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shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
We read and discussed this with a group and we all appreciated Prejean's story of her social justice 'awakening'. This memoir begins with her childhood in a loving catholic family and continues through the novitiate process and becoming a teacher and leader in the Sisters of St. Joseph. For years she resisted some of her colleague's arguments that a life following Jesus was a life immersed in the plight of the poor and oppressed. Once her mind and heart were opened to that call, she began living at Hope House - a mission on the edge of a housing project in New Orleans. This memoir ends where her famous book, Dead Man Walking, calling for the end of capital punishment, begins. Her writing style is personal, humorous and charming.
starlight_and_dust's review
challenging
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
A book-length version of the phrase “thoughts and prayers are not enough.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Alcoholism
boggremlin's review
4.0
I had the opportunity to hear Sr. Helen Prejean speak and reading this is very similar to hearing her talk. She is wonderful and energized and her call to action (her journey towards that call) fills me with hope.
susanbrooks's review
3.0
Completely enjoyable, self-deprecating take on faith. Interesting, but maybe I should’ve read Dead Man Walking as I was most interested in the development of Prejean’s social justice conscience.
pr727's review
4.0
Reading this book took me back to the Catholic schools I attended in the 1950's and 60's. Back to stern nuns in medieval garb, desks and chairs bolted to boards so it was impossible to adjust the seat, inkwell holes in the desk tops, Campbell Soup kid posters above the blackboards. At the time, I noticed, with regret for the loss of the ritual and mystique, some of the changes that Vatican II brought - the Latin mass now in English, priest facing the congregation, nuns wearing slightly more modern costumes - but other changes, including the emphasis on social justice were not obvious, so it was interesting to learn the link to Vatican II. Those who did not experience 12 years of Catholic education back in those days will, I believe, find Helen PreJean's maturing within her order and the Church interesting and compelling.
gjones19's review
3.0
This was an enjoyable and interesting memoir of Helen Prejean, an international voice for abolishing the death penalty. I learned about 20th century changes in the Catholic Church, and she has a great story. It provides her story only up until Dead Man Walking, and I was hoping to know more about her work in criminal justice and how her faith inspires it.
ricefun's review
5.0
I can't say enough good about this book. I saw it as a recommendation - I believe through Goodreads - from a friend. I already love Sister Helen Prejean from her book "Dead Man Walking" and from hearing her in person at both Manchester College (now University) and at a People of Faith Against the Death Penalty conference several years ago. I purchased it as an audiobook and highly recommend it in that format. Hearing her story in her own words and inflections makes it even more personal and immediate. I will look forward to getting a printed copy and re-reading this memoir.