Praise for The Monks and Me

Now Featured in the Patheos Book Club
The Monks and Me
How 40 Days in Thich Nhat Hanh's Monastery Guided Me Home
By Mary Paterson

What People Are Saying about The Monks and Me

"Alive with deep truths resounding loud and clear in the small, amazing moments of everyday life, Paterson reminds us of what's possible when we take the time to stop, look, and listen. An entertaining and juicy primer on the basic guidelines for a richer life."
—Ragini Michaels, author of Unflappable

"When Paterson's mother died, she turned to yoga and meditation for solace. Years later, when her father died, she chose a forty-day retreat at Thich Nhat Hanh's monastery in France to help her heal. Her honest, and insightful account of her stay there makes for very enlightening reading. She takes us on her inner journey, sharing her thoughts as she strives to live as mindfully as the nuns she is living with. Her example is a powerful teacher, and the book is a perfect companion for Thich Nhat Hanh's writings."
—Anna Jedrziewski, Retailing Insight (formerly New Age Retailer)

"There's nothing better than a Buddhist with a sense of humor. Mary Paterson shares her vision of a joyful, committed Buddhism that can help us live gracefully in this very strange world. I feel better already."
—Brian Haycock, author of Dharma Road

"I enjoyed this book enormously. It reminded me in the most concrete terms what I already know but tend to forget: Take joy, have compassion, be patient, pay attention, let go, slow down. Wake up! Each little story—my favorite may be the one about the boy saving the ants—is a reminder to us all to be kind and be present."
—Margaret Hawkins, author of After Schizophrenia: The Story of My Sister's Reawakening after 30 Years

"Through her engaging stories, Mary has brilliantly interwoven the teachings of the Buddha with real life experiences, giving this ancient Eastern wisdom present-day relevance. Full of courage, honesty and humor, this is a deeply moving account of a sacred pilgrimage that reveals insights on how to live joyfully. With open heartedness and grace, Mary brings us along on a fascinating journey of discovery."
—Xiaolan Zhao, CMD, author of Inner Beauty and Reflections of the Moon on Water

"I feel like I have just returned from a 40-day retreat at Plum Village. Mary Paterson describes her experience in such a lively and loving way that it has actually become mine!"
—Barbara Tammes, author of The Blueprint for Building your Castle in the Clouds

"A magnificent book that eloquently juxtaposes Thich Nhat Hanh's Buddhist philosophy against modern-day living—inspired, as seen through Paterson's eyes. This book is a revelation of spirituality in quotidian things, of balance and fragility in the midst of chaos, and most of all a testimony to mindfulness. It is a must read for anyone who wants simple recipes for ethical living."
—Dr. Sema K. Sgaier, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation