This little book begins with a brief introduction by Stevens, author of Sanctuary
and founder of the remarkably successful Magdalene, a Nashville home for women overcoming drug abuse, prostitution and/or incarceration. Stevens describes the book as “an open letter written to friends and strangers, inviting them to keep love alive and to offer it to others.” In the spirit of the Rule of Benedict, the book articulates 24 principles that guide the Magdalene community in its effort to live graciously together. Each principle is a tiny chapter, exploring themes like coming together, showing hospitality, losing gracefully and loving without judgment. Each principle is followed by a woman’s personal recollection of life before Magdalene, her experience with the community and sometimes advice or encouragement. Paradoxically, it is the particularity of these musings that evokes universality and brings the book alive. Even if readers do not share the history of abuse and extraordinary difficulties these women face, the rules and anecdotes speak to feelings of loss, the relief of love and the comfort of finding home. (Sept.)
