I was immediately drawn to this book with religious connotations on the cover and the locale of Secaucus, living not that far away from there. I mustn't have read the synopsis that closely because I thought I was reading an actual autobiography- only to realize when finished that it was Literary Fiction! Kudos to the author for the authenticity of her writing as I am still shaking my head and feeling as though I read a memoir. I do love reading about convents, nuns, and the experience of going to Catholic schools. Also, the time period is 60s and 70s when I grew up, so that was another nostalgic feeling this book engendered.

My favorite part of the book was the beginning when the main character Catherine was a child going to Catholic school. Catherine's special place was a grotto with saint statue on the grounds, and would go there for profound thinking. She was also extremely close with a young nun/teacher, and the feeling was mutual. This was a sweet time of innocence, and her love and admiration of this nun made her dream about becoming a nun herself one day. But this is a rich, familial story with many other things that happened to make Catherine question religion, what to do with her life, and the mystery of where life takes us if we just let life happen. This was a thought-provoking and inspirational book covering many issues such as divorce, marital abuse, abortion, adultery, sexual assault, at-risk youth, homelessness, and the wonderful social work that nuns provided in communities.

Thank you to the publisher Atmosphere Press who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.