Thomas Merton: Poet, Prophet, Priest

by Jen Bryant

Traces the life of the Trappist monk who became one of America's best known spiritual writers, describing his childhood and worldly education, his faith journey, writing career, and his involvement in social issues of his time

Genres: Nonfiction

215 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Jen Bryant (Jennifer Fisher Bryant) writes picture books, novels and poems for readers of all ages. Her biographical picture book: A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams, illustrated by Melissa Sweet,received a Caldecott Honor award and her historical novel in verse RINGSIDE 1925: Views from the Scopes Trial is an Oprah Recommended Book for ages 12 & up. Other titles include Pieces of Georgia (IRA Young Adult Choices Pick), The Trial (about the 1935 Lindbergh baby kidnapping trial), a 1960’s-era novel Kaleidoscope Eyes (a Jr. Library Guild selection), Georgia’s Bones, celebrating the creative vision of artist Georgia O’Keeffe, Music for the End of Time, based on a true story about WWII, and Abe’s Fish: A Boyhood Tale of Abraham Lincoln.

Jen has taught writing and Children’s Literature at West Chester University and Bryn Mawr College and gives lectures, workshops and school presentations throughout the year. She lives with husband, daughter and their Springer Spaniel in Chester County, PA.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed Thomas Merton's The Seven Storey Mountain from a friend a few weeks ago. After looking at how long it is, the book has been sitting on my stairs, unread. So when I came across this young adult biography of Merton (by the author of The Trial, which my daughter Bekah loved), I decided this might be a quicker and easier way to become more acquainted with Merton.

Merton's story is an interesting one. The child of artistic parents, his unconventional childhood was followed by a rebellious time as a young adult. Merton's faith conversion leads him to seek God through prayer and contemplation. He ultimately ends up becoming a Trappist monk and lives for decades at a monastery in Kentucky.

This biography was well-written and, because of its target audience, extremely readable. Bryant includes numerous quotes from Merton and I felt like I had gotten to know him a bit by the end of the book. I found it interesting to see the push/pull for Merton between pursuing a contemplative life and writing. I also liked his evolution from someone who obeyed without question to a monk who saw with his own eyes and heart and trusted that. I find this a good model for the path a new believer can (and should) take. At first, it's important to understand what the broader faith teaches, but I believe God also places different burdens on each person's heart - and it's important not to ignore those.

If you're interested in knowing more about Merton, who was a widely read voice in the Christian world in the 50s and 60s, I highly recommend this biography as an introduction. Bryant includes not only a bibliography, but recommended books for further reading. I'll personally be starting with Merton's poetry after reading this book about his life.

[Eric Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very accessible introduction to the life and writings of Thomas Merton. While the first part of the book felt more or less like a summary of Merton's memoir Seven Storey Mountain, I was glad to have some additional information which made the memoir more complete. The second part of the book provided 'the rest of the story' and gave a complete picture of the man and his life. A great, quick read into a wonderful writer.

[David Melbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had always seen his name pop up whenever I was reading spiritual stuff, so I was curious. . .

. . . what a life! It's always tragic to read about someone who, on the verge of really 'hitting his stride' is suddenly taken away. . . but, true to form, he lives on in his writings. --From A Reader's Journal, by d r melbie.