I don’t know if this is a new trend but over the last several years I’ve read a number of books that have used Star Wars as a way to talk about a variety of subjects. And I have to say I really like it. Using such well known piece of pop culture is a great way to make complex concepts understandable and relatable for so many. And that is what Eric Clayton does in his newest book: My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars. You may have heard the advice that you should never talk religion or politics, and I can agree with that to an extent. I think it can be acceptable as long as you know your audience, and Eric Clayton knows his audience. Serious Star Wars geeks. And yes I proudly count myself as one, so much so that I won a crazy trivia contest that allowed me to score premiere tickets for The Phantom Menace. (Not sure what to say about that one other than it grew on me, lol) Right from very start when Obi-Wan first introduced Luke to the force, spirituality & symbolism has been woven into the story/mythology of Star Wars. And in this book Clayton explores it, comparing it/linking it up to Catholicism. Even if you’re not a religious/spiritual person, Star Wars fans will likely to get enjoyment from this book. Of course me being such a rabid fan ever since '77 I'm not sure I'm the most objective person, so I'm hitting this one with 5 stars! Thanks so much to Loyola Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read & review an ARC of My Life with the Jedi.

I’m the mom of two boys, and thanks to them I got to know the Star Wars movies and series too.
I always enjoyed the wisdom that comes forth, especially from Yoda which I quote in my writing.
The author of this book invites us to an introspective path, searching for purpose.
Spirituality and symbolism within Star Wars are omnipresent, the author shows us specific parts.
He asks us to meditate about our own story, reflect about where we’ve been to plot where we’re moving forward.
The path ends only when we stop walking.
You don’t need to be a StarWars connoisseur to enjoy this book, if you are open to gaining new insights it’s for you too.

Using the author's Ignation religion interwoven throughout Star Wars lore, Eric A. Clayton creates a book that is engaging and introspective. As a Star Wars fan, I was happy to see references from many iterations of the saga. What I was surprised about was just how deeply the religious exploration would go. It is sort of like your favorite fandom mixed with Deepak Chopra. I loved it!

Thought-provoking and enjoyable, 'My Life with the Jedi' by Eric Clayton, was an insightful read.
Who would have thought the classic sci-fi/fantasy space adventure franchise would be compared alongside Ignatian Catholicism, and even yet, to match up with it? But looking beyond the swashbuckling tales of daring pilots, feisty protagonists, and lovable droids, shows us a tale brimming with morals, ethics, and spiritual truths that transcend the movie screen and can be identified in our own lives.
While we may live tame lives compared to the space-faring, exotic and mysterious cast of our favourite franchise, the struggle for finding the right path through troubled times on a troubled planet is one we all battle to achieve. It's why we are drawn to such tales of faith and courage, with extraordinary, ordinary characters who struggle and stand up to oppression and tyranny.
Laying Star Wars side-by-side with the beliefs and practices of Ignatian Catholocism, Clayton illustrates the rich tenets and simple truths of spiritual practices that can guide you into seeing the world from a new perspective, achieve the balance you seek, and forge a way through unusual times.
Integrative, sincere, witty and informing, I recommend to anyone who's enjoyed the themes of Star Wars and is willing to see the galaxy and its lessons from a new, certain point of view.

A must read for Catholic Star War fans - it melds traditional Catholic spirituality with the precepts of the fiction Jedi.

I DNF'd this book before I even made it out of chapter one. This book was clearly not one I would be able to take seriously. This is a bummer because I love God and I love Star Wars.

This author knows so many details of what happens in the Star Wars stories, and throughout the book, provides examples and quotes from the many movies and shows. These details and quotes are in support of the author's thesis that the principles of Star Wars can be used to help live a more spiritual life
There are sections discussing different aspects of life and how we can use spirituality and self reflection as tools for growth. There are discussion questions at the end of every section, along with specific questions we can use to broaden our self knowledge.
It's easy to forget how serious Star Wars really is, but the stakes are serious. The quote from Andor really hit home, because it basically talked about how much of ourselves we can lose even when making the correct moral choices.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this