Dakota: A Spiritual Geography (original 2001; edition 2001)

I had high hopes for Kathleen Norris's "Dakota." While it was enjoyable, and had several gems buried within, I was constantly aware that it was published nearly 20 years ago. I repeatedly wondered how her perspective has shifted in the intervening two decades. (Fortunately, she has a recent publication out that just might answer those questions!) Nevertheless, despite my hyper awareness of the time difference, Norris's description of the beauty of solitude, whether it was on the plains or in the monastery, were lyrical and passionate, and the depth of her rootedness was evident. Also, her depiction of small-town life resonated with my memories of growing up in a similarly small, albeit less isolated, town. I am happy to have read Norris's book, and look forward to having some of my questions about her perspective answered in her later works, which are on my TBR list. Recommended. ( )

A great melding of biography, physical landscape, spirituality and place. Along with F. Buechner she is my favorite author on things spiritual. ( )

Better than many of the other spiritual memoirs I've read recently, and not nearly so choppy as her book "Cloister Walk." (I apologize for my horrible inability to review books well or to assign ratings that mean much of anything) ( )

She gives you some things to think about ( )

The author, a poet, moved from NYC to a small town on the ND / SD border, and took up residence in her grandparents' former home. She writes about being an outsider in the small town, the beauty of the "desert," and the hospitality of the Benedictine monks whom she befriended. The weather is harsh; the land and people, tough. The essays are thoughtful and vivid.