Acedia and Me; Monks, Marriage and a Writer's Life by Kathleen Norris: is an exploration of acedia or the 'noonday demon' as it was known by medieval theologians Norris began when clinical depression didn't quite fit how she was feeling. Using the writings of the Desert Fathers and psychologists Norris shares how the eight bad thoughts became the seven deadly sin. I found this book more academic and less memoir than her earlier books and I missed the personal reflections but did enjoy the book and questions posed.
Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott is the story of Rose Campbell who after the loss of her father goes to live with her two great-aunts on the Aunt Hill; surrounded by her many other aunts, uncles and cousins. This delightful coming of age story is smart, funny and wholesome without being preachy. I'm not sure how I missed this story during my growing up but am very glad to have it recommended and will definitely be reading the sequel at some point.
Please head over to Carolyn's for more Open Book.
Thanks for linking up! The only book I've read by Louisa May Alcott is Little Women, but this looks charming! I bet my daughter would enjoy it too.
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