I loved every single page of this book! I discovered a love for the saints as I was going through RCIA, and that fascination has only grown the longer I live out my Catholic faith. There is a massive comfort to be found in the saints, so I couldn't wait to read 'A Feast for Hungry Souls.' What an amazing book!

Each chapter is packed full of information, so I took the book in bits and pieces. I would read through until I found something that really hit me (which was like, every other paragraph), then would sit with it for awhile, giving myself time to really pull-apart what I'd read. I find, now that I have finished the book, that I actually want to keep it as part of my daily study/prayer time. 'A Feast for Hungry Souls' could be used as a book to read from beginning to end, something to reach for when in need of friendship or solace, or even as a daily devotional. Such a wonderful book and a definite recommend.

Recently, I had the opportunity to read the book A Feast for Hungry Souls: Spiritual Lessons from the Church's Greatest Masters and Mystics. After introducing the importance of learning from those who have gone before u s, Susan Muto takes on the gargantuan task of introducing readers to 30 different spiritual giants who have impacted Christian spirituality. She divides the books into several parts focusing on Ancient Masters, Medieval Masters, and Modern Masters. Most, but not all, of those included are Catholic and are frequently saints. However, John Wesley and Dietrich Bonhoeffer are also included.

In each chapter Muto skillfully provides brief biographical and historical information regarding the master being discussed. Drawing from their own writing, she emphasizes what they contributed to Christian spirituality. Each chapter concludes with several reflection questions focused on how the reader plans to engage further with the content as well as additional suggested readings. A Feast for Hungry Souls can be used in numerous settings. For individuals who are not very familiar with the saints listed or who are looking for an introduction to them, this book is perfect. In fact, I would encourage readers to consider using this book as a springboard to then read the writings of each master profiled. Because Muto makes sure to include historical information in addition to spiritual, this work would serve marvelously as a companion text in a church history class or in course focusing on the history of Christian spirituality. This book truly is a feast for those who will take the time to thoughtfully work through the contents. I anticipate pulling this book off the shelf frequently.

I received a complementary copy from Ave Maria Press via Net Galley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

A Feast for Hungry Souls is a great introduction for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Desert Fathers and Mothers, and I am including myself in that group. It was a very friendly approach in what could be considered very dense in reading, but it is a great way to become more acquainted with these spiritual giants that formed part of our faith thousands of years ago. Each chapter is dedicated to a man or woman of faith, starting with the earliest (shortly after the crucifixion) and at end of each chapter there are questions to reflect on, and names of suggested books that will take your study further, if you desired to learn more about each person.

I enjoyed learning about people that I had only heard about or not at all, it was a good way to expand the knowledge of my Catholic faith.

My gratitude to NetGalley and Ave Maria Press. All opinions expressed are my own. 3.5 stars

This is one of those book you have to read some pages at a time and then reflect on what you read.
It's full of food for thought and for soul.
i loved it and will surely reread it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine.

This book will take some time to work through as I can’t rush it. It’s a lot of in depth information but also makes me think. It seems to spam denominations of faith in a really excellent way. Well researched and well written, I can think of a few people to gift it to already.

This book gives an overview of thirty Christian masters, including the Desert Fathers, Christian mystics, medieval saints and modern contemplatives, Full of spiritual insight and wisdom. A book to savour. I received a free copy of this book. A favourable review was not required and all opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a book to savor and read slowly. It’s like a next-level devotional. I’m really enjoying how it weaves together lessons and insights from the masters, as well as delving into their histories.