Wayne Greenhaw is one of the great Southern writers. One might not think that a book of essays and stories set in Alabama and Mexico would have a strong sense of unity. Greenhaw, though, uses the settings to tell wonderful, mostly autobiographical tales that are as rich in detail as they are moving. There is a reason that Pat Conroy, Harper Lee, Winston Groom, and Fannie Flagg all rave about this book (their quotes adorn the back cover). If you love the strong, unique voice of the South, you will enjoy Greenhaw's wonderful book.

I am afraid that I must agree with this book's other reviewer. I, too, was delighted to see this title, and chose it to be my daily meditation reading for Lent. After only three days, however, I am determined to exchange it at the church bookstore for a title that is more fitting the solemnity and introspection of the season.

It is simply mond-boggling that someone, particularly an Anglican scholar or priest, feels called to edit Donne in the way. One of the glories of the Anglican tradition is an acute sensitivity to ritual, language, and the spiritual life of the intellectual, and unfortunately, this book seems to respect none of these. It's such a disappointment. Who better to read on the 40 days of Lent than John Donne? I will still do so, but on my own, in the original, glorious language.

When I spotted this title, I was delighted. The idea seemed excellent, nay, inspired. Upon receiving and reviewing it, however, I was dismayed to find that, while the excerpts have been judiciously selected, they have also been subjected to an editorial process which deprives Donne of much of his rhetorical force. For instance, Donne's quotations from the Bible are replaced with those of a modern translation, both his language and syntax are modified to conform to modern American practice, and his prose further altered to reflect gender inclusivity. Is it really necessary to change every "thee" to a "you" in order to make these writings accessible? Isn't it hubris in the highest degree to re-write the "Holy Sonnets" or the "Hymn to God the Father"? This edition may be fine for those who like their Donne strained to the consistency of baby food. Others should be forewarned that this isn't Donne, but Donne as translated into contemporary Anglican liturgy-speak. Deeply disappointing.