The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything - A Spirituality for Real Life

This book was recommended to me by a spiritual director (Catholic nun) to me, a Protestant minister. Having gone through the Ignatian spiritual exercises via 19th annotation, I found this book a practical guide & help. I've read other books by James Martin and have gained from each. He is a Jesuit, and though he has a spiritual depth & breadth, his words are very down to earth, everyday examples. I highly recommend this book for seekers of spiritual life and those already practicing.

This wonderful book gives you steps to think about your prayer life and to make it better. We all need a different approach than what we are use to. We are always finding ways to be closer to our God and this book will give you a different insight.

I have been very positively impressed with the Jesuit priests I have met - they have been very genuine and thoughtful people having a practical rather than a theoretical view of life and its challenges. They have also been some of the most positive and up lifting people I've known. So, I was very curious to learn about what makes them tick.This book explains it! While the book's foundation is religious, it does not push this agenda. I found useful suggestions that could be easily incorporated in my life and in my every day interactions with people and also in my attitude toward things. This book has really inspired me! It is a life changer.

I picked this up because my daughter attends a Jesuit college and I was curious about their theology. The information presented is not based on a particular religion but on the belief that one should strive to "find God in everything". This book is truly inspiring. It opened my eyes to new practices and even better if has given me ways to strengthen my own relationship to God.

I liked everything about this book. I have read many books about the Spiritual Exercises and Ignatian Spirituality; this ranks on top, because Martin is a fine communicator and you can understand and appreciate what he is saying. You can make it your own. You do not have to be a catholic or a christian. I recommend this book for anyone who wishes to deepen his relationship with God.

This is such a fresh approach to religion and life. Father Martin explains the value of religion and how to find God in our lives with the tone of acceptance and understanding that I as a Catholic have craved my entire life. He does not judge but instead reaches out with a keen understanding of how difficult it is for many of us to find purpose in religion and God and apply it to our lives. Love the book!

Fr. Martin brings the spirituality of St Ignatius alive. Having been introduced to this way a year ago I can attest it only grows significance. I couldn't help but be drawn to this book and the superb writing and storytelling. Thank you!

James Martin S.J. is an entertaining writer who explains the Jesuit life, Ignatian Spirituality and how to incorporate spirituality into real lives that have multiple demands on our time and attention. Superb, engaging...a must have.

This book does not dwell on lofty theological pontifications--not that these are without merit! Rather, this book took a different purpose and offered a slew of practical and accessible directions to those "on the road" of life. The book distilled many areas of Ignatian spirituality into an accessible and concrete form that everyone can use.

Had been introduced to St. Ignatius some time back but have found this book to be a great overview of the principles of the Order. And now that we have a Jesuit Pope!!!

From Richer to Honor to Pride - helps to explain why the Jesuits are so surprised at the election of a Jesuit.

I really enjoyed this book. It answered a lot of questions that I had about how religion fits into life. I had expected a very rigid instruction manual but what I read was really entertaining and showed me that religion does not have to be rigid.

Excellent book. Very funny and easy to understand, with great insights. I've recommended to may friends. I'm catholic, so I don't know how it reads if you are coming from another background. I really enjoy this book.

Fr. Martin's humor, wisdom and clarity bring the reader to a deeper appreciation of life. As an introduction to Ignatian Spirituality, it provides the reader with a basic reason for exploring spirituality; a systematic approach to living a spiritual life in any state of life, but especially that of an active layperson; and encouragement to explore further. I have shared this title with many friends and relatives, as I believe that if one adopts the practices suggested by Fr. Martin (and Ignatius) it can be a lief-changer!

What a Beautiful, inspiring, funny, and easy to read book that offers Great insight into the wonderful, purposeful life of the Jesuits from the humble perspective of a man that came from the Corporate world and all of its secular trappings. From the Spiritual exercises such as the daily Examen, which encourages daily reflection on how we interact with God and others, to practical applications for better decision making. This is a Great read and window to a deeper more spiriatual life. Don't miss it!

An excellent overview of Jesuit spirituality, personal sharing of his own journey - his questions, doubts, then confidence in his choice in switching from the corporate world into his real vocation. Very well written - and an enjoyable read.

The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything is a rewarding reading experience. It gives the average person insight and a better understanding of what being a christian is all about. Father Martin has a unique writing style that I could relate to, very clear and precise with a touch of humor. I can remember going to Catholic school back in the 1950's, the eternal guilt trip. Reading The Jesuit Guide relieved me of this guilt by making me realize that as a human being, we are not perfect, nor does God expect us to be perfect. I think that in todays world, it is good to reflect on the meaning of life, this book helped me do that.

The ultimate book that will answer most all your questions. Beats bothering your priest for answers to all the what ifs? Wonderful index...it helps define what you are looking for.
A real resource for new members of the church and those who have been around a while.
As usual Fr. Martin presents a very clear and concise presentation and explanation for those
questions that need answers and you just can't find them. By the time you finish this book you
too will know how special the Jesuits and their teaching is. You will look at this book many times over the years and it will become that special reference book you really need.

The Jesuit guide explains a lot about the reasons a man can dedicate his life to helping others. The Joys that flow from this, as well as the tough times of soul searching make this a very informative study not only of the Jesuits but practical applications for us and how to have a joyful ,blessed life. Also explains in depth the reasons many people suffer needlesly with anxiety, stess & lonleyness. And how with effort & dedication to a principled life we also can improve our outlook and personality to attract others.

This book is very readable with practical advice for those needing more direction
concerning Christian lifestyle decisions. I am not a Catholic, but I found the stories
and advice in this book-- and one other by the same author-- to be extremely helpful
and even entertaining. I would recommend it to people who may be finding their
attempts to keep in touch with God's will getting a little "stale" or "dry". This is not a
book full of theological explanations or dogma.

It is written in an interesting, clear and understanding manner with some humour included. Frequently, books of this nature tend to be difficult to read and enjoy. Father James Martin S.J. in his book helps me to apply Ignation Spirituality to my life in a manner that makes sense to me. I look forward to reading more of the books written by this author.

If you are looking for a guide to apply spirituality in your Real Life, this is an excellent start , middle and finish. It is not a read from start to finish, but to savor each chapter and see how you may apply it to your life. Jesuits make you think about how you want to run your life, they don't run it for you.