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sarahareinhard's review against another edition
5.0
Bottom line: GREAT BOOK.
This was truly a look inside, and dare I say there was even a plot? I loved how there was a story woven throughout, and that the stitches of the story were some of my favorite saints.
In no way does Campbell give in to the temptation just to tell us about the saints in a long “we could find that on Google” lecture. She does not reduce the saints to her own take on them, either.
In fact, within this book is some of the best writing I’ve seen and a style that captivated even me, an admitted non-biography/memoir-reader.
This is a book that documents an ongoing conversion in a way that I found engaging and thought-provoking. I caught myself marking passages and shaking my head.
I also found myself with tears running down my face. Campbell’s struggles with her own conversion and understanding, with her father’s declining health, and with her infertility were shared intimately in this book. It took some kind of courage to write the way she did throughout this book, and it was a light to me. After I finished the book, I wanted to email her words of encouragement, and I couldn’t help praying for her.
And isn’t that the beauty of a good book like this? It not only makes a stranger into someone we feel like we might know, it also brings us closer to some truths about ourselves. And, in the case of this book, it draws closer the communion of saints and the beauty of our Christianity.
Highly, highly recommended.
This was truly a look inside, and dare I say there was even a plot? I loved how there was a story woven throughout, and that the stitches of the story were some of my favorite saints.
In no way does Campbell give in to the temptation just to tell us about the saints in a long “we could find that on Google” lecture. She does not reduce the saints to her own take on them, either.
In fact, within this book is some of the best writing I’ve seen and a style that captivated even me, an admitted non-biography/memoir-reader.
This is a book that documents an ongoing conversion in a way that I found engaging and thought-provoking. I caught myself marking passages and shaking my head.
I also found myself with tears running down my face. Campbell’s struggles with her own conversion and understanding, with her father’s declining health, and with her infertility were shared intimately in this book. It took some kind of courage to write the way she did throughout this book, and it was a light to me. After I finished the book, I wanted to email her words of encouragement, and I couldn’t help praying for her.
And isn’t that the beauty of a good book like this? It not only makes a stranger into someone we feel like we might know, it also brings us closer to some truths about ourselves. And, in the case of this book, it draws closer the communion of saints and the beauty of our Christianity.
Highly, highly recommended.
katie_samsock's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t think I’ve ever read something that has impacted my life as much as this book has. I’ll be referring to this for years to come. I’ve learned so much and at the same time learned how little I know. But instead of feeling overwhelmed this book has given me a deep drive to want to dive into my faith even deeper then I realized possible.
nsusdorf's review against another edition
4.0
This is an excellent spiritual memoir - full of insights on the modern American Catholic woman. Not quite as extensive with information on saints as in other books, but that is not necessary here. I especially appreciate the chapter on finding the balance between career goals and the desire to be married/have a family.
enigmadame's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed this book, but when thinking about how I felt after reading it I can't really say I liked it. It absolutely made me think more deeply about certain aspects of my life, and I'm happy the author was comfortable to share her challenging story, but I think I enjoyed Fr. Martin's "My Life with the Saints." Perhaps it's because I haven't struggled with infertility, because that was a large part of the book. Perhaps it was because I foresee myself struggling with relatives with Alzheimer's (since it runs in the family) and I just didn't want to read that. Whatever the reason, it was just okay to me.
sara_cate's review against another edition
5.0
a fantastic book, especially for college aged girls (or really, women of all ages!). so well written, compelling, and a great introduction to some wonderful saints
mysizereads's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the format of this memoir. It was fun to read about the author's life while also learning about some incredible saints. I love the idea of turning to the saints as intercessors. Will definitely be doing this more in my own spiritual life.
stitches_and_scribbles's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
risabella's review against another edition
5.0
I am simultaneously grateful and ashamed it took me so long to read this book. Grateful that I read it at the right time in my life; ashamed that I judged this book harshly because it was 'Catholic'.
The right book at the absolute right time, it's maybe time to include more spiritual reading into my book stack.
The writing, perfection. The content, inspiring. How great is our God to be so merciful, patient and kind with all of us? Colleen's testimony is one of patience and persistence, heartache and loss. I was moved throughout and motivated to hold more tightly to the saints as she did.
The right book at the absolute right time, it's maybe time to include more spiritual reading into my book stack.
The writing, perfection. The content, inspiring. How great is our God to be so merciful, patient and kind with all of us? Colleen's testimony is one of patience and persistence, heartache and loss. I was moved throughout and motivated to hold more tightly to the saints as she did.