Sanctuaries: The Complete United States--A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys, and Retreats [Paperback]

Jack Kelly (Author), Marcia Kelly (Author)

Book Description

Series: Sanctuaries: the Complete United States | Publication Date: October 15, 1996

As the pace of life quickens and people feel depleted physically, emotionally, and spiritually, going on retreat to recuperate and regenerate has become a common practice. The quiet and seclusion of a monastery, abbey, or retreat center provide the time, space, and conditions for the mind and heart to come to stillness. This volume features 127 such places, which the Kellys have visited. About one third of these are new, and the other two thirds come from the Kellys earlier regional guides, Sanctuaries: The Northeast and Sanctuaries: The West Coast and Southwest. In addition, there are over 1,000 listings of other places not visited. Many are Catholic or Episcopalian, but there are also Buddhist, Hindu, Sufi, and even Jewish havens, and a few that have no religious affiliationin all, a choice of over 1,200 retreats, in every state of the union, where it is possible to find refuge, peace, and true refreshment.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The Kellys (One Hundred Graces: Mealtime Blessings, Crown, 1992) provide here information on 127 sanctuaries in 37 states that accept visitors of all denominations. Most places are Christian, but some are Buddhist, Sufi, Hindu, and Jewish, and a few are without specific religious ties. Each two-page description includes a line drawing of the monastery and information on its history, location, religious affiliation, accommodations, prices, and facilities. The typical sanctuary is located in a tranquil rural location offering simple accommodations at modest prices. There are exceptions, however, including a monastery on the South Side of Chicago, a Zen temple in downtown New Orleans, and the luxurious Rancho La Puerta in Baja California. The authors also provide a listing of more than 1000 retreats in all 50 states that are recommended but not visited. Recommended for public libraries.?Caroline A. Mitchell, Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"These special places nourish an inner silence, which itself becomes a sanctuary in each of us of peaceful abiding in the world. Sanctuaries is a clear and pragmatic guide to many of these wonderful places of stillness." --Joseph Goldstein

"For the countless people who search for a safe place in which they can confront the compulsions and obsessions of this world and claim the truth that they are the beloved sons and daughters of God, this book is a true treasure." --Henri J. M. Nouwen

"What in our crowded hurried world could be as welcome as a retreat except perhaps a guide on where to find one? Sanctuaries is good news indeed for the contemplative within each one of us." --Joanna Macy

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Harmony/Bell Tower; 1st edition (October 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517885174
• ISBN-13: 978-0517885178
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #155,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Travel > Reference & Tips > Food & Lodging > Hotels & Inns

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars some locations not available, February 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sanctuaries: The Complete United States--A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys, and Retreats (Paperback)

I love the idea of this book, and I love its execution. I've called a half-dozen places all across the USA to make plans to visit, and most of them have not even known that they were listed in this book! The places listed for New Orleans indicated that they wouldn't want to be in the book if they had the choice - so I don't know how they got in the book in the first place. It's very disappointing, to say the least. Still, the book overall inspires me to find unconventional lodging arrangements when I travel.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Undependable and Inaccurate Information, December 24, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Sanctuaries: The Complete United States--A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys, and Retreats (Paperback)

As another reviewer alluded, many of the monasteries/convents in this book are included without the nuns'/monks' knowledge or permission. Further, at the end of each state's chapter "other places" are listed for guest accommmodations. The listings are totally inaccurate. Having contacted many of the "other places" I discovered that some have facilites for guests and others do not. The information in the book is not dependable.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sanctuaries: A guide to great places to visit!, November 1, 2001

By 

Laurie (NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sanctuaries: The Complete United States--A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys, and Retreats (Paperback)

During these very stressful times, when the simple desire to find peace within becomes a burning obsession, this book can help you locate some perfect places to do just that.There are many guide books out there to choose from for a myriad of vacation styles but this book is extremely unique as it only offers places where a seeking soul can find inner peace, can find the true divine nature of who they are, to find deepest form of traquality one can obtain on a vacation or perhaps in life itself. If a person were looking for dinner shows, black diamond restaurants, thrills and high-entertainment for the whole family, this isn't that kind of guide, nor are the places mentioned between the covers going to be appealing.This book is only for those who seek the greatest thrill of all: inner tranquillity and divine connectedness. It's a "must have" book for the inspired traveler. I give it a 5+ rating! Laurie.