About the author
Judith Valente is an American journalist and poet who has reported for outlets including The Wall Street Journal and public television and radio, and who has written extensively about contemplative and monastic spirituality, particularly the Benedictine tradition. Her books collected here, How to Live: What the Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us about Happiness, Meaning, and Community and How to Be: A Monk and a Journalist Reflect on Living & Dying, Purpose & Prayer, Forgiveness & Friendship, both published by Hampton Roads Publishing, draw on her long relationship with Benedictine monastic communities. The latter is structured as a dialogue between Valente and a monk who mentored her, addressing questions of purpose, mortality, and forgiveness. Her writing brings a journalist's grounded, observational approach to questions usually treated in explicitly religious terms, aimed at general readers interested in contemplative practice rather than at a specifically monastic or academic audience.
📖 Where to start with Judith Valente
💬 What our editors say about Judith Valente's books
“While beautifully lyrical and wise, this dialogue may not suit readers preferring dense theological treatises or dogmatic religious instruction. Those seeking concrete answers rather than contemplative exploration might find the…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on How to Be: A Monk and a Journalist Reflect on Living & Dying, Purpose & Prayer, Forgiveness & Friendship
“Valente successfully translates monastic austerity into a relevant manual for contemporary spiritual seekers. The strength lies in its practical application of ancient wisdom to modern anxieties, offering clear steps toward…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on How to Live: What the Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us about Happiness, Meaning, and Community
