lilysreviews

Book Blurb: In Inner River, Kyriacos Markides - scholar, researcher, author, and pilgrim - takes us on a thrilling quest into the heart of Christian spirituality and humankind's desire for a transcendant experience of God. From Maine's rugged shores to a Cypriot monastery to Greece's remote Mt. Athos and, ultimately, to an Egyptian desert, Markides encounters a diverse cast of characters that allows him to explore the worlds of the natural and the supernatural, of religion and spirit, and of the seen and unseen.

Inner River will appeal to a wide range of readers, from Christians seeking insights into their religion and its various expressions to scholars interested in learning more about the mystical way and wisdom that have been preserved in the heart of Orthodox spirituality. Perhaps most important, however, is the bridge it offers contemporary readers to a Christian life that is balanced between the worldly and the spiritual.

Review: I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading this book as I have had a mixed experience reading books that were, in some way, labeled "Christian" themed - I either liked them or was put off by them because they came across as, well, "preaching to the choir." This is why I found myself really enjoying the book because it reads more like a conversation between two people sharing views without the need to insist on changing your views unless you really want to do so. The book gives a wonderful insight - at least it did to me - into Orthodox views and certainly gave me some food for thought.

I found Mr. Markides writing style easygoing and engaging and will look into finding his other books to read as I would like to read more of what he has to say.