Book review: “Day by Day in the Little Way: 365 Reflections on the Teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux.”
Susan Brinkmann is an author and journalist. She is a member of the Third Order of the Discalced Carmelites. She is the co-founder of the Catholic Life Institute, and she has appeared on EWTN.
This book has an introduction by Brinkmann, which is followed by a list of her sources that includes Saint Therese's autobiography, “Story of a Soul.”
She provides a timeline that starts with Saint Therese's birth and ends with when she was declared a doctor of the Church by Saint John Paul II. After this, are the 366 reflections. The subtitle says “365,” but Brinkmann includes a reflection for Feb. 29 when that occurs in a leap year. Not all daily reflection books include this day, which is disappointing.
The reflections begin with a short quote from Saint Therese. Second, there is a reflection by Brinkman that she concludes with questions for the reader to ponder. Third, there is a short prayer to Saint Therese. Important dates in the life of Saint Therese are noted after the short prayer. There are no illustrations except on the cover of the book, which shows Saint Therese with white roses.
On the top of each “day” page there are floral illustrations. There are some typos, but they are not that noticeable. There is no index. I have been using this book since I received it and have enjoyed using it every day.
Saint Therese's feast day is Oct. 1. This book is highly recommended for those interested in Saint Therese and her “Little Way.” What is the “Little Way?” This is basically Saint Therese's spirituality that is quite simple. Anyone can do it.
It means doing little things for God and your neighbor like picking up a piece of trash and putting it in the wastebasket, helping someone who needs help with their plate at meals, helping someone cross the street, and many other small ways that are not noticeable.
May Saint Therese pray for us!
Brother Benet Exton, O.S.B., Saint Gregory's Abbey, Shawnee, is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.