Chasing Grace: Reflections Of A Catholic Girl, Grown Up: reflections of a Catholic girl, grown up

The Story

'Poignant, witty, often caustic... Manning's meditations will appeal to thoughtful readers of every persuasion.'-- 'Library Journal' 'I used to think that grace is what happens when your toast falls butter-side-up. But that's not grace, it's good fortune. Grace is what helps you celebrate the joy of a good landing and tolerate the disappointment of a bad one.' --Martha Manning From the author of the 'absolutely absorbing' ( 'USA Today' ) memoir 'Undercurrents' comes an unforgettable portrait of childhood, family and community. The eldest child of a devout Irish-American Catholic family, Martha Manning weaves her story around the seven holy sacraments: baptism, penance, communion, confirmation, holy orders, marriage and last rites. She recalls her childhood pratfalls, adolescent yearnings and entrance into motherhood with wisdom, wit and remarkable honesty. At once poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, 'Chasing Grace' is a wholly original tale of family and friends, happy times and difficult ones -- and the painful, joyous journey from childhood to adulthood.