Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this beautifully illustrated self-help guide, Cybulskie (Life in Medieval Europe), host of The Medieval Podcast, reimagines monastic practices to help readers live with greater peace, simplicity, and purpose. Written for those who want to live like monks and not as monks, Cybulskie shows, first, what monastic life was like in the Middle Ages, before connecting medieval monasticism to modern movements such as minimalism and mindfulness. Through rich, color images and lucid language, Cybulskie introduces famous monastic figures and curious facts about monastic life--like the difference between a monk and a friar, or the ideal layout of a monastery (with "church and cloister in the center and buildings for guests, storage, and schooling surrounding them"). Inviting readers to craft a "rule for life" inspired by cloistered living--while also staying in tune with one's personal values--Cybulskie encourages readers to take up monks' examples by embracing simple practices like sharing experiences and knowledge, creating art aimed at lifting souls, or avoiding burnout by easing into commitments. While those looking for an in-depth exploration of medieval monastic life won't find it, Cybulskie's light touch and accessible tone makes medieval monastic rules accessible to any reader. (Oct.)
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