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To Live Again
For more than forty years To Live Again has been treasured by readers as a true story of divine comfort, human love, and spiritual adventure. It¹s the intimate account of Catherine Marshall¹s triumph of faith over grief and love over loneliness. Catherine candidly shares the frustrations, anger, confusion, and "soreness of heart" that she experienced after the death of her husband, Peter. As a young widow and single mother, she felt so vulnerable‹without love, strength, or financial resources. Yet she confronted her grief with a powerful faith in the goodness of God, and her journey provides inspiring answers for those wrestling with loss, as well as for everyone who seeks to live with wisdom and courage.
335 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1957
33 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Marshall
196 books1,034 followersMarshall was born in Johnson City, Tennessee. She was the daughter of the Reverend John Ambrose Wood and Leonora Whitaker Wood. From the age of nine until her graduation from high school, Marshall was raised in Keyser, West Virginia, where her father served as pastor of a Presbyterian church from 1924 to 1942.
While a junior at Agnes Scott College, she met Peter Marshall, marrying him in 1936. The couple moved to Washington, DC, where her husband served as pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and Chaplain of the United States Senate.
In 1940, Marshall contracted tuberculosis, for which at that time there was no antibiotic treatment. She spent nearly three years recovering from the illness. Her husband died in 1949 of a heart attack, leaving her to care for their 9-year-old son, Peter John Marshall. He later also became a minister and author.
Marshall wrote a biography of her husband, A Man Called Peter, published in 1951. It became a nationwide success and was adapted as a film of the same name, released in 1955. Her success encouraged her to keep writing.
Marshall wrote or edited more than 30 books, which have sold over 16 million copies.[citation needed] They include edited collections of Peter Marshall's sermons and prayers, and her own inspirational writings. Her most successful books were A Man Called Peter (1951); and her novel, Christy (1967), which was inspired by the story of her mother's time in the mountains teaching the impoverished children of Appalachia. Christy was adapted as a CBS television series, starring Kellie Martin, beginning in 1994.
In 1959, Marshall married Leonard LeSourd, who was the editor of Guideposts Magazine for 28 years. Together they founded a book imprint, Chosen Books. They had three children, Linda, Chester and Jeffery.
Marshall died on March 18, 1983 at the age of 68. She was buried alongside her first husband.
While a junior at Agnes Scott College, she met Peter Marshall, marrying him in 1936. The couple moved to Washington, DC, where her husband served as pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and Chaplain of the United States Senate.
In 1940, Marshall contracted tuberculosis, for which at that time there was no antibiotic treatment. She spent nearly three years recovering from the illness. Her husband died in 1949 of a heart attack, leaving her to care for their 9-year-old son, Peter John Marshall. He later also became a minister and author.
Marshall wrote a biography of her husband, A Man Called Peter, published in 1951. It became a nationwide success and was adapted as a film of the same name, released in 1955. Her success encouraged her to keep writing.
Marshall wrote or edited more than 30 books, which have sold over 16 million copies.[citation needed] They include edited collections of Peter Marshall's sermons and prayers, and her own inspirational writings. Her most successful books were A Man Called Peter (1951); and her novel, Christy (1967), which was inspired by the story of her mother's time in the mountains teaching the impoverished children of Appalachia. Christy was adapted as a CBS television series, starring Kellie Martin, beginning in 1994.
In 1959, Marshall married Leonard LeSourd, who was the editor of Guideposts Magazine for 28 years. Together they founded a book imprint, Chosen Books. They had three children, Linda, Chester and Jeffery.
Marshall died on March 18, 1983 at the age of 68. She was buried alongside her first husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 6, 2017
I'm so impressed with Catherine Marshall's book To Live Again. There's way more to her and her husband's story than just what appears in the famous book A Man Called Peter. So much more.
There's another whole tale that follows Peter Marshall's death, one of Mrs. Marshall finding herself again after the tragic loss. His story isn't over yet, and neither is hers. She shares more stories of Peter, and their life together. She's shares every emotion she went through after his untimely (or so it may seem) passing at the age of 46. Her memories of grief can be sad or even depressing to some readers who have experienced similar loss, I'm sure. But what Mrs. Marshall shares with us is that there's hope. And hope can grow into unimaginable and amazing things, if God is in it. I even liked how she told of stories of life after death, some supernatural occurrences, and how she connects with Peter, even though he is in heaven.
What I really loved about To Live Again is that she starts telling all about the entire publication process of A Man Called Peter. It's like behind the scenes bonus material on one of my favorite books. How lucky am I to have gotten to read more about the making of that wonderful book that touched the lives of so many? Even I could start to see how his death wasn't the end of his legacy, for his legacy had only just begun.
And then? We get to the part where Mrs. Marshall tells all in relation to the making of the 1955 film based on A Man Called Peter. Even MORE fun, I tell you. She shares all about her hesitancy at accepting the idea of a Hollywood movie... to the screenwriting process... to the final fanfare. For me, it was a lot of fun to read about. (And to that one lady who wrote to Mrs. Marshall saying that Clark Gable would been a good fit to play the titular character in the film, I say no. No, he would not have. Richard Todd filled the role perfectly.)
NOTE to the discerning reader & to parents: One chapter in particular deals with subject matter of the “mature” adult nature. It came out of the blue for me, but the topic was obviously one that bothered Mrs. Marshall during various stages of her grief. For this reason, I have to raise the age level of readers who could enjoy the book to at least high-school age or adult.
Overall? Catherine Marshall has a clear, simple voice in her writing. It's as if she is having a conversation with someone in the same room, instead of through the context of the printed page, decades after the ink has dried. And now I need to both re-read the book A Man Called Peter, and re-watch the movie again.
Highly recommended to read as a sequel to A Man Called Peter.
"....our God can handle even the worst that can happen to us as finite human beings. Since Christ is beside us, no troubles that life can bring need cast us adrift. This is knowledge that can release us from lifelong bondage to fear."
-Catherine Marshall, To Live Again (Chapter 1)
There's another whole tale that follows Peter Marshall's death, one of Mrs. Marshall finding herself again after the tragic loss. His story isn't over yet, and neither is hers. She shares more stories of Peter, and their life together. She's shares every emotion she went through after his untimely (or so it may seem) passing at the age of 46. Her memories of grief can be sad or even depressing to some readers who have experienced similar loss, I'm sure. But what Mrs. Marshall shares with us is that there's hope. And hope can grow into unimaginable and amazing things, if God is in it. I even liked how she told of stories of life after death, some supernatural occurrences, and how she connects with Peter, even though he is in heaven.
What I really loved about To Live Again is that she starts telling all about the entire publication process of A Man Called Peter. It's like behind the scenes bonus material on one of my favorite books. How lucky am I to have gotten to read more about the making of that wonderful book that touched the lives of so many? Even I could start to see how his death wasn't the end of his legacy, for his legacy had only just begun.
And then? We get to the part where Mrs. Marshall tells all in relation to the making of the 1955 film based on A Man Called Peter. Even MORE fun, I tell you. She shares all about her hesitancy at accepting the idea of a Hollywood movie... to the screenwriting process... to the final fanfare. For me, it was a lot of fun to read about. (And to that one lady who wrote to Mrs. Marshall saying that Clark Gable would been a good fit to play the titular character in the film, I say no. No, he would not have. Richard Todd filled the role perfectly.)
NOTE to the discerning reader & to parents: One chapter in particular deals with subject matter of the “mature” adult nature. It came out of the blue for me, but the topic was obviously one that bothered Mrs. Marshall during various stages of her grief. For this reason, I have to raise the age level of readers who could enjoy the book to at least high-school age or adult.
Overall? Catherine Marshall has a clear, simple voice in her writing. It's as if she is having a conversation with someone in the same room, instead of through the context of the printed page, decades after the ink has dried. And now I need to both re-read the book A Man Called Peter, and re-watch the movie again.
Highly recommended to read as a sequel to A Man Called Peter.
"....our God can handle even the worst that can happen to us as finite human beings. Since Christ is beside us, no troubles that life can bring need cast us adrift. This is knowledge that can release us from lifelong bondage to fear."
-Catherine Marshall, To Live Again (Chapter 1)
June 19, 2011
I read this while on holidays in Cairns ages ago. It rocked my world!
Catherine Marshall is long gone, but I have always felt a real affiliation with her, her writing is so familiar, you feel like you are sitting down with her as she pours her heart out.
I am a fellow heart-pourer-outer, so Catherine Marshall, I love you.
So helpful for anyone who has suffered and struggles with the fallout, or even for those who just long for a deep and real encounter with God.
I have read so many other books by this woman, but this is a real standout. I am so glad I happened upon it in a dingy book store in Cairns all those years ago.
Catherine Marshall is long gone, but I have always felt a real affiliation with her, her writing is so familiar, you feel like you are sitting down with her as she pours her heart out.
I am a fellow heart-pourer-outer, so Catherine Marshall, I love you.
So helpful for anyone who has suffered and struggles with the fallout, or even for those who just long for a deep and real encounter with God.
