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In Praise of the Useless Life: A Monk’s Memoir
Winner of two 2019 Catholic Press Association Awards: Memoir (First Place) and Cover Design (Second Place).
Monastic life and its counter-cultural wisdom come alive in the stories and lessons of Br. Paul Quenon, O.C.S.O., during his more than five decades as a Trappist at the Abbey of Gethsemani. He served as a novice under Thomas Merton and he also welcomed some of the monastery's more well-known visitors, including Sr. Helen Prejean and Seamus Heaney, to Merton's hermitage. In Praise of the Useless Life includes Quenon's quiet reflections on what it means to live each day with careful attentiveness.
The humble peace and simplicity of the monastery and of Quenon's daily life are beautifully portrayed in this memoir. Whether it be through the daily routine of the monastery, his love of the outdoors no matter the season, or his lively and interesting conversations with visitors (reciting Emily Dickinson with Pico Iyer, discussing Merton and poetry with Czeslaw Milosz), Quenon's gentle musings display his love for the beauty in his vocation and the people he’s encountered along the way.
Inspired by his novice master Merton, the poet and photographer’s stories remind us that the beauty of life can best be seen in the "uselessness" of daily life—having a quiet chat with a friend, spending time in contemplation—in our vocations, and in the memories we make along the way.
Monastic life and its counter-cultural wisdom come alive in the stories and lessons of Br. Paul Quenon, O.C.S.O., during his more than five decades as a Trappist at the Abbey of Gethsemani. He served as a novice under Thomas Merton and he also welcomed some of the monastery's more well-known visitors, including Sr. Helen Prejean and Seamus Heaney, to Merton's hermitage. In Praise of the Useless Life includes Quenon's quiet reflections on what it means to live each day with careful attentiveness.
The humble peace and simplicity of the monastery and of Quenon's daily life are beautifully portrayed in this memoir. Whether it be through the daily routine of the monastery, his love of the outdoors no matter the season, or his lively and interesting conversations with visitors (reciting Emily Dickinson with Pico Iyer, discussing Merton and poetry with Czeslaw Milosz), Quenon's gentle musings display his love for the beauty in his vocation and the people he’s encountered along the way.
Inspired by his novice master Merton, the poet and photographer’s stories remind us that the beauty of life can best be seen in the "uselessness" of daily life—having a quiet chat with a friend, spending time in contemplation—in our vocations, and in the memories we make along the way.
160 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 6, 2019
I read this book over a week on my lunch breaks. I had the privileged of meeting Paul many years ago when I was university student. The book was an interesting read. Full review to follow soon.
...
This book was not what I expected. But it was non the less a great read. The book begins with 8 ‘praises’ or plugs for this volume. Of the eight I have only read books by one of them and had not even heard of most. Most have written books about Thomas Merton, or monasticism in general. Quenon recounts many encounters with Merton in this book, but it is not a book about Merton. It is about the author and his own life as a monk. Paul recalls that:
“A day after our encounter, he told me I was narcissistic. That was a heck of a big word for me, and he proceeded to recount the myth of Narcissus—a young man who resisted relationships with others but fell in love with his own image in a pond. He said I was always looking at myself; I wanted to be spiritually beautiful. I was looking at myself in choir, in prayer, and that accounted for the “chafing sensation” that I complained about. I was too turned inward on myself and consequently felt sour and cramped within. He said that was narcissism and added that most young men are narcissistic. His general remedy was to live the life here at the monastery, stop looking at myself, and forget myself. T hat counsel remains until today a code of my monastic life.”
The stories in this volume span decades. Some told reflecting back with fondness. Some looking back and realizing that the events remembered are not always the same as the events experienced.
There was a time when I idolized Merton, Gethsemani, and monasticism in general. If that had not passed, this book would have helped it do so. Paul does a wonderful job of presenting a realistic look in the window at life in the monastery. The book is humbly written. It has stories that are poignant, penetrating, and at time passionate. It is a book that can be consumed in a long afternoon in a deck chair or savoured over many days.
