Inside this book lies a hidden resource and wisdom that it's title and apparent topic mask. Advice on how to begin the practice of Centering Prayer does not require a 150-page book. In fact, Bourgeault covers the topic quite accessibly in about 15 pages at the front of the book. From there she goes on to in her words "defend" the practice from those who would say it lies outside the realm of classical Christian theology and praxis (which she does quite skillfully). I do not know the inner politics of the Christian meditative world, but it appears that Centering prayer is assulted on both fronts - not meditative enough to be embraced by the mystical purists and too contemplative for the fundamentalists who rule the Christian West. If the rock and hard place of these forces is what led Bourgeault to write the book, then they are blessings in disguise.
What comes from her defense is a rich, deep and multifaceted explanation of the goal of Christian formation and grounded psychotherapy while unwinding the idolatries and distractions of both, she merges complex and otherwise competing thoughts into a full-throated vision of deep level heart transformation made possible not by Fruedian technique or Eastern mysticism (though these both are given their place), but rather by the undemanding and unmitigated gazing into the eye of Love which sits at the center of every human life: the Presence of God.
I've never dog-eared such a high percentage of pages for later review in my life. Grab this book, drink from it slowly, realize you probably missed the point, and then do it again.