The Imitation of Christ

1418 · Thomas à Kempis · Devotional classic

Recommended. Age: 15+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.

Our review

After the Bible, perhaps the most read spiritual book in the world, and it earns the place. Thomas speaks plainly about humility, the cross and the Eucharist, and Book Three lets Christ answer the soul directly. The reservation is tone. It was written for monks who had left the world, and it can sound stern to a layman.

For parents

For adults and for teens from about 15, a chapter a day, not straight through. A parent can read single chapters aloud from 12. Ask what it means to seek to be unknown. Ask how Book Four changes the way you prepare for Communion.

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