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Blue Miles: A Monastic Novel
This intriguing fictional memoir of Padre Samuel, a Cistercian monk, weaves together his tumultuous life story with reflections on his life in a monastic community.
Monks have always been a gloriously strange lot, and the monastic vocation attracts people who are quirky, grumpy, often hilarious, and uniquely sensitive to the alluring mystery of God. As the life of Padre Samuel shows, monks strive, through the rigors of community life and the conquering of the “old man” inclined to selfishness, to become saints.This novel unveils portraits of the various characters, both comedic and tragic, of Presentation Abbey as viewed through the eyes of the elderly Padre Samuel. It brings readers into the silence of the cloister and introduces them to a monk who has allowed his suffering to draw him closer to Christ. The novel is a prayerful testimony to the fierce demands and consoling mercies of the monastic life.
Monks have always been a gloriously strange lot, and the monastic vocation attracts people who are quirky, grumpy, often hilarious, and uniquely sensitive to the alluring mystery of God. As the life of Padre Samuel shows, monks strive, through the rigors of community life and the conquering of the “old man” inclined to selfishness, to become saints.This novel unveils portraits of the various characters, both comedic and tragic, of Presentation Abbey as viewed through the eyes of the elderly Padre Samuel. It brings readers into the silence of the cloister and introduces them to a monk who has allowed his suffering to draw him closer to Christ. The novel is a prayerful testimony to the fierce demands and consoling mercies of the monastic life.
288 pages, Paperback
Published February 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 11, 2026
Fr. Thomas Esposito wrote this book (really a love letter on the monastic life from an elderly monk near the end of his days) with his characteristic wit and attention to the deep longings and wounds of the human heart. While only having taken one class taught by him (Catholic Principles of Biblical Interpretation - or Bib n' Terp as he would call it), he is a staple of the University of Dallas community, of which I was very fortunate to be a part of.
I read this book in one sitting, simultaneously engrossed by the story (the layout of the book was very well thought out, each chapter is titled based on one of the liturgical hours or other daily activities. Within each chapter, there is a reflection on Brother Samuel's current day to day experiences in the community as an elderly monk coupled with a reflection on Brother Samuel's younger days, and ending with a reflection on the importance of the hour/activity to lead a flourishing and fruitful spiritual life), literary allusions, quotes from Saints, and important Catholic cultural markers (historical/geographical/etc) but also by the deep humanness of the characters.
As an aside, Fr. Thomas grew up in Omaha, a fact I was not aware of until I met his parents at a random Catholic BBQ (it was rather shocking to have randomly met his parents inadvertently). Having lived here the past year and a half, it was cool to see random Omaha landmarks mentioned: Bergan Mercy, Memorial Park, Our Lady of the Angels (although I believe he is talking about St. Margaret Mary based on the context), UNO, Creighton, Boys Town, etc. (Dr. Esposito very generously gave me this book when I met him at a pro-life breakfast a few months later.)
What I really liked about this book was the structure. Composing it as a reflection on past events allowed Fr. Thomas to cover a range of important events in Brother Samuel's life and the life of the Church: Vatican II and the subsequent upheaval in Catholic life, Popes Paul VI/JP II, etc. We saw Brother Samuel grow up in a broken home, his struggles without a mother and father present, his vocation, his struggles with alcoholism, the sexual abuse scandals, monks leaving their vows, the seeming absurdity of the monastic life in a secular age obsessed with productivity, the humanness of the monks underneath a romantic vision of the monastic life, his diagnosis of glioblastoma, etc. Brother Samuel can gaze back on these experiences and see the hand of God at work, even in the darkest of moments.
We see throughout this book in a very raw way the brokenness of humanity and the need for Christ. Fr. Thomas was able to do this, not in a saccharine and shallow way that unfortunately seems to define most contemporary Christian fiction/stories, but one that understands humanity (our pettiness, vices, desire/need for God, forgiveness, redemption, guilt) and the need for God's grace.
