When Starr was putting together a new series of little hardbound books called Devotions, Prayers, and Living Wisdom, for Sounds True, she, of course, included a volume on Saint John of the Cross. In it, she uses prose and poetic excerpts from the monk's works, many of which are her own translations. These snippets are organized into four chapters: longing for union with the Divine, the contemplative power of silence, knowing comes from unknowing, and mystical love. As the chapter titles show, often St. John of the Cross deals with Buddhist-like paradoxes. Starr also adds her own poetic devotions to the beginning of each chapter.

These tiny books are big enough to hold in the hand and are filled with spiritual guidance. Printed on rough-tooth paper, the pages are sewn and hand cut, giving each volume a crafted, personalized feel. There are black and white drawings and photographs sprinkled throughout the book.

I love these little books. They are beautiful and contain so much wisdom. I had tried to read an earlier translation of the poems of St. John of the Cross as well as his Dark Night of the Soul, but often got lost in the words. Starr has pulled little gems from those works that help me get to the heart of what this mystic was trying to tell the world. Thank you, Mirabai Starr, for bringing me spiritual wisdom is such a beautiful package. I will keep these volumes close.