Sort of odd book, approaches modern problems of distraction from electronics, etc. with long history of monastic practice in early Christian era

I haven't read a lot of history non-fiction books that were as thoroughly engaging as this one. I learned a thing or two about how the mind works, I even have some hints as to how to apply it myself and I learned a lot of surprising things about monastic life I didn't know. Most importantly, the prose is written in both a lighthearted way as well as in an in-depth manner. I found myself laughing at some of the passages and observations, a novel sensation for what could be considered a history book.

What I was most pleased about was what the book was lacking. There was no opening chapter where the author goes through her biography explaining how she worked so hard (was so lucky) to get a PhD or how all of the little events in her life lead up to this one book. None of that, nun. Instead the author treated us, the audience, with respect and gave us exactly what we were hoping to find in this work, something educational, entertaining and often inspiring.

There are many other aspects I could highlight that makes this book stand out in a positive way. For example, it is surprisingly and pleasantly gender-neutral. It treats its subjects, its material, as well as its readers, with respect even when minor ridicule would be justified. I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a light read, until the moment you're stuck in it that is. ( )