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164 reviews for:
The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux
Thérèse de Lisieux
4.31 AVERAGE
164 reviews for:
The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux
Thérèse de Lisieux
4.31 AVERAGE
I'm reading this with Emma, who was assigned it for reasons that are not to be comprehended. Emma has been relieved of her reading duties, and, I'm not too sorry to admit, so have I. I think her review of this young woman's story is a pretty fair assessment -- half way in to the reading I fail to see what is saintly about her. I'm much more interested in people who actually take action from their faith.
I really enjoying hearing the thoughts and opinions of someone that is so beloved by many. While it was slow in places, the whole book was wonderful and it really gave a lot of insight into the nun that she was and why she was worthy of her place among the saints. Given that it was written so long ago, any slow parts can be excused. The narrator did a wonderful job of capturing the voice of Saint Thérèse.
Wow so much to gain from this book- I understand why people reread. I’m sure you get new things out of it each time. So dense yet so simple. I really appreciated the last chapter in which Therese sort of summarizes her theology of love. This is especially worth a reread. I underlined some sentences that I either had a resonance with immediately or challenged me. Her will to suffering does both I think. I sometimes wish she would finish her thoughts better. Feels like ooo she’s about to make a great point- or I’m not quite understanding what she’s saying- and she moves on. I liked hearing her recount her childhood at the beginning- very cute.
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Simple and beautiful, inspiring and thought provoking. St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, pray for us.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Reading The Story of a Soul, the autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, was more than just an encounter with a saint’s life—it was a revelation that reshaped the way I approach my own. Thérèse’s “Little Way,” her practice of seeking holiness through simple, everyday acts of love and trust in God, is so profoundly accessible that it feels like an open invitation to live more deeply, no matter where you are in life. Since reading her story, this “Little Way” has quietly but persistently pervaded my own life, shaping how I approach challenges, relationships, and even my daily routines.
Thérèse writes with such humility and simplicity that her words cut straight to the heart. There’s no grandiosity in her path to holiness—no extraordinary miracles or dramatic gestures. Instead, she offers a spiritual practice grounded in childlike trust and small, intentional acts of love. For someone like me, often tempted to think that meaningful change requires big, bold actions, her approach felt both freeing and grounding. Thérèse made me realize that I don’t need to move mountains to live a life of purpose; I just need to pour love into the small, everyday moments.
Since reading The Story of a Soul, I’ve found Thérèse’s “Little Way” influencing me in surprising and lasting ways. In moments of frustration, instead of lashing out or withdrawing, I try to respond with patience and kindness, offering it up as a small act of love. When life feels overwhelming, I remind myself that holiness isn’t about achieving perfection but about leaning on God with childlike trust. These aren’t dramatic changes, but they’ve made my life infinitely richer and more peaceful.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Thérèse’s story is her unwavering faith in God’s love. She writes about her weaknesses, her struggles, and even her moments of doubt, but she always returns to the belief that God’s mercy is infinite and that even the smallest soul can achieve greatness through love. That message has stayed with me, especially in times of failure or uncertainty. It’s a reminder that I don’t need to be perfect to be loved or to make a difference—I just need to keep trying, one little act of love at a time.
The Story of a Soul isn’t just a book I read once; it’s a companion that continues to walk with me. Thérèse’s “Little Way” has become a quiet but constant thread in my life, reminding me to find God in the ordinary, to trust in His love, and to approach each day with humility and joy. Her story has shown me that even the simplest life, lived with love and trust, can be extraordinary.
For anyone seeking a spiritual practice that’s both profound and accessible, The Story of a Soul is a life-changing read. Thérèse’s “Little Way” isn’t just a path to holiness; it’s a way to bring meaning, love, and grace into even the smallest moments of everyday life. It’s a story that, once read, stays with you forever.
Thérèse writes with such humility and simplicity that her words cut straight to the heart. There’s no grandiosity in her path to holiness—no extraordinary miracles or dramatic gestures. Instead, she offers a spiritual practice grounded in childlike trust and small, intentional acts of love. For someone like me, often tempted to think that meaningful change requires big, bold actions, her approach felt both freeing and grounding. Thérèse made me realize that I don’t need to move mountains to live a life of purpose; I just need to pour love into the small, everyday moments.
