This very short book is even shorter than it appears. The first half is the printed version of a diary O'Connor kept while at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, and the second half is a facsimile reproduction of the same journal.

There are some moments of real brilliance, but they are mostly mixed in with adolescent cravings for greatness and fears of mediocrity. An interesting insight into the interior prayer life of the Christian realist who is now enshrined in the American literary canon, but probably only interesting to O'Connor completists. ( )

It feels weird to rate someone’s journal. She probably thought it would eventually be read by someone—she did remove and edit entries—but I’m sure she didn’t expect it to be bound, published, and read by people decades after she died.
So I rate the experience of reading it rather than the content. What struck me the most was how many of her sentiments I could relate to. It’s always a good reminder that even the greats, the people I look up to, experience insecurity and crises of faith.
I wish she had continued to keep a journal, though. It ends abruptly and not very hopefully. I wonder if she ever found the spiritual fulfillment she was praying for.
( )

There are lots of beautifully written gems in this book. It will only take about 30-40mins to read straight through (I didn't know this), so take your time. It is truly a prayer journal, so it is raw, funny, and real. My virtual copy is highlighted like crazy. Such a joy. ( )

Only for the Flannery O'Connor fan. The fiction is far superior--the same goes for The Habit of Being. There's also something creepy about reading this: she never meant anyone to read these and going through them has the definite feel of rummaging around in someone's dresser drawers. Of course, there are many moments where a reader hears O'Connor's voice, but this voice was meant for ears other than mine. ( )

Beautiful, thoughtful and vulnerable.. writings, musings, prayers of O'Connor.
Very short book, took me less than a day to read. Very inspiring. Only wish there had been more entries. ( )