I read this book over a week on my lunch breaks. I had the privileged of meeting Paul many years ago when I was an undergraduate university student. The book was an interesting read. After reading this volume I have a keen interest to track down other volumes by Paul. I can say I enjoyed this book more than some of the Merton’s works I have read. And I believe the writing is better. But Paul does not have the cult of personality that Merton, his former director of novices, had. And as such his work sit more to the outside. But those of us who discover them find a little gem we will treasure and share with those we know. I think this book would make for an excellent book club read.
An intriguing life, for a monk who left the world, only to find himself back in it and engaged in many new ways. And I believe the book will help us look at our own past, our encounters, or lives in a new and fresh way.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
...
This book was not what I expected. But it was non the less a great read. The book begins with 8 ‘praises’ or plugs for this volume. Of the eight I have only read books by one of them and had not even heard of most. Most have written books about Thomas Merton, or monasticism in general. Quenon recounts many encounters with Merton in this book, but it is not a book about Merton. It is about the author and his own life as a monk. Paul recalls that:
“A day after our encounter, he told me I was narcissistic. That was a heck of a big word for me, and he proceeded to recount the myth of Narcissus—a young man who resisted relationships with others but fell in love with his own image in a pond. He said I was always looking at myself; I wanted to be spiritually beautiful. I was looking at myself in choir, in prayer, and that accounted for the “chafing sensation” that I complained about. I was too turned inward on myself and consequently felt sour and cramped within. He said that was narcissism and added that most young men are narcissistic. His general remedy was to live the life here at the monastery, stop looking at myself, and forget myself. T hat counsel remains until today a code of my monastic life.”
The stories in this volume span decades. Some told reflecting back with fondness. Some looking back and realizing that the events remembered are not always the same as the events experienced.
There was a time when I idolized Merton, Gethsemani, and monasticism in general. If that had not passed, this book would have helped it do so. Paul does a wonderful job of presenting a realistic look in the window at life in the monastery. The book is humbly written. It has stories that are poignant, penetrating, and at time passionate. It is a book that can be consumed in a long afternoon in a deck chair or savoured over many days.
I read this book over a week on my lunch breaks. I had the privileged of meeting Paul many years ago when I was an undergraduate university student. The book was an interesting read. After reading this volume I have a keen interest to track down other volumes by Paul. I can say I enjoyed this book more than some of the Merton’s works I have read. And I believe the writing is better. But Paul does not have the cult of personality that Merton, his former director of novices, had. And as such his work sit more to the outside. But those of us who discover them find a little gem we will treasure and share with those we know. I think this book would make for an excellent book club read.
An intriguing life, for a monk who left the world, only to find himself back in it and engaged in many new ways. And I believe the book will help us look at our own past, our encounters, or lives in a new and fresh way.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
December 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this quiet, contemplative memoir. It is written by Brother Paul Quentin, a monk living in Kentucky.
I have always been fascinated by individuals who devote their whole life to religion. Brother Paul invites the reader into the everyday life in a monastery and reflects on the six decades he spent there as a monk.
The writing style is warm, funny and engaging. To give you a sense of the playful humour, there is a section in the book where the author talks about how excited he gets when his close friends pass away as they are now in a spiritual union with God. Another example is when the author reflects on when he was a newly minted monk. He grew Elvis sideburns to set himself apart from the other monks. Thankfully he didn't keep it for very long!
My favourite part of the book is the chapter on the love the author has for Emily Dickinson. He calls her his soul sister because he finds her life to be very similar to living in a monastery. She lived in solitude and enjoyed meditating on her spiritually and nature.
One thing I will say is that this is quite a short book. I wish it was longer so that the author could have delved deeper into the topics he is talking about.
This was a quick read but boy did it pack a punch. I enjoyed reading about the quiet, meditative lives that monks lead. Most importantly, I loved Quenon's voice. He is so enthusiastic about the beauty of life and appreciating the small things. I found his excitement contagious.
I received a free copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have always been fascinated by individuals who devote their whole life to religion. Brother Paul invites the reader into the everyday life in a monastery and reflects on the six decades he spent there as a monk.
The writing style is warm, funny and engaging. To give you a sense of the playful humour, there is a section in the book where the author talks about how excited he gets when his close friends pass away as they are now in a spiritual union with God. Another example is when the author reflects on when he was a newly minted monk. He grew Elvis sideburns to set himself apart from the other monks. Thankfully he didn't keep it for very long!
