This is a beautifully-written book about contemplative Christian spirituality, focusing on the Cistercian monastic heritage. Carl McColman, who is himself a Lay Cistercian, gives us history as well as quotes from famous Cistercians like Thomas Merton, Basil Pennington, and St. Bernard, but the book is no dry history or theology text. McColman uses Cistercian history as a springboard for delving deeper into topics that apply to all, whether inside or outside the walls of a monastery, who are on a spiritual path: humility, hospitality, compassion, community, prayer, contemplation. Each chapter reads like an inspiring devotional. Befriending Silence is a quiet and insightful reminder of what those of us "in the real world" can learn from the deep tradition of monastic spirituality.