The Desert Mothers: Spiritual Practices from the Women of the Wilderness - Earle, Mary C. Morehouse, 2007. 89p. $14.00, paperback. ISBN: 978-0-8192-2156-8. morehousepublishing.org 255.9 Monastic and religious life of women- History-Early Church, ca. 30-300. Spiritual exercises. Prayer-Christianity.

Many Christian readers will have heard of the Desert Fathers and perhaps will be familiar with their writings. Far fewer will have heard of the Desert Mothers. So Episcopal priest Mary Earle has written this book not as a history but as an introduction and an invitation to know who the Desert Mothers were and how one might carry out some of their practices in daily life.

The Desert Mothers or ammas were actually more numerous than their male counterparts. From all walks of life these fourth-century women left their normal surroundings to live in the deserts of Egypt, Israel, and Syria, some in monastic communities, others as hermits. Their purpose was to adhere as closely as possible to the great commandment to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself. They tried to accomplish this with silence, solitude, and stillness, yet they were also mentors, counselors, and teachers.

The Desert Mothers left their wisdom in sayings and stories. The author quotes a saying from one of them to introduce each chapter. Although the culture of these women who lived centuries ago is foreign to us, their teachings are still applicable today. Earle relates this fact well with anecdotes of contemporary women. Each chapter contains suggestions for practicing prayer, discernment, humility, moderation, and balance, all of which the Desert Mothers taught.

This would be a valuable addition to a church library.

Beverly M. Bixler
First Presbyterian Church
Ashland, Ohio