The Confessions of St. Augustine

Title: The Confessions of St. Augustine
Author: Augustine
Genre: Christian living, autobiography
Age Level: Adult
Characters: God, Augustine, Monica
Plot: In this book, Augustine tells the true story of his life from his teenagerhood through perhaps his forties. He details many of the sins, from religious heresy to unchastity to rebellion, that filled his life prior to his salvation. He speaks of his involvement with the Manichean heresy, his love of worldly pleasures, and his rebellion against God. However, Augustine also tells of his mother's faithful prayers for his salvation. At long last, when he has tried many other enjoyments and obsessions but found none of them satisfactory, he comes to Christ and is saved. Augustine spends much of the book lamenting his many sins, but he also spends much of it praising and adoring his Savior and Lord. His love for the One Who saved him and Whom he now serves is very obvious. After much fruitless searching for something (or someone) to fill the void, Augustine delights in God and in His Word and in salvation; he finally has the fulfillment for which he longed. A quote from the book sums it up well: "Our heart is restless til it rest in Thee." Another statement from the book jacket is also an effective summary: "Augustine never thought of God without thinking of his sin, nor of his sin without thinking of Christ."
Precautions: There are a few statements scattered throughout the book that hint at Roman Catholic theology, doctrine, and ritual.
Ratings: I would recommend this book. It is encouraging, challenging, and convicting.