My favourite part of the book is the chapter on the love the author has for Emily Dickinson. He calls her his soul sister because he finds her life to be very similar to living in a monastery. She lived in solitude and enjoyed meditating on her spiritually and nature.
One thing I will say is that this is quite a short book. I wish it was longer so that the author could have delved deeper into the topics he is talking about.
This was a quick read but boy did it pack a punch. I enjoyed reading about the quiet, meditative lives that monks lead. Most importantly, I loved Quenon's voice. He is so enthusiastic about the beauty of life and appreciating the small things. I found his excitement contagious.
I received a free copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2018
This is a wonderful journey with Paul Quenon through his life as a Trappist monk and the many lessons he has learned and come to understand in his life at Gethsemeni. I was born and raised a Catholic in Ireland but have entirely lapsed- it was a real pleasure to see how Quenon has built a quiet, rich life of study, faith and doubt into something that sounds so rewarding, peaceful and warm. Accepting poverty and stepping into the four walls of a new life, he tells stories from his long years as a monk, his commitment to music, poetry and nature, as well as his relationship with Thomas Merton. I really loved this- as a person who has no engagement with organised religion, there was something very positive and beautiful about Quenon's version of faith and how it looks outward to the rest of the world, past the books.
August 9, 2018
I have visited the Abbey of Gethsemani many times. My husband and I visit together. I have the count written in my journal that I write in only when I’m on retreat at the abbey. It is a place that sits on holy ground and I pray every time we leave that we will, by Gods grace, be able to return again. Every visit is different as I am at a different place emotionally and need to wait for my heart and spirit to quiet. I have admired Br. Paul’s singing but I’ve never spoken to him. Reading his memoir has offered to me, well, a different and enlightening insight into Gethsemani and the monks. Even if you’ve never heard of this abbey there is much to appreciate within the pages. You should give it a try.
June 5, 2018
Simply outstanding, a book to be savored for the wisdom and holiness that occupy its pages.
February 9, 2019
Foreword by Picot Iyver
"In an age of distraction and forgetfulness and speed, it's no surprise, perhaps, that more and more of us in the wider world are going on retreat, or trying to bring even a little of a monks discipline and clarity into our overcrowded days. ..We're joined at the root, even if our paths fly off in a hundred of directions"
"In an age of distraction and forgetfulness and speed, it's no surprise, perhaps, that more and more of us in the wider world are going on retreat, or trying to bring even a little of a monks discipline and clarity into our overcrowded days. ..We're joined at the root, even if our paths fly off in a hundred of directions"
May 3, 2023
I wanted to read this because of the wonderful title and to get an insight into life in a monastery. The title remains wonderful but I felt like the author expected me to already be familiar with the monastery. He didn’t explain much and the book felt incoherent and random as if it had been put together from different texts written at different times without being tied together by anything. I finally lost interest and DNF.
October 12, 2019
I wanted to like this book more, but it just didn't happen at this time.
My grandfather enjoyed this memoir, and he shared it with my father, who, in turn, shared it with me, along with Thomas Merton's "Seven Storey Mountain." Perhaps it was a mistake to read this before having familiarized myself with Merton, but either way, I can bond with my dad and grandpa over having read this.
Paul Quenon reflects on a life spent as a brother at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky. He reflects on his poetry and photography and how he has spent his life in meditation, prayer, and song. The simplicity was genuine, and his faith-filled life was quaint, but it was a little too quiet for me at this point in my life. Perhaps it was the audiobook (or maybe it was because I'm also reading Lex Thomas's "The Loners"...), but this memoir just didn't fill me with anything new, other than a curiosity about Catholic religious orders in Kentucky (my great aunt is a nun at the Sisters of Loretto, a mere 12 miles away from the Gethsemani Abbey). Maybe a road trip and a re-reading after visiting the abbey is in order...or at least revisiting after reading "Seven Storey Mountain."
I look forward to discussing this memoir with my dad and grandpa, and I'm glad I read it, but it has a VERY narrow audience (like 50+ year old Catholics).
