Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila Paperback – October 6, 2020

of 43 yrs kissed me good by, walked out the door, fell down -& never got up. His last words to me when I tried to help him up were " I'm ok".The paramedics worked on him for over an hour but never got a pulse. He died less than 5' from me -but, I couldn't even hold his hand.He'd converted to Catholism but, became a Catholic without a church; like me!Why I chose this book is still beyond me......especially of this Saint; we'd been to her shrine, in Spain, yrs ago. I'd found it'too much'… the relics (a finger) -as I remember it struck me as wrong.On that same trip, we went to Fatima; my husband told me he just knew something special had happened here when we visited the shrine & the small statue of Our Lady of Fatima. I,(the Catholic, raised by devote parents & nuns in school) who really wanted to feel the same -didn't.It is 3wks. since his death.Maybe, I'm just still numb.We were 24/7 for over 43 yrs. (we had a business- then retired & traveled - we had a wonderful life) BUT…How could I live now...without him? And Why?I waited for a 'breakdown'… for his loss to hit me. I felt waves of grief, that were physical -go through me for a few days; but, no great sobbing of tears.The only explanation I have (& I thank God for it) is that I do feel him with me still, in my heart/soul. My daily prayer is that I never feel That loss. (being the cynic that I am, I can not begin to express what this means to me) It is so real a presence & comfort!And, 'for the record', the very first call I made was to the church we weren't going to. (In 'my' day, if you weren't in 'good standing' you didn't get a funeral Mass.) We got a it and were welcomed!My Faith, is still pathetically weak. Father told me to offer my grief as sacrifice. I'm trying.

This being a great Catholic classic, how can I rate it any other way than "Five Stars"? But I will say I found the book a challenge to get through, as did the other members of the book club at our Catholic parish. Teresa's "self-focus" on her deep and ugly sinfulness didn't resonate well with post-modern readers, but I suppose that is our problem, not her's. In the end, I'm glad I persevered as I was enriched by many of the things she wrote.The last three chapters in particular were especially helpful to me on my pilgrimage. Teresa's obvious love for Christ and his sacrifice on the cross helped me to see how central this is to more faithfully following Christ and living out my faith in love and service. I found her 2 references to shedding "copious tears" very moving (chapters 24, 28). Her experience on the value of holy water in causing the devil to flee was enlightening, and fun (chapter 31). And I loved her agrarian references such as "move like hens with their feet tied" (chapter 29). And, of course, her reflections on the four stages of prayer are most helpful, and now classic in the Catholic (and Christian) tradition.All considered, I'd recommend this book but encourage readers to go slow. You are sure to find gems that will help you on your journey.

Book is in good shape. Happy with purchas.

The content of the book is well worth reading. The claim that it is "illustrated" borders on dishonesty. There are 14 thumbnail photos, none of which have anything to do with the life of Teresa of Avila. However, it was worth $0.99 (for the Kindle version).

St. Teresa’s personal reflection of her life brought me a clearer light and understanding of her other more theological writings. What impressed me most was how she revealed her own many short comings and failures despite the great graces she received. This was a real encouragement to me in my own journey toward becoming a saint.

Though written in the 16th century, this book is so direct, speaking of the issues of parenting, prayer, and our relationship with God, as if the author were alive today. The examples she gives are so human, and so direct. Do you pray in church, or do you fall into the temptation of looking who is there around you? What other temptations do you give into that take you AWAY from prayer? Do you know how easy it is to falter in prayer? St. Teresa will help you not feel like a failure. There are times you should simply not pray ("no water in the well"), and in those cases, St. Teresa suggests to read a good book. Lots of good books - and hers is a perfect way to start. She is helping me pray, but when I am having a dry spell, she is helping me not fall away from God.

"Reading any other works of Teresa of Avila without having read her autobiography robs the later works of the one thing they need: context"...I wholeheartedly agree!! This autobiography is a truly enriching, and I constantly refer back to her writings. I previously read Interior Castle with some difficulty, but have re-read it since reading this "treasure" and it has made a world of difference. St. Tesesa's autobiography is an inspiring work...a life-changer/soul-saver, and a must have for a catholic bookshelf.

I love this book so much. If you want to be inspired to feel God's presence in your life, this book does it for me. I love her story and the way she writes. I find her wit very amusing at times. Here's one. "It seems the Lord not only wanted my soul, but my body as well as he began to lift it off the ground -- and at the most inopportune times."

St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross was concerted reading this autobiography. I have to find out why. AND NOW I KNOW!! Anyone who is ready to be converted or even those who are skeptical should read this. Now I can read St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross life.

This book should be a wonderful book to read but the size of the print is MINISCULE!!! I can hardly read it, even WITH my glasses! It will immediately be going to the second hand book shop.

This autobiography of St.Teresa of Avila is for all who can see something of their own soul, captured by God , and wanting to live with Him in eternity !

It is translated from the original 15thC book so it is a difficult style to read. That said it is very illuminating if you stay with it. Interesting woman. Her childhood "dream" was to run away from home with her brother and travel to Moorish Spain so she could be be-headed as a Christian martyr. Thankfully she chose a more sane and productive path and we have the biography of one of the true and great spiritual figures of Christianity.

This is an excellent book about one of the greatest saints. Great reading on its own, narrating the obstacles that she was confronted with when founding her new order. If on the other hand you seek clarity, enlightenment in our faith, then I recommend reading St. Therese of Lisieux's autobiography, "The Story of a Soul" FIRST. I already wrote a review on it. The Story of a Soul, in that context, is almost like an introduction. St. Teresa of Avila's bio on the other hand explores our faith in greater depth. If you feel guided to learn more, then it seems that reading these two books in the order mentioned would be more beneficial, spiritually speaking. But both are superb! One can't go wrong with this beautiful story.