The story of the soul

the long version

Beloved as "the Little Flower of Jesus," Marie-Francoise-Therese Martin-or Saint Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897)-is remembered today for this, her spiritual autobiography. Before her too-young death from tuberculosis at the age of 24, she put down in words her simple yet profound approach to the worship of God, called her "little way," a philosophy of everyday goodness and appreciation of life and nature that anyone may follow. Remarkably, her deep piety grew from her own life-long suffering, from the loss of her mother at age four to her own ill health, and through them her dedication to obedience of and surrender to God's will. A favorite of spiritual seekers, this is a lovely work of devotion and prayfulness.