I could honestly write about this book for a long time, but you should just pick it up and read it yourself. It offers a piercing look into the monastic life and it will move your heart.
Vade in pace.
.
I read this book in one sitting, simultaneously engrossed by the story (the layout of the book was very well thought out, each chapter is titled based on one of the liturgical hours or other daily activities. Within each chapter, there is a reflection on Brother Samuel's current day to day experiences in the community as an elderly monk coupled with a reflection on Brother Samuel's younger days, and ending with a reflection on the importance of the hour/activity to lead a flourishing and fruitful spiritual life), literary allusions, quotes from Saints, and important Catholic cultural markers (historical/geographical/etc) but also by the deep humanness of the characters.
As an aside, Fr. Thomas grew up in Omaha, a fact I was not aware of until I met his parents at a random Catholic BBQ (it was rather shocking to have randomly met his parents inadvertently). Having lived here the past year and a half, it was cool to see random Omaha landmarks mentioned: Bergan Mercy, Memorial Park, Our Lady of the Angels (although I believe he is talking about St. Margaret Mary based on the context), UNO, Creighton, Boys Town, etc. (Dr. Esposito very generously gave me this book when I met him at a pro-life breakfast a few months later.)
What I really liked about this book was the structure. Composing it as a reflection on past events allowed Fr. Thomas to cover a range of important events in Brother Samuel's life and the life of the Church: Vatican II and the subsequent upheaval in Catholic life, Popes Paul VI/JP II, etc. We saw Brother Samuel grow up in a broken home, his struggles without a mother and father present, his vocation, his struggles with alcoholism, the sexual abuse scandals, monks leaving their vows, the seeming absurdity of the monastic life in a secular age obsessed with productivity, the humanness of the monks underneath a romantic vision of the monastic life, his diagnosis of glioblastoma, etc. Brother Samuel can gaze back on these experiences and see the hand of God at work, even in the darkest of moments.
We see throughout this book in a very raw way the brokenness of humanity and the need for Christ. Fr. Thomas was able to do this, not in a saccharine and shallow way that unfortunately seems to define most contemporary Christian fiction/stories, but one that understands humanity (our pettiness, vices, desire/need for God, forgiveness, redemption, guilt) and the need for God's grace.
I could honestly write about this book for a long time, but you should just pick it up and read it yourself. It offers a piercing look into the monastic life and it will move your heart.
Vade in pace.
.
March 28, 2026
This book is a memoir by an elderly monk, his reflections on how his life has gone before and in the monastery and how he feels about it now winding down. It is a peaceful, sweet read. I personally have read little Christian fiction aside from a host of Francine Rivers’ books. Like hers, this book convicts you and instructs you in subtle, beautiful ways on the faith life and even on specific scripture (in total Fr Thomas fashion). And his diction is second to none, again just like it is in real life with him! And while this monk’s life and mine are worlds apart, I still found him plenty relatable.
Here’s one of my favorite quotes from the book to illustrate my point on how it is both encouraging and edifying:
“Prayer, of course, is not a formal and bureaucratic event, but it does require some mental work to clear a space for the Lord to enter. The moral life comes into play when I ponder my preparation: What was I thinking about prior to beginning my prayer? Were my actions and words bearers of grace to those who received them? If I have set my heart on cruise control and allow it to roam down sinful roads, how can I expect to rein it in during prayer? A George Herbert line is always a good one to utter at the threshold of prayer: "Christ purged his temple; so must thou thy heart.”
Here’s one of my favorite quotes from the book to illustrate my point on how it is both encouraging and edifying:
“Prayer, of course, is not a formal and bureaucratic event, but it does require some mental work to clear a space for the Lord to enter. The moral life comes into play when I ponder my preparation: What was I thinking about prior to beginning my prayer? Were my actions and words bearers of grace to those who received them? If I have set my heart on cruise control and allow it to roam down sinful roads, how can I expect to rein it in during prayer? A George Herbert line is always a good one to utter at the threshold of prayer: "Christ purged his temple; so must thou thy heart.”
