Insights on the True Self from Thomas Merton and Other Saints (Christian Classics)

After two readings, this book will sit on my nightstand for a third. Martin's approach is simple - which is not to say easy. It is a wonderful meditation, and I expect that I will continue to get something new and inspiring from every re-reading. Meanwhile, the book has given me a whole new reading list of books on a variety of related subjects including Mertin, Nouwen and others.

Drawing upon insights from the writings of Merton and others, Martin shows how these ideas apply to his own life. Always personable, this very short book is thoughtful and encouraging - leading the reader to consider how to "become who I am" and to realize the glory of the uniqueness of each individual. Highly recommended.

A Review by Anthony T. Riggio of the book:
Becoming Who You Are: Insights on the True Self from Thomas Merton and Other Saints by James Martin, SJ

My wife gave me a copy of this book that she had previously purchased and asked me to read it. Since we were in the middle of Lent, I agreed. I am glad I did read this book; it is the second book written by Jesuit James Martin. I find his writing style down to earth and not a writer who is trying to impress the reader with his verbosity and intellectual superiority.

I had previously read his “My Life with the Saints” so I was familiar with his own search for vocation and therewith his search for identifying who he was to become; namely, an expert in “Becoming Who You Are” the title of this book. Having read biographies of Thomas Merton, Henri Neuwan and Mother Theresa, I felt ahead of the game and ready for Martin’s insight into becoming who you are. I thought it would be a repeat of everything I have thus far learned but to my pleasant surprise, I learned a lot for the need for each of us to become who he or she is intended to become. It is a responsibility for each of us to recognize this and live our life according to our understanding of ourselves and know how it mirrors Gods message and his will for our journey in this life. We certainly want to try to achieve this before we meet Him.

The book is a short read and I read it in two days (though it could be read in one sitting and would make a great read on a long flight). I read it slowly to allow this important message gel into my thinking.

On a personal note, I finally came to understand a term my wife would say to me when I became preoccupied, obsessed or depressed. She would say to me: Agire au contrere (pardon my poor phonetic for French spelling). She said it was from the spiritual exercises of Saint Ignatius. On page 34, Martin says: “There is an old Jesuit practice called ‘agere contra’ which means, in essence, ‘to act against’ If there is a part of ourselves that is not free, we try to ‘act against’ that part in order to free ourselves from resistance in that area” .

This book is a gem and worthy of reading by the searching soul. I gave this book five stars out of five.

The author of "My Life With the Saints" (Loyola Press, 2006) explores the path to holiness in "Becoming Who You Are: Insights on the True Self from Thomas Merton and Other Saints." Fr. James Martin's life was profoundly changed by reading the writings of Thomas Merton, a 20th century Trappist monk who came to his own vocation via a rather circuitous route. In his book, "New Seeds of Contemplation," Merton wrote "For me to be a saint means to be myself. . . Therefore the problem of sanctity and salvation is in fact the problem of finding out who I am and discovering my true self." This brief book is an exploration of that idea.

Martin offers a short biography of Merton's life as well as an overview of his own life. Then he delves into the heart of the issue. We are all created for holiness, yet our particular brand of holiness is unique to each one of us. In the process of reaching for holiness, "one's own individuality, one's own brand of holiness is gradually revealed. Our personalities are not eradicated as much as they are made fuller, more real, and finally more holy."

Martin briefly touches on the unique brands of holiness illustrated in the lives of the first Apostles, Mother Teresa, Dorothy Day, St. Bernadette and St. Therese. He also offers a longer exploration of the life of Henri Nouwen, another major influence in the author's life. Perhaps the most interesting chapter of the book focuses on the life of Jesus Christ. He speculates on how Jesus came to realize who he was and how to live out his mission in the world.

In "Becoming Who You Are," Martin encourages all of us to embrace the way that God made us, the circumstances of our lives, and our unique path to holiness. While purists may object to Martin's use of the word "saints" to describe Merton and Nouwen who have not been formally recognized as such by the Church, one cannot argue with the dramatic effect that these men had on Martin's life. Martin embraces a broad understanding of sanctity, and in doing so, opens the door for us to appreciate the sanctity within each one of us. It is a much-needed message.

I feel it was like looking in the refrigerator for the ketchup and yelling "It's not there!" Only when you take a step back, do you really see that it was really in front of you and only when you gave some room, did you see it clearly. This book is exactly that! lol. It was life changing for me, and I wish everyone would read it. I highly recommend it. I really feel this book gave a twist. It helps one to realize and to explore on ones own who they really are, instead of telling you how. It made me think for myself, instead of telling me what to do.

This book insightfully helps you understand why and how our lives change as we pass through them. By analyzing the lives of two prominent Christian authors, it looks skilfully at the life of Christ. He gives ample opportunity to make a comparison with our own lives. The author has an engaging style that makes a deep subject easy to read. He gives sense to why we change and removes the anxiety about why we change. It was one of the most enjoyable books I have read in years. I highly recommend it to fans of Thomas Merton and Henry Nouwen.

Martin takes the subject and the written word and just makes you realize that writing is an art. Using this historical/biographical/semi auto biographical genre, Martin elevates the reader with his candid accounts and open honesty in recounting the lives of the saints.
Another home run.

I read The Seven Story Mountain about 50 years ago. I 'm a fan of Thomas Merton's writings. James Martin's Becoming Who You Are is used for my daily meditation, along with several of his other books. Easy to read, practical and filled with insights for daily living.

I found this little meditation while searching for another book by Thomas Merton. It is a wonderful and inviting look into the process of discovering ones true self, and in so doing, finding holiness. Fr. Martin writes in such a gentle and peaceful voice, I highly recommend it to anyone searching for their own path.