Most Popular Books by Kathleen Norris

A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF THE YEAR From the New York Times-bestselling author of The Cloister Walk, a book about Christianity, spirituality, and rediscovered faith. Struggling with her return to the Christian church after many years away, Kathleen Norris found it was the language of Christianity that most distanced her from faith. Words like "judgment," "faith," "dogma," "salvation," "sinner"—even "Christ"—formed what she called her "scary vocabulary," words that had become so codified or abstract that their meanings were all but impenetrable. She found she had to wrestle with them and make them her own before they could confer their blessings and their grace. Blending history, theology, storytelling, etymology, and memoir, Norris uses these words as a starting point for reflection, and offers a moving account of her own gradual conversion. She evokes a rich spirituality rooted firmly in the chaos of everyday life—and offers believers and doubters alike an illuminating perspective on how we can embrace ancient traditions and find faith in the contemporary world.

An accompanying participant''s workbook for the "Embracing a Life of Meaning" DVD sessions, including study materials for participants and those who lead, and covering belief, Bible matters, community matters, place matters, and individual matters.

"... Classic about life on the Great Plains and its influence on the human spirit"--From publisher description.

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF THE YEAR “Vivid, compelling... An embrace of moral and spiritual contemplation.” –The New York Times “A remarkable piece of writing. If read with humility and attention, Kathleen Norris''s book becomes lectio divina, or holy reading.” –The Boston Globe From the iconic author of Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith, a spiritual journey that brings joy to the meanings of love, grace and faith. 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 celibate men whose days are centered on a rigid schedule of prayer, work, and scripture? This is the question that poet Kathleen Norris asks us as, somewhat to her own surprise, she found herself on two extended residencies at St. John''s Abbey in Minnesota. Part record of her time among the Benedictines, part meditation on various aspects of monastic life, The Cloister Walk demonstrates, from the rare perspective of someone who is both an insider and outsider, how immersion in the cloistered world-- its liturgy, its ritual, its sense of community-- can impart meaning to everyday events and deepen our secular lives. In this stirring and lyrical work, the monastery, often considered archaic or otherworldly, becomes immediate, accessible, and relevant to us, no matter what our faith may be.

Kathleen Norris was the most well-paid writer of her time, had her style compared to Henry James and saw her works become popular in radio-novels. In her personal life, she was an ardent feminist, calling for the abolition of capitol punishment, supporting women''s rights and campaigning for the outlaw of nuclear weapons.The seven short stories that critic August Nemo carefully selected provide an overview of the themes and language of this important writer. Enjoy your reading!Poor, Dear Margaret Kirby What Happened to AlannaAustin''s Girl S is for Shiftless SusannaMaking Allowances for MammaDr. Bates and Miss SallyRising Water

A New Memoir from New York Times Bestselling Author Kathleen Norris “My sister Rebecca had perinatal hypoxia, but I knew and loved her as my little sister long before I heard that term applied to her. As Becky became a toddler our parents noted that her development was not like that of my older brother and myself. But that mattered less to all of us than the fact that we enjoyed the company of a lively little person, who in an atmosphere of familial love and support was developing a strong personality.” Discover the untold story behind one of Kathleen Norris''s deeply personal relationships in Rebecca Sue. Best known for her insightful and poignant reflections on faith and life, Norris steps into uncharted territory by sharing an intimate memoir exploring the life of her younger sister Becky. Born with perinatal hypoxia, Becky''s life was shaped by physical and mental disabilities, yet her spirit and resilience illuminate the hidden power of faith, family, and love. With Norris''s signature blend of poetic prose, spiritual reflection, and heartfelt storytelling, Rebecca Sue invites readers into a profoundly moving narrative. This isn''t just a memoir; it''s a tender tribute to Becky''s intelligence, her struggles, and her extraordinary ability to inspire those around her. Through Becky, Norris examines the strength of familial bonds, the complexity of emotional and practical caregiving, and the myriad ways God works in our lives—seen and unseen. Kathleen Norris, a five-time New York Times bestselling author, weaves her family''s story with the depth and nuance her fans have come to cherish. Rebecca Sue explores the resilience of the human spirit, weaving a powerful story of perseverance, hope, and the unexpected ways people find strength during life''s toughest moments. This book is a heartfelt exploration of relationships, resilience, and faith—perfect for anyone drawn to spiritual growth, human connection, or those who belong to or support the disability community. What You''ll Find Inside Beautiful Storytelling: A heartfelt narrative of Becky''s life, capturing the joys and challenges of navigating disability with faith and grace. Spiritual Reflections: Kathleen Norris draws profound insights on how God''s hidden power is revealed through family, caregiving, and love. A Rare Perspective: Learn from Becky''s unwavering courage and Kathleen''s enduring reflections on sisterhood, faith, and resilience. Tasting God''s Grace: Read stories reflecting grace in everyday life challenges and triumphs. Kathleen Norris writes this memoir with the same care and introspection that has defined her career, sharing her own stories and reflections. Her compassion and honesty shine through, encouraging readers to consider their own relationships and faith. Why Read Rebecca Sue? This book offers a heartfelt journey through family relationships and personal growth. Whether you''re a fan of Kathleen Norris, a memoir enthusiast, or someone exploring the intersection of disability and faith, Rebecca Sue will captivate your heart and soul. Discover how faith, family, and love can transform challenges into opportunities for deeper connection. Find inspiration in Becky''s remarkable resilience and Kathleen''s stirring reflections, and experience a richer understanding of what it means to live a life shaped by faith. Order your copy of Rebecca Sue today and step into a profoundly moving story that will linger with you long after you turn the final page.