April 7, 2026
This novel feels more like a memoir and it is, just a fiction one. Padre Samuel tells of his life before and after entering Presentation Abbey, a Cistercian monastery. He is 80 years old as he recalls his life and his history follows along with ours and it is interesting to see through the eyes of monks.
This book was beautifully written and I could not put it down. It pulled me into the life in the monastery and showed that monks have their successes and failures just like the rest of us. I do believe they may just be a tad closer to God though. At times I teared up and it reminded me of how grateful I am to priests in my life who have helped me beyond what they could ever know.
Read this book.
This book was beautifully written and I could not put it down. It pulled me into the life in the monastery and showed that monks have their successes and failures just like the rest of us. I do believe they may just be a tad closer to God though. At times I teared up and it reminded me of how grateful I am to priests in my life who have helped me beyond what they could ever know.
Read this book.
April 19, 2026
This is a beautiful novel. One of those you wish would never end. Full of spiritual wisdom, humor, and all the ups and downs of being a broken human in pursuit of God. Readers get an introduction to the life of a monk in a modern monastery through the monastic hours of prayer. The fictional Fr Samuel offers readers a retreat on the beauty of the divine office intermixed with his own memoir of God’s mercy amidst Samuel’s failings and joys. This is one to return to often.
May 5, 2026
A wonderful novel and whimsical insight into the life of a modern monk. Fr. Thomas helps the reader see how human monks are despite their countercultural lifestyle. While it includes heavy topics, it always feels light and I looked forward to picking it up each night I read it. This book will appeal to the curious, the seekers, and the nostalgic alike.
September 8, 2026
Blue Miles by Fr. Thos. Esposito, O.Cist.
I so enjoyed the writing of Fr. Esposito. His choice of division of chapters was to follow the rigorous daily schedule of the monastery that both priests and monks adhere to, from Matins at 5:30 am to Compline at 7:45 pm—seventeen segments of the day and seventeen chapters in the book. Reading this novel allowed me a glimpse into an otherwise private life. In the preface, Father Esposito indicates that he is not describing current monks but takes liberty with the characterization of those who have passed on to eternity. Hence, we witness monks who choose to leave the monastery for marriage or for other career directions. We see priests who are flawed in their early behavior before joining and we witness two (including the narrator) who are alcoholics and attempt suicide. Both, however, reform their lives and continue to serve God. We get a close-up look at faith and devotion and come to have some understanding of the great sacrifice one makes to live out their calling as a monk or priest. The storyline reminds us that as humans, we are all flawed, yet our failings do not prevent us from choosing and living a holy life, serving God and one another. It was a great read!
I so enjoyed the writing of Fr. Esposito. His choice of division of chapters was to follow the rigorous daily schedule of the monastery that both priests and monks adhere to, from Matins at 5:30 am to Compline at 7:45 pm—seventeen segments of the day and seventeen chapters in the book. Reading this novel allowed me a glimpse into an otherwise private life. In the preface, Father Esposito indicates that he is not describing current monks but takes liberty with the characterization of those who have passed on to eternity. Hence, we witness monks who choose to leave the monastery for marriage or for other career directions. We see priests who are flawed in their early behavior before joining and we witness two (including the narrator) who are alcoholics and attempt suicide. Both, however, reform their lives and continue to serve God. We get a close-up look at faith and devotion and come to have some understanding of the great sacrifice one makes to live out their calling as a monk or priest. The storyline reminds us that as humans, we are all flawed, yet our failings do not prevent us from choosing and living a holy life, serving God and one another. It was a great read!
September 12, 2026
Reading this novel of the life journey of a elderly monk as seen through the several daily offices etc of his monastery is a truly transcendent experience. I felt something had changed in me by the last paragraphs. That it was written by a relatively young and cheerful looking young monk/teacher was amazing to me. It gives credence to my belief that novels come through the writer, are sent to us. Many many stars!
