In Spirit Book Word, J.S. Porter guides his readers through a set of 10 key words that capture the essence of the lives of some of the most compelling literary and philosophical voices of the past century and beyond. Included are Thomas Merton, Emily Dickinson, Dennis Lee, George Grant, and Flannery O'Connor. Porter has identified a special word that animates the life of each of his subjects and which casts light into the meaning of their life and work. "Quick" is the word-lens through which he views D. H. Lawrence and "Mercy" is the way he understands Thomas Merton. "Revelation" is his link to Flannery O'Connor, while "Love" is revealed in the poignant and grace-filled work of Raymond Carver. The writer J.S. Porter reveals himself as a supremely talented reader and guide to fellow readers as he explores some of the most spirit-filled writing of the last 150 years. "We readers are here to praise traces of the human spirit and the movement of the Spirit in the bookworld.