"Following the film release, Soul Searching: The Journey of Thomas Merton as a book makes a considerable contribution to Merton studies. Twenty-four well-known Merton interpreters reflect on the monk, the solitary explorer, the social critic, and the man of letters in this engaging volume, thanks to the editorial collaboration of Morgan Atkinson and Jonathan Montaldo. It can be highly recommended to all seekers of God in our troubled times."
     —Br. Patrick Hart, Monk of Gethsemani and Merton’s last secretary

"Soul Searching is a genuine tribute to the life and works of a 20th Century master of the spiritual life."
     —Prairie Messenger

"Soul Searching is a film that integrates Merton’s life and his important insights as highlighted by many people in the film who truly understand that message. It could only have been produced by someone who ‘gets it’—someone who is Soul Searching and on the journey himself. Atkinson is representing all those people whose lives have been influenced or changed by Thomas Merton, and as such, Soul Searching is both a work of gratitude and a gift to those who will discover Merton’s transforming vision through this film."
     —Robert Toth, The Merton Institute for Contemplative Living

"With grace and candor, Morgan Atkinson captures the diverse—sometimes contradictory—aspects of Thomas Merton’s personality and life in this thorough and moving portrait of the brilliant Trappist monk whose writing continues to attract and influence readers around the world."
     —Dianne Aprile, Author of Gethsemani, Place of Peace and Paradox

"Soul Searching: The Journey of Thomas Merton, is an excellent introduction to the life and thought of Thomas Merton. In this film Morgan Atkinson goes beyond the surface biographical facts and opens up for the viewer the heart and the soul of Merton’s search. Soul Searching abounds with wonderful images and insightful interviews."
     —Dr. Paul Pearson, Executive Director,
        The Thomas Merton Center, Bellarmine University

"Soul Searching: The Journey of Thomas Merton is a meditation walk along the interior landscape of a great American mind . . . It follows Thomas Merton’s path—as Trappist monk, poet, essayist, spiritual writer, peace activist, environmentalist, and hermit—from his youth as a Columbia undergraduate to his death in Bangkok at the age of 53. In bringing to life his 27 years as a monk, this deeply considered film reveals the struggles of Merton’s spiritual search and how he emerged from this crucible with an international reputation in 20th century letters—part Augustine, part Emerson, part Gandhi."
     —From the Mendocino Film Festival catalogue

"The film Soul Searching: The Journey of Thomas Merton is a fresh and insightful look at one of the 20th century’s greatest spiritual leaders.”
     —Michael Schuck, Director, The Joan and Bill Hank Center for
        the Catholic Intellectual Heritage, Loyola University Chicago

"The Merton documentary is an inspiring and moving experience likened to a short (mini) retreat. Dialogue following the film with its very knowledgeable producer Morgan Atkinson added insight to Merton’s life and journey. This is a vocation story that is compelling and challenging for Christians today and well worth the time."
     —Susan M. Mountin, PhD, Director of Manresa Project, Marquette University

"Morgan Atkinson’s superb and provocative film about Catholic monk and author Thomas Merton, Soul Searching, received a very warm welcome on a cold December night at Fordham University in New York City. Atkinson introduced the film, and deftly handled a field of questions it raised after the audience saw it—questions sparked by the film’s intelligent, unblinking, and deeply reflective look at one of the great spiritual masters of 20th century America."
     —Mark S. Massa, SJ, Karl Rahner Distinguished Professor of Theology,
        Co-director of Francis and Ann Curran Center for American
        Catholic Studies, Fordham University

"Award-winning documentarian Morgan Atkinson seeks out Merton’s friends, as well as authorities on his work, to gain insight into the personal topography of this thinker, spiritual being, and writer. In a world of Buddha, the Dalai Llama, and various gurus, this is a Christian mystic whose faith is every bit as enduring—and for those seeking the farthest corners of where one’s religion and spirituality can take them need only watch this."
     —Holly Gleason, Nashville Music Journalist

"[S]oul Searching: The Journey of Thomas Merton . . . will inspire anyone who seeks meaning and spiritual depth in his or her life journey . . . Atkinson honestly presents the human struggles facing Merton as he sought solitude, embraced chastity, challenged his ego, and lived his monastic vows . . . Everyone wanting to know more about Merton, and anyone who wants to accept his challenge to an authentic, contemplative life will find this DVD insightful, honest, and stimulating."
     —Jan Jett, Spiritual Director, Writer, Presence Magazine

"In Soul Searching, the insights of two dozen Merton scholars, biographers, friends, and monastic brothers are woven together into a rich and intricate tapestry. To listen in on these marvelously articulate yet engagingly informal conversations is an education and a delight. This volume is not only a superb complement to Morgan Atkinson’s acclaimed film of the same name, but a significant achievement in its own right, providing vivid testimony that makes clear why Thomas Merton’s life and work continue to matter for Church and world four decades after his death."
     —Patrick O’Connell Editor: The Merton Seasonal,
        Co-author: The Thomas Merton Encyclopedia,
        Editor: Merton monastic conferences series

"Yes, another book on Merton! This one offers you his endless fruitfulness through some amazing inside sources, but also Morgan Atkinson’s brilliance in putting it together so creatively. Read, and be broadened by the great Merton once again!"
     —Richard Rohr, OFM, Center for Action and Contemplation,
        Albuquerque, New Mexico

"Soul Searching gently and clearly pulls together the wide spectrum of the facets of Merton’s life as a man and a great spiritual writer of the 20th Century. The carefully crafted volume of gifted reflections of women and men who either knew him personally or through the study of his writings invite the reader to more easily understand the remarkable and often complex persona of the enduring Merton. It is a beautiful companion to the DVD, but it stands alone as a most special addition to any personal Merton library."
     —Anne McCormick, Trustee, Merton Legacy Trust

"Soul Searching is a powerful, rich, and rewarding meditation on the life of Thomas Merton. It not only provides valuable insights into who Merton was and why he wrote as he did, but invites viewers to look deeply inside themselves as well, using Merton’s words and the reflections of both scholars and those who knew him personally. "
     —Paul Wilkes, Writer, Director,
        Co-Producer of the 1985 PBS documentary Merton: A Film Biography

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