My grandfather enjoyed this memoir, and he shared it with my father, who, in turn, shared it with me, along with Thomas Merton's "Seven Storey Mountain." Perhaps it was a mistake to read this before having familiarized myself with Merton, but either way, I can bond with my dad and grandpa over having read this.
Paul Quenon reflects on a life spent as a brother at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky. He reflects on his poetry and photography and how he has spent his life in meditation, prayer, and song. The simplicity was genuine, and his faith-filled life was quaint, but it was a little too quiet for me at this point in my life. Perhaps it was the audiobook (or maybe it was because I'm also reading Lex Thomas's "The Loners"...), but this memoir just didn't fill me with anything new, other than a curiosity about Catholic religious orders in Kentucky (my great aunt is a nun at the Sisters of Loretto, a mere 12 miles away from the Gethsemani Abbey). Maybe a road trip and a re-reading after visiting the abbey is in order...or at least revisiting after reading "Seven Storey Mountain."
I look forward to discussing this memoir with my dad and grandpa, and I'm glad I read it, but it has a VERY narrow audience (like 50+ year old Catholics).
May 26, 2018
Written by a monk who has spent most of his adult life in a monastery, this is an illuminating exploration of what the monastic life is all about and in which the author examines the complexities and realities of living a life dedicated to God. He looks back on a lifetime in a closed world but one which is nonetheless open to outsiders who often find solace and comfort there. He reflects on the importance of silence and thought in a noise and busy world and refutes that his could be in any way considered a “useless” life. I found the book reasonably interesting but as an atheist I remain perplexed by a life spent in such a way.
May 12, 2019
An interesting and entertaining narrative. I didn't know much about Br. Paul but I was intrigued to read a book about monastery life. Of course, I realized soon that he lived in the same monastery as Thomas Merton in Kentucky. The Goodreads rating for 3 stars is "I liked it." And I did enjoy the narrative, but some of the spirituality tends to toe the line of orthodoxy which after learning his admiration of Merton being a contemporary doesn't surprise me. Honestly, I'd only recommend to someone with a solid foundation in Catholic theology.
June 20, 2018
A beautiful,thoughtful book about the life lived by the author in a monastery. Filled with some whimsy, some humour and much thoughtfulness and insight, the book shares great meaning about the values of simplicity,quiet and introspection. I enjoyed it very much. Recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 26, 2018
A highly readable and deeply introspective book. I was myself once in the formation program at a Cistercian monastery (not Gethesemani) and lived within the enclosure. Reading Br. Quenon, I did ask myself a question, "What if I had stayed?"
Ultimately, though, Br. Quenon emphasizes that it is not about this way or that being better, but this way or that which God calls one to, and whether or not you respond with an open and sublime heart. THIS is the way of life Br. Quenon says to which he has been called, and in a gentle and non-judgemental prose, he encourages all of us to find a calling, wherever we are.
Incidentally, Br. Quenon's "Thomas Merton inside stories" would fascinate any Merton fan, yours truly included. How Fr. Louis impacted him is, again being told gently and non-judgementally, a touching and personal disclosure, which I deeply appreciate.
Ultimately, though, Br. Quenon emphasizes that it is not about this way or that being better, but this way or that which God calls one to, and whether or not you respond with an open and sublime heart. THIS is the way of life Br. Quenon says to which he has been called, and in a gentle and non-judgemental prose, he encourages all of us to find a calling, wherever we are.
Incidentally, Br. Quenon's "Thomas Merton inside stories" would fascinate any Merton fan, yours truly included. How Fr. Louis impacted him is, again being told gently and non-judgementally, a touching and personal disclosure, which I deeply appreciate.
November 10, 2023
I know I read this earlier this year, but I just couldn't stay away. This is a book one can take different insights from every time you read it.
It's very accessible, with short, light chapters on a variety of subjects: music, solitude, photography, purpose, religion, fellowship, peace, etc.
It's very accessible, with short, light chapters on a variety of subjects: music, solitude, photography, purpose, religion, fellowship, peace, etc.
March 4, 2019
Delight-filled, funny, deep, wise. The sort of spirituality whose uselessness might turn out to redeem this world.
