The 1.2 million Catholics and untold numbers of Protestants and other "seekers" who went on retreat last year will find this reference book an indispensable companion. Jones profiles over 250 retreat centers in the United States and Canada, providing directions, information on accommodations and reservations, and costs.

Although the subtitle indicates that this guide includes "spiritual" retreats, all of the centers detailed here are Christian; Zen Buddhist and yoga centers are not discussed here. Most of the entries are Catholic (though open to retreatants of other faiths), with a few other traditions, such as Eastern Orthodox and Quaker, making cameo appearances. But there's still great variety in this volume: accommodations range from the truly monastic to the hotel-like, and the centers boast varying levels of spiritual guidance on site. Don't leave home without it.