This is a spiritual "memoir" of kind, mapping the author´s journey with several Catholic saints (some are canonized, some are just recognized by the author because of their inspiring life). Catholic priest Father James Martin, SJ presents these saints in a very personal form; speaking and explaining their lives and also his personal view of them and their presence in his life.
I find this being a very intriguing book; not perfect and not without problems, but definitely worth of reading and inspiring some interesting (maybe even heated) discussions - and in my eyes this is an enriching thing, when the discussions are very alive.
I can understand both the criticism and the praise for this work. I would say that everything about this book is "on the one hand, but on the other hand" experience for me. On the one hand, this is a personal work and personal feelings - which are good for warmness, approachability and reader´s interest (chapter about Bernadette Soubirous is so good!); but on the other hand some chapters feel shallower and Fr Martin´s personal experience takes predominance above the saint (chapter about Mary, Mother of God is especially weak in my experience). Fr Martin is authentic, but one also recognizes his tendency to the pride (mostly intellectual) - he himself recognizes that trait in himself, too. Should the Catholic priest even say that he prays TO saints? Catholics prays only to God, they ask the saints for help and intervention. And is there a need to mentions the Jesuits one way or another in almost every sentence? The Jesuit identity should not be so pronounced in my opinion, as the Catholic should identify with his faith more (not his particular religious order) and the priest should identify with his priesthood above all else. But, on the other hand - Fr Martin can present the saints and the faith in very approachable way; his approach can make his readers to be interested in renewing their knowledge and affections to the saints, he can warmly make you to want to approach the saints like, now. This has happened to me, too. And I consider this being a gift.
So, is Father Martin and his book the PERFECT piece of work? No. Is is needed for them to be? No. Can this work offer a valuable spiritual gift? Definitely YES. And this is the most important, most freeing and enriching thing here.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Martin's writing is clear, authentic and very readable - I laughed out loud, found myself deep in reflection, and mostly, inspired to learn more about the saints. I appreciated the way he wove together his own experience of growing in faith as he came to know more about these Catholics who have gone before us; in the course of the book, he sets a good example of how to integrate a relationship with the saints into a healthy faith life. Highly recommended!

Great updated version for modern Catholics. James Martin, SJ is very thorough for modern day living.

This book is a delightfully different take on the usual saint book. It's a memoir of Martin's life beginning with college through chapters dedicated to saints and holy folks that influenced him greatly.

Each chapter takes on a different saint or group of saints. You'll not only learn about their lives and writings, but you'll also see how Martin encountered them and how they have influenced him.

Best of all, I loved that he draws lessons for us on virtue or ways to live our lives through the example of these saints.

This, a tenth anniversary edition, has been lightly revised to bring it up-to-date and Martin summarizes his experiences since the book's publication with an epilogue.

It's a thoroughly delightful book.