Book Review: Wilderness Within by Sr. Josephine Garrett

“This Lent, allow Sr. Josephine Garrett to be your guide as you explore the interior wilderness of your heart and invite Jesus in to heal you with his love.”

Goodreads blurb for Wilderness Within

Review:

Part meditation and part journal, Wilderness Within is a thorough guide for the Lenten season written by a Sister and mental health counselor. With several included companion pieces, this guide offers not only spiritual reading but also exercises often drawing from the field of psychology. This element in particular is what drew me to this book. 

This is perhaps the most extensive Lenten guide I’ve come across so far in my life. The exercises are extremely introspective while maintaining an ultimate focus on faith, which, nowadays, can be tricky to find. I appreciate how much thought went into this book and that it includes further reading/watching with links scattered throughout. Though I’ve read the book outside of Lent, I believe this book is a great starting point for people looking to do more than give up something. I would also say it can be used as a guide for everyday spiritual journaling. 

Thanks to Ave Maria Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book.

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• The number of prompts and exercises.
• How much companion material is included.

What I didn’t like:

• For me, I think I would struggle to maintain these exercises in a limited amount of time due to where I am in my life, but it’s something I will be able to draw on when I’m able.

Afterthoughts:

Personally, I would benefit from using this book throughout the year rather than strictly during Lent.

Where to buy the book: