The Shaping of a Life: A Spiritual Landscape - Softcover

"A deeply moving memoir by one of America's most accomplished spiritual writers of her journey toward God. With consummate skill, Tickle shows us how a busy outer life, filled with school, marriage, family, and a near-death experience, can give birth to an inner life of prayer and hope. A luminous book, one to be treasured."
-Philip Zaleski, editor of The Best Spiritual Writing series and author of Gifts of the Spirit

"Mrs. Tickle writes very well about American life in the mid-twentieth century, and I am sure that many readers will appreciate her spiritual journey. I hope the book will sell hugely!"
-Susan Howatch, author of Penmarric, Glittering Images, and Absolute Truths

"I have always loved Phyllis Tickle, and reading her personal story tells me why. She is real, honest, human, humorous, and deeply spiritual. Her book is a treasure."
-John Shelby Spong, author of Here I Stand: My Struggle for a Christianity of Integrity, Love, and Equality

A leading authority on modern religion chronicles her own personal journey of spiritual discovery, growth, and transformation , detailing her childhood in Tennessee, her discovery of the power and comfort of prayer, and her recognition that prayer requires a disciplined routine. Reprint.