Introduction to the Devout Life Book

This book was written for people with desire to be closer to God, a desire DeSales found on all levels of society, and the reason he wrote this book. It's aimed at laypeople, to show how devout life is possible no matter what one does in life, that devout life is not just for the clergy or monastic life. It's written to an imagined devout woman, but really it's written to anyone who is interested in this subject, and even non-Catholic people will find plenty of useful hints in here.

The work on the book began in 1602, and the final version was out in 1619. 40 editions were out by 1622 (when DeSales died), and it was translated widely already before his canonisation as saint in 1665. It's still quite popular.

The book is divided in five parts:
I: The manner in which one might start embracing the devout life, what true devotions is (and what is its value), getting a spiritual director, the necessity of purification before start incl. general confession, and finally a group of meditations to use before making that confession (which are useful for later use too).
II: Importance of prayer, and on Communion.
III (the biggest part): Dealing with circumstances of the world, and cultivating the virtues.
IV: Overcoming temptations with God's help, how to profit from consolations and deal with dryness.
V: Yearly renewal and examination of one's devotion goals and state, the preservation's necessity.

Two observations: the point against dancing (attending balls where it happens-kind, where other harms and the length of time wasted is discussed); and the marriage talk is fairly typical (yet he clearly states that the man has to do his part in marriage well, too). But nothing really jarred me among the subjects, and nothing felt like to be skipped over.

Throughout the book the writing is clear and gentle, never lingering on any subject longer than is needed. Good examples appear in each chapter, and at the end one is left feeling inspired and motivated. This book is both easily-flowing and very deep at the same time; I can very well see myself reading parts of it again and again. For those who have interest in this book, it is definitely worth it :)