This carefully researched and wonderfully told biography of authors Flannery O' Conner, Thomas Merton, Walker Percy and Dorothy Day takes the reader full force into the Catholic faith and literary world of the American mid 20th Century. A first book for Paul Elie, editor at Farrar Straus and Giroux, The Life You Save May Be Your Own is a consistently compelling read. Elie's unabashed love for his subjects is rare and inspiring. Yet, his approach has a critical restraint that makes The Life You Save May Be Your Own accessible to all readers, not just the faithful. Critic Harold Bloom observed: "Paul Elie's book is lucid, humane, poignant, and wise. As a work of the spirit it is universal and in no way sectarian." This was one of my favorite books of 2003 and I purchased a copy for bookcrossing almost two years ago. Foolishly, I sent it to someone who had no intention of sharing it, a certain Miranda of Brooklyn. Finally, I've found another copy and am going to make another attempt to share it. The Life You Save May Be Your Own richly deserves a bookcrossing pilgrimage. So here it is. I hope that you'll join the ray, if you'd like to read this book.

I'm sending this book out as a perpetual bookray. Please pass it along to someone who might really enjoy it after you've finished your reading:

cordelia-anne St. Augustine, FL
caridad Miami, FL
Amusedbythis Chicago, IL

I got the book! I am so happy! I will read and release per cordelia-anne's forwarding instructions. Thank you! (I would do the "happy" dance, a la Snoopy, but my ankles hurt too much) = )

Reading this book was like going on a pilgrimage. I could read 500 pages in a day, but I savored it like a good meal. Spiritually, I beleived it helped me by inspiring my faith. I have been a fan of al of the writers in this book. I enjoyed reading about their personal crisis and struggles when writing. I don't have the words to express how much I enjoyed the book. I did get feedback from BXer ~paxregina~ on Book Talk. She seemed interested in a discussion on the book, which she read a few years ago. I sent her a PM to open a possible dialog.

I will send a PM to ~cordelia-anne~ to find out what she would like me to do with the book now that I have finished it.

Forwarded to Amusedbythis. I hope you like it as much as I did.

Although I am not Catholic, this sounded very interesting to me. I look forward to reading it. Thanks for sharing!

RELEASE NOTES:

Sent back to cordelia-anne. Thanks for sharing!

Forgive me Amusedbythis for not noting that this book arrived back at my place some time ago. Thanks for caring for and returning the book. When it arrived I was in the midst of a breakdown of sorts. After caring for so many others' lives, mine demanded immediate attention. Well, finally, I noticed. I went out there and got me another job. Things are better, but I'm still catching up from the period of being overwhelmed. Someone else has expressed an interest in this wonderful book and I expect I'll get it into the mail sometime within the next week or two. My best to Amusedbythis. Happy Holidays! And to Caridad. I need to check in with you too. I hope all is well.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

QueenSissi in Portugal has waited two years for this book. I hope she will enjoy it.

Sometimes God works in misterious ways and today He did. I felt like it was Xmas and I was really needing it:). First of all, let me thank you for everything. Secondly, Thank you again. Thirdly, let you know that though I am a slow reader I plan on starting it tonight. Last but not least thank you!

It took me a long time to read it but it was definitely worth it. It made me think that we catholics don't actually come forward and act like catholics. Through failures and achievements it showed me a different face of catholicism.

I took the liberty of sending it to a friend who is a very active catholic and that I thought it would be a nice way to "convert" him to bookcrossing! Thanks!