This book contains little, if anything, that is original, but precisely that is its beauty and signficance. This book consists of 80 letters written by St. Theophan the Recluse to a young lady who was one of his spiritual children. Throughout the letters, St. Theophan quotes often and gives many anecdotes from the Desert Fathers, mixing these with his own advice, as this young woman attempts to navigate the spiritual battlefield of modern life. That is what makes this book such a wonderful read: it is the words of an undoubtedly holy man applying the words of holy men of the past to modern people who desire to live a holy life today. St. Theophan offers wonderful practical advice for modern Christians throughout the book. I recommend that any Christian who seeks to live the Christian life -- a truly Christian life -- in today's difficult and increasingly un-Christian -- even anti-Christian -- world read this book. You will be spiritually edified and equipped. ( )

ILLUSTRATED