6+ Favorite Books on Modern Monasticism (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on modern monasticism (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Book of Silence by Sarah Maitland
$17.95

In Book of Silence, Sarah Maitland shares her journey from a noisy life to embracing silence in the countryside. She explores how silence shapes creativity and dives into different kinds of silence, balancing the emptiness that opens one up spiritually with the ego-boosting quiet of artistic creation. I found her real-life experiments, especially her six-week retreat on the Isle of Skye, to be captivating, though some parts felt a bit dense and academic. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that pairs well with Susan Cain’s Quiet, shining a light on an often-overlooked aspect of human experience.
Pros:
The book provides an earnest exploration of silence and its cultural significance.
The author shares real-life experiments that make the journey relatable.
It offers an interesting perspective on different types of silence and their impacts on creativity.
Cons:
The book is a bit academic and dense in parts.
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02/10/2026 03:04 pm GMT
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh
$10.77

In Peace Is Every Step, Thich Nhat Hanh focuses on mindfulness and its power to bring peace and joy into our everyday lives. He offers practical exercises, like conscious breathing, to help us connect with ourselves and the world around us. The book is divided into three parts, covering mindful living, the importance of breathing and smiling, and engaged mindfulness for social action. I found it to be Hanh's best work, filled with valuable insights. While some parts feel repetitive, I think that's intentional. Overall, it's a worthwhile read with practical wisdom.
Pros:
The book offers practical exercises for mindfulness.
Thich Nhat Hanh's writing is accessible and easy to understand.
It emphasizes the importance of conscious breathing and its benefits.
Cons:
Large parts of the book are repetitive.
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02/10/2026 09:01 am GMT
Awareness by Anthony De Mello
$11.79

In Awareness, Anthony De Mello dives into spiritual awakening, blending tough love with practical insights. The book is structured around short, impactful chapters that cover themes like self-awareness, change, and understanding others. I loved how De Mello challenges readers to confront their conditioning and encourages personal growth without the fluff I expected from a Jesuit priest. His approach feels grounded and relatable, reminiscent of Stoicism and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. However, some stories can be a bit unsettling, which caught me off guard. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that pushes you to reflect on your life.
Pros:
The format of the book is short and aphoristic, making it easy to digest.
The author is an independent and grounded thinker, challenging expectations.
The book offers practical strategies for self-awareness and emotional growth.
Cons:
Some stories are uncomfortable and ethically fraught.
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02/10/2026 09:01 pm GMT
How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell
$13.87

In How to Do Nothing, Jenny Odell tackles the overwhelming pressures of our nonstop work culture and champions the idea that stepping back can actually boost our effectiveness. I found her arguments about the benefits of reflection and disconnecting from constant productivity compelling. The book highlights our relationship with technology and nature, urging us to reconnect with our surroundings and our curiosity. While I loved the concept and thought it resonated with many of our unspoken feelings, I also felt a bit conflicted. At times, it seemed like just another task on my to-do list. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read for anyone feeling the weight of modern life.
Pros:
The book addresses the issues of our 24/7 work culture.
It makes a compelling case for the benefits of taking time off.
It encourages healthier engagement with technology and nature.
Cons:
The book left me feeling conflicted about its message.
It felt like another task to add to my list.
It seemed to reflect a privileged perspective without adequate critique.
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02/10/2026 07:03 pm GMT