April 9, 2024
Summary: A meandering memoir about the life of a monk, with lots of time devoted to his novice master, Thomas Merton.
I remember In Praise of the Useless Life coming out a few years ago and having largely positive reviews. I put it on my "to-read" list and picked it up recently because it was free to borrow from Audible if you are a premium member.
Generally, it is one of those books that I am not disappointed I read, but I also do not recommend it. The story meanders without really having much focus. Much of the short memoir is about the author's relationship with Thomas Merton. Quenon was only 17 when he came to the monastery. Merton (known in the monastery as Father Lewis) was Quenon's novice master. The stories are fine, but nothing in it drew me in.
The title "In Praise of a Useless Life" did not reflect the book. Quenon has published many poetry books and contributed to several photography books. Merton was well known but far from the only extraordinary monastery member. If anything, the memoir was about extraordinary lives, not useless ones. I get the point; a life of prayer and service is not "exciting," but the visitor's and monks' work as writers, artists, and spiritual directors is far from useless. Maybe I was primed for a different book by the title, but it just isn't a book that grabbed me, nor one that I would put much effort into reading. If you borrowed it for free like I did, it may be worth it, but there are so many books available that I would probably get another instead of this one.
I originally published this on my blog at https://bookwi.se/in-praise-of-the-us...
I remember In Praise of the Useless Life coming out a few years ago and having largely positive reviews. I put it on my "to-read" list and picked it up recently because it was free to borrow from Audible if you are a premium member.
Generally, it is one of those books that I am not disappointed I read, but I also do not recommend it. The story meanders without really having much focus. Much of the short memoir is about the author's relationship with Thomas Merton. Quenon was only 17 when he came to the monastery. Merton (known in the monastery as Father Lewis) was Quenon's novice master. The stories are fine, but nothing in it drew me in.
The title "In Praise of a Useless Life" did not reflect the book. Quenon has published many poetry books and contributed to several photography books. Merton was well known but far from the only extraordinary monastery member. If anything, the memoir was about extraordinary lives, not useless ones. I get the point; a life of prayer and service is not "exciting," but the visitor's and monks' work as writers, artists, and spiritual directors is far from useless. Maybe I was primed for a different book by the title, but it just isn't a book that grabbed me, nor one that I would put much effort into reading. If you borrowed it for free like I did, it may be worth it, but there are so many books available that I would probably get another instead of this one.
I originally published this on my blog at https://bookwi.se/in-praise-of-the-us...
April 17, 2020
Paul Quenon has proven himself to be a fair hand at writing something that isn't just a memoir but something that combines the autobiographical with the poetic, the profile with the philosophical. His book, in both style and tone, is a fair cross between a diary and a dialogue with not just the reader, but also with himself, Thomas Merton, his religion, and the world. Now throw in some quite good poetry (by himself, Dickinson, Merton) and you have a notion as to what reading his memoir is like.
That isn't to say the book doesn't feel like a bit of a ramble at times. I think Quenon has taken the flâneur approach to his writing, having it go on when it wants to continue and letting it come to a conclusion when it's ready. In a way, I think, seeing this play out on the page gives the reader a glimpse into how Quenon has lived since joining the Abbey of Gethsemani; you get the strong impression his life is very Zen and (in a naturalistic sense) water-like, full of ebbs and flows. In fact, he says something similar near the beginning of the book: "It is fun to be a ball tossed about by the hand of Christ." His writing, like his life, is one of being tossed back and forth; he doesn't know how it will end or where it will end up, but he doesn't worry about that. He just enjoys the moment.
"I am what I live," Quenon writes. "Don’t tell me who I am yet. It is still being spelled out."
That isn't to say the book doesn't feel like a bit of a ramble at times. I think Quenon has taken the flâneur approach to his writing, having it go on when it wants to continue and letting it come to a conclusion when it's ready. In a way, I think, seeing this play out on the page gives the reader a glimpse into how Quenon has lived since joining the Abbey of Gethsemani; you get the strong impression his life is very Zen and (in a naturalistic sense) water-like, full of ebbs and flows. In fact, he says something similar near the beginning of the book: "It is fun to be a ball tossed about by the hand of Christ." His writing, like his life, is one of being tossed back and forth; he doesn't know how it will end or where it will end up, but he doesn't worry about that. He just enjoys the moment.
