From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up-The scope is wide, the arrangement topical, and the material (mostly) fascinating. Separate sections address such concepts as "Atonement," "Charity," "Devotion," "Greed," "Marriage," "Imagination," "Living," and "Strength." While numerous subjects are covered, the book is less than exhaustive. Can there only be one worthwhile quote from a saint on the topics of "Kindness," "Ignorance," and "Doubt"? In the preface, Guiley states that for the sake of variety she eschewed alphabetizing the selections by saint names within each category. Unfortunately, embracing variety over organization in a reference book does a disservice to researchers. Another aspect of the volume that may confuse some readers is that Guiley has chosen to include quotes by individuals who are not canonized or beatified, but recognized by acclaim, such as Julian of Norwich. Including these comments in a book called The Quotable Saint may call into question the seriousness of the approach. An appendix provides brief biographical profiles of the individuals noted, alphabetized by their first names. Thus, a student looking for a comment by Elizabeth Seton must look under "E." While sometimes confusing, this arrangement is consistent. Despite flaws, this book will allow readers, especially neophytes to the topic, to brush elbows with much grand and glorious wisdom.Herman Sutter, Saint Agnes Academy, Houston, TXCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Drawing on the wisdom of more than 100 saints, The Quotable Saint presents a collection of inspirational words and sayings. Grouped according to more than 250 topics, the quotations consider every aspect of life and spirituality, from anger, angels, and understanding to children, charity, and love, as well as many others." "Taken from the writings and speeches of men and women canonized, beatified, or declared venerable by the church, as well as those considered saints through martyrdom or by acclaim, the text is meant to engage the heart, mind, and soul. Individuals quoted include: Ambrose; Thomas Aquinas; Augustine; Francis de Sales; Vincent de Paul; Josemaria Escriva; Hildegard of Bingen; Ignatius of Loyola; Faustina Kowalska; Padre Pio; Teresa of Avila; Therese of Lisieux; Elizabeth Seton; Edith Stein; and Francis Xavier." Special features include an appendix of short biographies of the saints and an extensive bibliography. The Quotable Saint is a rich and enlightening resource for readers seeking the insight and wisdom of holy men and women through the ages.

SYNOPSIS

A frequent writer on spiritual matters, Guiley organizes the quotes alphabetically by topic, with longer sections divided into alphabetical subsections. The saints are profiled in an appendix, but not indexed, so finding the thoughts of a particular saint on a range of topics would be difficult. Annotation c. Book News, Inc.,Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

The editor of Facts On File's Encyclopedia of Saints and a lecturer and writer on spiritual topics, Guiley has collected more than 3000 inspirational sayings from 100 people canonized or beatified by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the history of Christianity. These quotations are organized into 260 categories, including Evil, Suicide, Wisdom, Angels, Family, and Love. Although women visionaries and saints are abundantly represented, only a few 20th-century figures appear. Alphabetically arranged by subject, the book is easy to use, with generous-sized typeface and a detailed index by name of saint as well as subject matter. A short bibliography and a useful biographical directory of the best-known saints are appended. This appears to be the only book containing quotes exclusively from saints, and it will be useful in most medium and large public libraries, especially to help with parochial school assignments or for inspirational reading.-Joyce Smothers, M.L.S., Princeton Theological Seminary, NJ Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal