i might leave a link to a speech of his at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on this very book. and an even greater one to listen to him. It feels light and deep all at once, both profound and quiet. It's simple in its own way, and rich at the same time. It's full of insights on life and people and how we feel, think, interact, etc. In a way, it's more like reading a public journal than anything, and i enjoyed it for what it was. (The fact that he frequently references The Lord of the Rings has endeared him to me, to be completely honest.) It's all about life, and he references things constantly, whether they be his life experiences, other poetry, books, or history. Sometimes i had difficulty following exactly what he meant, but on the whole, the book is readable. Ó Tuama's writing is as honest and clear as his speaking voice. There is no real conclusion, except the continuance of life, and living.

The topics range all over the place, through time and space.

Listening to him tell stories and read his poetry in his gentle Irish accent made me want to look this book up and read it.įirst off, if you're looking for a very linear book, with a distinct begging-middle-end, this is not the book for you. Especially the beginning snippet, where Ó Tuama states that people who love each other very much can still disagree deeply on things. Her conversation with him came at a time when, i felt, i most needed to hear it. Pádraig Ó Tuama welcomes varied topics of reflection with open arms, and the realization of the importance of being 'here' in the present as 'a good place to begin something that might be called prayer.' It is a joy to read.I first heard of Pádraig Ó Tuama through Krista Tippet's podcast, On Being. Just to read In the Shelter is to do yourself good.' -John L. 'Pádraig Ó Tuama is a writer of intelligence and intellectual acumen who knows that deep conviction well-articulated can convey deep truths. Comforting.' -Mary McAvoy, Irish Independent The reader can't help but be drawn in, slip-sliding into the harbor of the author's soulful words.' -Chicago Tribune Putting to work poetry and gospel, side by side with story and Celtic spirituality, Ó Tuama explores ideas of shelter along life's journey, opening up gentle ways of living well in a troubled world. McLaren, author of We Make the Road by Walking Marginalia, Los Angeles Review of Books 'In The Shelter is Pádraig Ó Tuama's meditation on the power of breaking free from our false stories into a truer story, into arms that love us, one small conversion at a time. 'To say that it is one of the most beautiful and quietly necessary books of our young century is a sweeping assertion, but I will make it.An exquisite work of spiritual autobiography.' -from the foreword by Krista Tippett, creator and host of On Being 'Pádraig Ó Tuama is a kindred artist: his skills as a poet honed for the purpose of the common good.' -The Edge, U2

In the Shelter by Pádraig Ó Tuama