"I am what I live," Quenon writes. "Don’t tell me who I am yet. It is still being spelled out."
April 6, 2020
I really wanted to like this book. There were portions I enjoyed. The anecdotes of monastic life, seeing what life is really like behind the cloistered walls, all these sections were enjoyable. But the rest of the book was underwhelming.
For a memoir written by a Cistercian monk, I expected to read about a Christ-centered life. Yes, the Opus Dei orders the days, months, and years. Yet the presence of Christ Himself is noticeably rare in Quenon’s reflections. Silence, Presence, Solitude are more visible characters in this memoir than Christ. From the author’s spirit of religious pluralism, one wonders exactly what or who he means when he speaks of God. Is this the God of Israel and Jesus Christ?
I find a much different experience of monasticism reading Eastern Orthodox ascetical theology. The Eastern Christian tradition is explicitly Trinitarian and I had expected Quenon’s memoir to be the same. But one finds a generic spirituality reflecting the spirit of the 20th Century more than the history of Christian saints.
Again, I wanted to like this book. I thoroughly respect a monk who has observed the Benedictine life of prayer and work in one place for over 50 years. I aspire to that kind of habitual devotion in my own life. But I wish that my spirit was more encouraged by the God whom Quenon seeks. After finishing the book, I’m still not clear who that is for Quenon.
For a memoir written by a Cistercian monk, I expected to read about a Christ-centered life. Yes, the Opus Dei orders the days, months, and years. Yet the presence of Christ Himself is noticeably rare in Quenon’s reflections. Silence, Presence, Solitude are more visible characters in this memoir than Christ. From the author’s spirit of religious pluralism, one wonders exactly what or who he means when he speaks of God. Is this the God of Israel and Jesus Christ?
I find a much different experience of monasticism reading Eastern Orthodox ascetical theology. The Eastern Christian tradition is explicitly Trinitarian and I had expected Quenon’s memoir to be the same. But one finds a generic spirituality reflecting the spirit of the 20th Century more than the history of Christian saints.
Again, I wanted to like this book. I thoroughly respect a monk who has observed the Benedictine life of prayer and work in one place for over 50 years. I aspire to that kind of habitual devotion in my own life. But I wish that my spirit was more encouraged by the God whom Quenon seeks. After finishing the book, I’m still not clear who that is for Quenon.
February 5, 2023
I decided to have read this book because of another book, which often happens. Back in the spring, I read Quenon's book, co-written with Judith Valente, How To be, which is a book of letters between Valente, a well-known journalist and Benedictine oblate, and Quenon, a similarly well-known Trappist monk and poet (which I've also reviewed). This book intrigued me because I wanted to learn more about Quenon.
The first thing I have to say about this book is don't expect a linear narrative. Quenon's approach is reflective, so, while I think it roughly follows a chronology, it is hard to tell. He does talk a lot about Thomas Merton, for those of you who, like me, are interested in that and a fair a bit about the Abbey of Gethsemani. But he also talks much about his encounters with nature and with others. The book is a bit diffuse, but rewarding if read reflectively.
What I enjoyed about Quenon's memoir was just the reflective tone which evoked the place he was writing in. It is idiosyncratic and occasionally bewildering, but that is rather the charm of reading it. It is, ultimately, restful and that isn't something one can say about a lot of books.
The first thing I have to say about this book is don't expect a linear narrative. Quenon's approach is reflective, so, while I think it roughly follows a chronology, it is hard to tell. He does talk a lot about Thomas Merton, for those of you who, like me, are interested in that and a fair a bit about the Abbey of Gethsemani. But he also talks much about his encounters with nature and with others. The book is a bit diffuse, but rewarding if read reflectively.
What I enjoyed about Quenon's memoir was just the reflective tone which evoked the place he was writing in. It is idiosyncratic and occasionally bewildering, but that is rather the charm of reading it. It is, ultimately, restful and that isn't something one can say about a lot of books.
February 21, 2023
What a warm and passionate insight into the Abbey of Gethsemani. The most famous inhabitant being Thomas Merton, whose work has been collected, disseminated and elevated through the dedication of Quenon's work in the Thomas Merton Society.
If anything though... I'd have preferred if this was just about Quenon's life. And it sort of is... But Merton is such a heavy presence.
And I'd have liked to read more about the lives of the other monks too.
But all that said, what we do have here is a really interesting man expressing the daily experiences he has. How just because he is in a peaceful place, he still has to work to find peace. And how thankful he is to have found a place like Gethsemani to live in.
And beyond that it is the most obvious aspect. God. He has a really interesting relationship with God. It is a life of service which includes early morning prayer, song, dance, poetry and even photography. All aimed at finding a balance where the self slips onto the background.
It's a really short but fascinating read. Some awareness of Thomas Merton's life is necessary though, to unlock the most from it.
If anything though... I'd have preferred if this was just about Quenon's life. And it sort of is... But Merton is such a heavy presence.
And I'd have liked to read more about the lives of the other monks too.
But all that said, what we do have here is a really interesting man expressing the daily experiences he has. How just because he is in a peaceful place, he still has to work to find peace. And how thankful he is to have found a place like Gethsemani to live in.
And beyond that it is the most obvious aspect. God. He has a really interesting relationship with God. It is a life of service which includes early morning prayer, song, dance, poetry and even photography. All aimed at finding a balance where the self slips onto the background.
It's a really short but fascinating read. Some awareness of Thomas Merton's life is necessary though, to unlock the most from it.
January 2, 2024
"In Praise of the Useless Life" came to my attention as I began to change my endeavors from achievement based to be more belonging based, to dwell within the present moment and receive God's grace as He dispenses it. The book elaborates on this type of uselessness, rather than a life without a point (a very different and very dark type of uselessness).
The "memoir" designation on the cover might lead one to think this was a chronological account of a monk's life. Instead of being organized by order of events, the chapters are instead arranged by general topics. There are chapters on Emily Dickinson, a mockingbird, hermitages, haikus, unexpected visitors, memorization techniques, and the friendship of trees.
The writing style is casual. Paul Quenon, OCSO, writes with complete transparency and causes the reader to settle in and absorb his personal poetic ramblings. The topic shifts to Thomas Merton with greater than necessary frequency. While he was obviously a giant at Abbey of Gethsemani (the author's monastery) and beyond, he wasn't the reason I chose to read the book.
The "memoir" designation on the cover might lead one to think this was a chronological account of a monk's life. Instead of being organized by order of events, the chapters are instead arranged by general topics. There are chapters on Emily Dickinson, a mockingbird, hermitages, haikus, unexpected visitors, memorization techniques, and the friendship of trees.
The writing style is casual. Paul Quenon, OCSO, writes with complete transparency and causes the reader to settle in and absorb his personal poetic ramblings. The topic shifts to Thomas Merton with greater than necessary frequency. While he was obviously a giant at Abbey of Gethsemani (the author's monastery) and beyond, he wasn't the reason I chose to read the book.
April 22, 2018
A beautiful, poetic book that is a long, loving reflection on life and its mysteries by a man who has spent 60 years living a life of prayer and contemplation as a Trappist monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani outside of Louisville. Brother Paul was a novice under Thomas Merton. Merton, thankfully encouraged Brother Paul to write poetry, and these keen observations and insights reflect the poetic lens through which Brother Paul sees much of the world. This isn't a book about theology or piety or even monastic life. It's about what really matters in life from someone who has spent a lifetime reflecting on that. The book is like a crash course in being truly alive for those of us too often running around, overworking, and failing to see what is truly essential to nourishing the soul.
December 18, 2018
I received my daily devotional from Richard Rohr, informing me that it was Thomas Merton Day (I hadn't known there was such a designation...). That sent me to remembering two impactful retreats I'd had at Gethsemani, which sent me to look up how the monastery is doing...which led to the discovery of this newly-published book which I immediately ordered and devoured. Right book, right time. This memoir is the story of a life, deliberately-chosen and intentionally-practiced. Without a trace of gossip, one can still pick up bits and pieces of what it would be like to live in community for six decades. I loved getting a glimpse of how a mind and heart can expand while living within boundaries some might call restrictive.
January 11, 2023
Not quite sure if the irony is intentional, but this "memoir" of a monk's life portrays him as anything but monkish and useless. Lots of stories about his poetry, his peers, his photography exhibits, and his books. I liked the chapter on nature, however, and his interaction with birds. The stories of the hermitages were also engaging, and were testimony to the ever evolving nature of being in retreat. Sadly for me the audiobook narrator was emoting and performing in a way antithetical to the content. It turned retrospection and thought into crowing over one's connections and achievements. Particularly grating was the pretentious pronounciation of "Bruckner" and "Lisieux" and the emotation of the phrase "Lectio Divina"... Not soothing at all!
November 1, 2018
Great title and hey, I'm always game for "a monk's memoir." Interesting and lively anecdotes about Gethsemani and its history since Quenon arrived in the 1950s, especially, of course, about Thomas Merton, who was his novice master. The chapter about living through Merton's death, Merton and other monks' premonitions about his death (!), and its effect on the whole monastery, was especially gripping. I wasn't as interested in his literary musings on poetry and photography. The humor, spiritual insights, and portraits of fellow monks made the book.
April 6, 2019
Interesting book. Beyond his stories of his interactions with Fr. Thomas ( Louis)
Merton Br. Paul Quenon, O.S.C.O. opens up and gives a realistic portrayal of monastic life and his experiences living that life.
I have, at a couple different times in my life, considered entering a monastery. In the last few years I passed thr average top age limit for entrance. Reading Quenon's book
has given me tgebopportunity to
grieve my loss of my ability to
pursue that life.
Br. Quenon shares his poetry and shares his journey to snd in the monastic life.
Merton Br. Paul Quenon, O.S.C.O. opens up and gives a realistic portrayal of monastic life and his experiences living that life.
I have, at a couple different times in my life, considered entering a monastery. In the last few years I passed thr average top age limit for entrance. Reading Quenon's book
has given me tgebopportunity to
grieve my loss of my ability to
pursue that life.
Br. Quenon shares his poetry and shares his journey to snd in the monastic life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2019
This little book is a picture of one monk's life in Gethsemani monastery where Thomas Merton, Father Louis, lived. It is interesting to read about the solitude while also reading about the visitors, the writing, the photography, the traveling---just as it was in reading Merton. Merton was Quenon's novice master and he is everywhere in these pages. It isn't meant to be a spiritual book, I don't think although, of course it is his life focus.
August 30, 2023
I may be a little biased because the author is my great uncle, but I loved this book! I found it to be a really beautiful glimpse into monastic life, the life of Thomas Merton (his mentor!!!), and to the complexity and depth of such a seemingly simple life.
In general I’m also always a fan of any book where I get to follow someone along any kind of spiritual journey.
Beautifully and humorously written.
In general I’m also always a fan of any book where I get to follow someone along any kind of spiritual journey.
Beautifully and humorously written.
September 8, 2018
A good read
I met Brother Paul while on a retreat entitled, " The Poetry of Thomas Merton and Mary Oliver." He spoke to our group about Merton and poetry and he read us a couple of his poems. This book provides an intimate glimpse into monastic life as lived at Gesthemane and Bro. Paul's relationship with Merton.
I met Brother Paul while on a retreat entitled, " The Poetry of Thomas Merton and Mary Oliver." He spoke to our group about Merton and poetry and he read us a couple of his poems. This book provides an intimate glimpse into monastic life as lived at Gesthemane and Bro. Paul's relationship with Merton.
December 30, 2018
As a hermit not-entirely-by-choice, I thought it’d be interesting to read from the perspective of a monk. He had some good thoughts but also a lot of meh. I do think it’s definitely good to bring to mind occasionally that it’s valuable for a life to include some silence and contemplation, no matter our place/calling.
June 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It is snapshots of what it was like to have lived most of your life, 60 years, as a monk. Paul entered the monastery right out of high school in 1958. He was a novice under the famous monk Thomas Merton. He is so humble. He does not take credit for any special spiritual ability, but sees it as just living an ordinary life as authentically as possible, with the grace of God.
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