Teresa of Avila: An Extraordinary Life

by Shirley du Boulay

Book Overview

In the pages of this biography an extraordinary ordinary, lovable, and inspiring woman lives again. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0974240524
• ISBN13: 9780974240527
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: BlueBridge
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

St. Teresa, a testament to human potential!!

If there was ever proof positive that human and divine are interchangeable terms, it can be found in this excellent biography of St. Teresa of Avila. That she had some extraordinary gifts (favors) from her Father, and lived her life completely in service to Him and His children is persuasively and convincingly argued in this wonderful book. And yet, the author presents this mystic in such a light so as to see her in all her complexity and humanity. St. Teresa isn't depicted as a dour, crotchety, Mother Superior cracking kids knuckles with a ruler every time they err, but, as a human being beginning to recognize and build a friendship with God. She is playful, humorous, highly intelligent, sincere and has need of affection & attention and certainly has no problem speaking her mind, (even telling God in an off - handed way, that He can be a trifle irksome at times!) The truth and beauty of this book is that it elevates the human condition to a position closer to Sainthood, that is: it makes saintliness or yoga (divine union) more accessible to mankind. With a certain amount of effort, conviction and practice, I have no doubt that each and every one of us would be granted favors by our creator, in fact, I think that is our birthright. I'll even go so far as to say that there are and have been many great examples of transcendence to follow and emulate, but very few had ears to hear! Great work, 5 stars in every direction!

MUCH better than Medwick's biography of the saint

If you have tried to read Cathleen Medwick's biography of the great Teresa and have been left bored and wondering why on earth this woman is supposed to be so amazing...READ THIS BOOK! Du Boulay's prose flows like water and keeps us in step with the invincible Teresa. After reading it, one can't help but agree that her spirit is as alive today as it was over 400 years ago.

Wholeness and Holiness

Ms. DuBoulay has created a fascinating biography of one of the spiritual giants of the Catholic Reformation of the sixteenth century. Teresa of Avila is portrayed as one who lived in two worlds. The world of her visions, her devotion, her absolute obedience, and her writings show a woman who was totally in love with God and deeply indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The other world was the world of humanity - a world of conflict, jealousies, illness, politics and death. Teresa was amazing because she could live completely in both of these worlds with no apparent conflict. What a wonderful model for those of us who struggle to life a faith based life in this secular world! Ms. DuBoulay has opened this world to us and given us a glimpse at what in means to be truly holy and whole.

Terrific Biography of a Very Human Saint

What I found extraordinary about this book is how the author packed in so much detail yet kept the book flowing and interesting. Besides including the dates and places of every convent St. Teresa founded, Ms. du Boulay expounds on much personal information. Yet the book is concise, relatively short. This is a very well-written biography. St. Teresa's life is covered from birth to death and after, and I found I could relate to her so much. Her accomplishments were great, but she was very human, and I think most of us will see some of ourselves reflected in this biography. Now I want to read St. Teresa's writings. I was interested in learning about her when I chose to read this book. Now I'm fascinated with her! This is good biography. I recommend this if you like the genre. And if you're interested in the contemplative life.

One of the, (if not the), best bios on St. Teresa of Avila

A wonderful account of the life of a determined and indefatiguablable woman! Teresa's "ordinary human-ness" comes across clearly in her initial ambivalence at the idea of becoming a nun. However, once she makes the decision, Teresa commits herself wholeheartedly. It readily becomes apparent Teresa made the right choice, for soon God begins communicating directly with her...a mysticism which is to last throughout her life. The convent, though, has more of a social focus than a focus on God, and after experiencing two Divine encounters, Teresa finally sheds any and all ties she retained to the matieral world and embarks upon re-estalishing the strict, cloistered lifestyle of the hermits of Mt. Carmel. Thus, with the help of influential friends, including St. John of the Cross, Teresa undertook the great reformation of the Carmelite Order, ultimately founding 16 "Discalced" Carmelite communities throughout 1500s Spain. The book includes a map of Spain, with each of Teresa's foundations marked, helping to put into perspective the distances, as well as the rigors and dangers Teresa and her nuns faced in their grueling travels, as they established new communities. Teresa's selfless love for God and the heroic measures she undertook in serving His Will are inspiring and beautifully depicted.