April 5, 2026
Wow. There is a lot of truth here about monastic life, and I think the book is best for people who are in religious life or have a particular interest in it, as the structure is the schedule of a typical monk’s day.
I am an Irish American Catholic and was once Fr. Thomas’ student, and his humor, knowledge, and reverence are super, so I had high hopes for this one. While his personality comes through once in a while, it was a much much darker book than I anticipated. There were a lot of difficult things to take in at once-abuse of multiple kinds over the years for several characters, pornography addiction, alcohol abuse… so while I think it is an accurate depiction of what priests have to deal with, I found it depressing and beyond my emotional capacity. The miscarriage section I found profoundly painful. I appreciate getting inside a priest’s head-they really need our prayers!
I did enjoy the beginning with the description of the chapel and prepping for the day-reminded me of all the daily Masses I attended at Cistercian in Dallas.
I am an Irish American Catholic and was once Fr. Thomas’ student, and his humor, knowledge, and reverence are super, so I had high hopes for this one. While his personality comes through once in a while, it was a much much darker book than I anticipated. There were a lot of difficult things to take in at once-abuse of multiple kinds over the years for several characters, pornography addiction, alcohol abuse… so while I think it is an accurate depiction of what priests have to deal with, I found it depressing and beyond my emotional capacity. The miscarriage section I found profoundly painful. I appreciate getting inside a priest’s head-they really need our prayers!
I did enjoy the beginning with the description of the chapel and prepping for the day-reminded me of all the daily Masses I attended at Cistercian in Dallas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2026
Going through a monastery day one learns the ups and downs, the struggles and joys of monastic life and the monks. Our monk is touched by those he learned from in his life and able to part his wisdom to those entering the community.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1corinthians. 12-4-8
The book makes us aware of those who live this life and the gifts they bring and share. We are blessed to know, learn and pray for them.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1corinthians. 12-4-8
The book makes us aware of those who live this life and the gifts they bring and share. We are blessed to know, learn and pray for them.
Read
September 6, 2026Clever approach to giving a simultaneous glimpse into the day - and the lifetime - of a Cistercian monk by using the Liturgy of the Hours to mark the journeys' milestones. Solid read with a unique story.
September 6, 2026
An absolutely beautiful read. The retelling of Padre Samuels life captures the humanity of us all and the graces we are granted if we seek them.
May 3, 2026
Stunning
An amazing read, so many unexpected twists and turns. The psalms, monastic life and our humanity come to life in his book. I might add better than Seven Story Mountain.
An amazing read, so many unexpected twists and turns. The psalms, monastic life and our humanity come to life in his book. I might add better than Seven Story Mountain.
June 7, 2026
Reading this book, you could feel the peace of the monastery reaching deep into your soul and giving peace. Though following a fictional monk at a monastery in Nebraska, it was written by a real life monk. So you get a very authentic story of what spending your life in a monastery would be like. You find out that the monks don’t always like each other, and there are fights (not physical, more verbal arguments) and rivalries. Whole other monks are great friends. It is a microcosm of the outside world in this respect. Even being Christians who should love each other, they have trouble doing just that.
There is some darkness to the book as the main character struggles with his own demons at times, and other monks do also. However, there is also healing and peace. Some of my favorite parts are of him contemplating his life, reflecting on it and finding spiritual meaning. As I said above, there is a great deal of peace in this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to feel a little peace and joy in their lives. In the end, the book reads like a prayer and brings to the reader the peace and stillness, the wisdom, of the monastery.
There is some darkness to the book as the main character struggles with his own demons at times, and other monks do also. However, there is also healing and peace. Some of my favorite parts are of him contemplating his life, reflecting on it and finding spiritual meaning. As I said above, there is a great deal of peace in this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to feel a little peace and joy in their lives. In the end, the book reads like a prayer and brings to the reader the peace and stillness, the wisdom, of the monastery.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews