The Life You Save May Be Your Own
The Life You Save May Be Your Own
Book Brief
555
Biography • Nonfiction
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Life You Save May Be Your Own: An American Pilgrimage by Paul Elie compares and contrasts the lives of four Catholic writers: Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton, Walker Percy, and Flannery O'Connor, exploring their spiritual journeys and contributions to literature and social justice. Elie was nominated for a National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography for his well-crafted examination of these influential figures. The book discusses themes of racism, intersexuality, and the Holocaust.
Contemplative
Inspirational
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
1,488 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Paul Elie's The Life You Save May Be Your Own has been praised for its rich narrative and skillful intertwining of four influential American Catholic writers' lives. Critics appreciate its insightful examination of faith, but some find its complexity and depth overwhelming. Overall, it's a compelling read for those interested in spirituality and literary history.
Who Should Read The Life You Save May Be Your Own?
A reader who would enjoy Paul Elie's The Life You Save May Be Your Own is likely interested in American Catholic intellectual tradition, literary biography, and interwoven narratives of faith. This book appeals to fans of works like Robert Ellsberg's All Saints and The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton.
1,488 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Life You Save May Be Your Own by Paul Elie is a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in the category of biography/autobiography.
The book intricately weaves the lives of four major figures in 20th-century American Catholic literature: Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, Flannery O'Connor, and Walker Percy.
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Paul Elie’s work in the book is often celebrated for its narrative style, which uniquely blends literary criticism with biography.
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555
Biography • Nonfiction
2003
Adult
18+ years
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