In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories and Prayers [Hardcover]

Mother Teresa (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 1997

Divided into three sections--Thoughts, Prayer, and Stories--this powerful collection speaks to the principles of selflessness, forgiveness, compassion, and spiritual strength that have guided this diminutive heroine along the steep and rocky paths she has chosen to pursue.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mother Teresa (19101997) was a nun among the destitute of the Calcutta slums who became one of the most beloved and highly respected women in the world. Recipient of many humanitarian awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, she was personally acquainted with popes, presidents, and royalty. She never hesitated, however, to do the most menial tasks, and one of her oft-repeated themes was the need for humility. Mother Teresa was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003; beatification is a precursor to sainthood. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 110 pages
• Publisher: New World Library; 1St Edition edition (October 20, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577310659
• ISBN-13: 978-1577310655
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #994,194 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars on a life of service, December 25, 2003

By 

Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories and Prayers (Hardcover)

The three sections of this slender volume, "Thoughts", "Stories", and "Prayers", are exquisitely written, and describe the life of the sisters who live in India and many other parts of the world, in austere simplicity, helping those in need.
Though there is the occasional flavor that the words are coming from someone whose mother tongue was not English, it does not detract from the beauty of the language, or its intent, which is to inspire us to serve, on any level that we are able to: "And be faithful is small things because it is in them that your strength lies" (pg. 15). This thought is paraphrased again on page 98.

The subject of loneliness runs through the entire book, emphasizing the compassion needed towards those who have been cast aside from society; Mother Teresa speaks of loneliness being the most painful suffering: "...the deepest poverty is not being loved" (pg. 66).
Originally published as The Mother Teresa Reader, it has a lovely layout, with a lot of space to frame the thoughts, and has chapter opening quotes by Michael Collopy.
Though it is a book that could be read in an evening, perhaps it is better taken in small portions and given time and consideration. The level of humility and faith is deep, and deserves our attention.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Spiritual Guide., March 3, 2002

By 

Xavier Thelakkatt (Dayton, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories and Prayers (Hardcover)

This little book comprising of Mother Teresa's thoughts, stories and prayers is a good spiritual guide for inspirational reading and reflection. It is particularly helpful to those who have not been exposed to her work or ideas. According to the content, the book is divided into three parts: Thoughts, Stories and Prayers. The book provides the reader with a good taste of the spiritual legacy of this modern saint. If you are looking for a comprehensive volume of Mother Teresa's spiritual insights and messages for the world, your search will have to continue.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring little book of Mother Teresa's testimony., January 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories and Prayers (Hardcover)

In this wonderful book, Mother Teresa shares her thoughts on a variety of virtues, shares some wonderful stories which give the reader a true sense of her works, and offers a collection of prayers and reflections. An inspiring collection!