Since reading The Story of a Soul, I’ve found Thérèse’s “Little Way” influencing me in surprising and lasting ways. In moments of frustration, instead of lashing out or withdrawing, I try to respond with patience and kindness, offering it up as a small act of love. When life feels overwhelming, I remind myself that holiness isn’t about achieving perfection but about leaning on God with childlike trust. These aren’t dramatic changes, but they’ve made my life infinitely richer and more peaceful.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Thérèse’s story is her unwavering faith in God’s love. She writes about her weaknesses, her struggles, and even her moments of doubt, but she always returns to the belief that God’s mercy is infinite and that even the smallest soul can achieve greatness through love. That message has stayed with me, especially in times of failure or uncertainty. It’s a reminder that I don’t need to be perfect to be loved or to make a difference—I just need to keep trying, one little act of love at a time.
The Story of a Soul isn’t just a book I read once; it’s a companion that continues to walk with me. Thérèse’s “Little Way” has become a quiet but constant thread in my life, reminding me to find God in the ordinary, to trust in His love, and to approach each day with humility and joy. Her story has shown me that even the simplest life, lived with love and trust, can be extraordinary.
For anyone seeking a spiritual practice that’s both profound and accessible, The Story of a Soul is a life-changing read. Thérèse’s “Little Way” isn’t just a path to holiness; it’s a way to bring meaning, love, and grace into even the smallest moments of everyday life. It’s a story that, once read, stays with you forever.
As a Catholic, I am sad to give this story 2 stars, as I highly anticipated learning the perspective of a woman who has made it to Heaven through her "little ways." Before I explain my review, I will acknowledge that I'm aware this book was not written to be read or marketed. I'm also aware it was not developmentally edited by a professional. I also do believe I am the intended audience, as a young adult cradle Catholic who has loved God deeply since a young age.
Something that is a crucial factor of a successful autobiography is relating to the subject, and unfortunately here, I could not relate to Therese at all. To me, her "hardships" and "sufferings" did not seem believable. While people can still certainly face challenges in a sheltered life, I did not empathize with Therese's journey to gain permission to become a nun or her social issues at the covent. This is probably because she lacks self-awareness of the low-stake consequences of these matters.
It seems like Therese's goal in most of the autobiography is death. This was another reason I couldn't relate to her. As a Catholic, I find there's too much to do on earth to desire to die. I have people to serve, to evangelize to, and when it's my time, I accept death. At some points, especially during her life at the convent, I was tempted to stop reading but continued because I figured I could learn at least something from a saint. While I did find this story quotable and I did admire her ability to deny her earthly desires, I'm left to wonder what else could she have accomplished on earth if she had taken care of herself better and not welcomed death so much.
I wish I had read the epilogue at the beginning, for it revealed how much physical pain Therese was in for most of her time at the convent. This might have changed the way I perceived her writing. I wonder if I might have enjoyed an unbiased biography of Therese better, but I'm not very encouraged to read one.
At the end of the day, I am happy Therese found her way to Heaven even though her time on earth was short and that her story is impacting others in a good way.
Something that is a crucial factor of a successful autobiography is relating to the subject, and unfortunately here, I could not relate to Therese at all. To me, her "hardships" and "sufferings" did not seem believable. While people can still certainly face challenges in a sheltered life, I did not empathize with Therese's journey to gain permission to become a nun or her social issues at the covent. This is probably because she lacks self-awareness of the low-stake consequences of these matters.
It seems like Therese's goal in most of the autobiography is death. This was another reason I couldn't relate to her. As a Catholic, I find there's too much to do on earth to desire to die. I have people to serve, to evangelize to, and when it's my time, I accept death. At some points, especially during her life at the convent, I was tempted to stop reading but continued because I figured I could learn at least something from a saint. While I did find this story quotable and I did admire her ability to deny her earthly desires, I'm left to wonder what else could she have accomplished on earth if she had taken care of herself better and not welcomed death so much.
I wish I had read the epilogue at the beginning, for it revealed how much physical pain Therese was in for most of her time at the convent. This might have changed the way I perceived her writing. I wonder if I might have enjoyed an unbiased biography of Therese better, but I'm not very encouraged to read one.
At the end of the day, I am happy Therese found her way to Heaven even though her time on earth was short and that her story is impacting others in a good way.
A spiritual classic by 'the greatest saint of modern times'.