear introspection, naming the challenges many of us face when losing those we love with precision. Norris's ruminations on death add great value to this book. Often, death is a subject we are afraid to face, as it will one day come to us all. But Norris does so with boldness and clarity.

This is my first exposure to Kathleen Norris's work. From time to time, certain theological nuances irked me (such as particular nuances in her discussion of sin and human nature), but overall I found this book to be engaging and enjoyable. As a creative, I also found the themes explored in this book to be helpful for my craft, which is predominantly writing, though I dabble in other artistic ventures as well. I know what it means to lack care for my craft, to fall into torpor, to be slothful or apathetic mentally or spiritually. And while these descriptors, as Norris points out, only begin to define acedia, they are nonetheless helpful. This is why I'm thankful for this book. Norris names a concept or idea that has been part of my reality, illuminates both the source and a potential cure, and leads me by the hand toward a more virtuous, disciplined life.

one of my favorite writers

Kathleen Norris is one of my favorite writers and persons. I grew up in western North Dakota, and her perceptions of North and South Dakota ("Dakota, a Spiritual Geography") ring true for me. I'm an 80-year-old woman, and her insights in "The Quotidian Mysteries" have been very helpful to me. And "Acedia & Me"? I read it through twice and have used it as an ongoing reference ever since; it's invaluable, and especially so, I would think, to anyone who is going through a difficult time.

This book was 'slow' to grab my interest in the beginning mainly because I could not really identify with the problem of acedia. As I continued reading it, however, I became quite interested and feel I learned a lot about the problem of acedia. I read it along with several other women in our church. We then met together and discussed the book. Most of us felt it was quite worthwhile reading.