Lying Awake is the story of a Carmelite nun who has lived decades in her convent in a life expressed in loving service.

When she begins to experience mystical visions and a profound sense of love and union with God, she is overjoyed with the deepening of this relationship. She writes and publishes poetry in these states.

However, these visions are accompanied by headaches, perhaps migraines.

When she is medically examined for these headaches, her doctor finds a small, benign tumor which can be safely removed - but may also be the source of her mystical visions.

The story of Sister John is told with compassion, love and a deep sense of humanity. The language used is clean and efficient, but honors the life and then the upheaval of Sister Joan's circumstance. The nature of service to God is carefully considered in a way that is fascinating and moving.

I loved this book, and will reread this many times over.