Poems examine the author''s life in New York City and on a farm in South Dakota.

Although Kathleen Norris''s best-selling Dakota: A Spiritual Geography has brought her to the attention of many thousands of readers, she is first and last a poet. Like Robert Frost, another poet identified with a particular landscape, she can reveal the miraculous in the ordinary, and she writes with clarity, humor, and deep sympathy for her subjects.

"In this insightful and deeply personal work, Kathleen Norris, an award-winning poet and author of both Dakota: A Spiritual Geography and The Cloister Walk, draws on her life experiences, her poetry and her love of the Benedictine tradition to discuss the mysterious way that the daily or "quotidian" can open us to the transforming presence of God." "This volume is the text of the 1998 Madeleva Lecture in Spirituality, sponsored by the Center for Spirituality at Saint Mary''s College, Notre Dame, Indiana."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1916 Edition.

The extraordinary New York Times bestselling masterpiece from "one of the most eloquent yet earthbound spiritual writers of our time" (San Francisco Chronicle). Kathleen Norris had written several much loved books, yet she couldn''t drag herself out of bed in the morning, couldn''t summon the energy for her daily tasks. Even as she struggled, Norris recognized her familiar battle with acedia, a word she had discovered in early Church text years earlier. Fascinated by this "noonday demon", so familiar to those in the early and medieval Church, Norris knew she must restore this forgotten but important concept to the modern world''s vernacular. An examination of acedia in the light of psychology, spirituality, the healing powers of religious practice, and Norris''s own experience, Acedia & Me is both intimate and historically sweeping, brimming with exasperation and reverence, sometimes funny, often provocative, and always insightful.

Norris''s poems speak about the changes we experience in birth and death, in the search for community, and in the cultural legacies and family stories that form us. Included are poems from Norris''s earlier collections, including The Middle of the World, Little Girls in Church, and The Astronomy of Love, along with a generous selection of new work that continues her radically individual celebration of the sacredness of life.

Shy and sheltered as a young woman, Kathleen Norris wasn''t prepared for the sex, drugs, and bohemianism of Bennington College in the late 1960s—and when she moved to New York City after graduation, it was a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire. In this chronicle, Norris remembers the education she received, both formal and fortuitous; the influence of her mentor Betty Kray, who shunned the spotlight while serving as a guiding force in the poetry world of the late 20th century; her encounters with such figures as James Merrill, Jim Carroll, Denise Levertov, Stanley Kunitz, Patti Smith, and Erica Jong; and her eventual decision to leave Manhattan for the less-crowded landscape she described so memorably in Dakota. This account of the making of a young writer will resonate with anyone who has stumbled bravely into a bigger world and found the poetry that lurks on rooftops and in railroad apartments—and with anyone who has enjoyed the blessings of inspiring teachers and great friends.