I started to read The Confessions after having heard many times that it was one of the must-read Christian books.

It exceeded all my expectations about it. While reading it I came to the realization that I didn't really like historical-fiction because it always emphasized how the Older Times were different whereas older books showed how similar the people of the past were to us. That in the end time made little differences.

I didn't expect that I would resonate with it so. I didn't expect that I would have so much in common with Augustine, that I would see my own errors in his youthful ignorance and pride.

Wonderful, totally engaging

Having struggled with the Penguin translation, I found the one by Benignus O'Rourke much more accessible and intuitive and so I was finally able to finish reading Books 1-9. I continued with Maria Boulding's translation for Books 1--13 which was, I understand, accurate though rather less poetic!

Accessible proto-novel that illuminates the inner life of man with wisdom and grace. Four stars is for the odd epilogue of two sermons demonstrating allegorical hermeneutics...

I have a love-hate relationship with Augustine. He is certainly an amazing writer/thinker and he also has his trouble spots. What I love about his book on Confessions is that it is very raw and personal. I appreciate his wrestling match and his struggle to find Christ. I certainly can see some of his early life in my own early life. I also am reminded of the strength of a praying parent and grandparent as Augustine's mother Monica was a huge influence in his conversion. I had to laugh near the end of the book as Augustine shares his beliefs on the first few chapters in Genesis. Certainly Ken Hamm would be no friend of his. Overall I give this book five stars because it is a classic and Augustine is worth reading.