A pleasantly presented sketch of the authors time in pray at the merton hermitage.It is simply written and the chapters are light and short. Positive points; 1.Readable and easy going format 2.Content broken up from time to time with stories and examples of daily life at the monastery 3.The book varies between the experience of the week at the hermitage and the authors daily life outside the monastery. Negative points; 1.The book is too much a parody of Merton. 2.The experiences expressed in the book do not seem to ring true given the short period of time spent in retreat. 3.It seems difficult to imagine to which audience the book is aimed.For those interested in the genuine eremtical life ,Merton's journals are recommended.For those interested in a spiritual retreat and journey,this book will offer you few concrete guidelines.However,Esther de Waal's book on Merton would seem to be a first choice for reference