I have read so many other books by this woman, but this is a real standout. I am so glad I happened upon it in a dingy book store in Cairns all those years ago.
March 25, 2017
Every time I read nonfiction books as heartfelt and inspiring as this one, I tell myself I need to read more nonfiction. :P (Seriously, this book is SO good. Please read it.)
May 9, 2011
I shared a portion of this treasure with a victim of 911 who had lost a husband in the towers. Her husband died a hero saving others. To Live Again is timeless, the wisdom in this books heals, and create a path for healthy grief.
January 6, 2014
I love Catherine Marshall's writing---I read this shortly after my dear Grandmother had died, and it was as though I was comforted and felt Grandma close by in Marshall's writing---I began to consume her books!
January 18, 2025
Wonderful. I read this to get to know more about the author of Christy - what I didn't expect was to find healing and new ways of processing the grief of losing mom. I am so grateful for the wisdom, faithfulness, and insight of Catherine Marshall that has encouraged me in my own struggles.
May 9, 2021
The five stars I give this book are for me. I’m not sure all readers would appreciate a memoir with a 1950s slant of marriage and womanhood, but I enjoyed Marshall’s clear-eyed, transparent writing about life after her husband died. I was fortunate to come across a copy at soon-to-be-closing bookstore, and it is a rich addition to the other books by Marshall I own.
March 13, 2011
I found this book beautiful, and heartwarming and a joy to read.
Catherine describes unexplainable experiences stunningly, in such a way that you really understand and see what she experienced. Her life is amazing and I think that her life after her husband died was better than when he was alive (dare I say it).
This story raises questions for me about the role of women. Throughout this story Catherine aims to honour her husband's memory and her husband in everything she does and has done, she is willing to take a back seat to her husband and his wishes and desires to the extent of putting her dreams on hold for the sake of a family and his calling/ dream. The way she describes the dynamics of their relationship and the dominance (and I say this in a good way) of her husband and his choices for the direction of their life is something that nowadays is almost never seen following the feminist movement and women's rights etc. I've made several notes from this book and I would love to find the quote she makes about woman's place in society. For me I questioned what she had to say in a purely Defensive way, but then after thinking about it honestly as a woman, and a woman recently married and making decisions about her life I thought, you know what she says (what her husband says) has merits.
I found that apart from the first few pages where she describes the loss of her husband and her feelings around this I found that a lot of the most interesting areas of the book were where she talks about her husband's thinking. It is clear that her life revolved and continued after his death to revolve around her husband. But I tend to see some of what she has to say as (though ringing true to me) being an echo of what her husband thought, or taught and I question how much did Catherine really think for herself.
I think this book tells of Catherine's passion for her husband almost more than it has to do with her thoughts and her rise "to live again". It's like she died when her husband died because he was her life, and this story plots her life after his death to find new ways to live for HIM (her husband) even when he is not with her. A great reasaon to continue living I think.
After reading this book and indeed while reading this book I wanted to find out more about this woman. I wanted to meet her son and discuss her life with him. Read all of the books she has written about herself. But most of all I craved this story to speak about herself! Though it gives huge insights into her thoughts in an indirect way I just wished she would be more dominant. She talks about running away with her husband to marry him despite being told not to, and I long for this strength that she describes to ring throughout the rest of the story however she continues to quietly support her husband right through the book. And this is honourable.
A brilliant book, thought provoking, and great for a new look at life and to be refreshed back into living. It will make you want to find other books about her husband's and her life.
Catherine describes unexplainable experiences stunningly, in such a way that you really understand and see what she experienced. Her life is amazing and I think that her life after her husband died was better than when he was alive (dare I say it).
This story raises questions for me about the role of women. Throughout this story Catherine aims to honour her husband's memory and her husband in everything she does and has done, she is willing to take a back seat to her husband and his wishes and desires to the extent of putting her dreams on hold for the sake of a family and his calling/ dream. The way she describes the dynamics of their relationship and the dominance (and I say this in a good way) of her husband and his choices for the direction of their life is something that nowadays is almost never seen following the feminist movement and women's rights etc. I've made several notes from this book and I would love to find the quote she makes about woman's place in society. For me I questioned what she had to say in a purely Defensive way, but then after thinking about it honestly as a woman, and a woman recently married and making decisions about her life I thought, you know what she says (what her husband says) has merits.
I found that apart from the first few pages where she describes the loss of her husband and her feelings around this I found that a lot of the most interesting areas of the book were where she talks about her husband's thinking. It is clear that her life revolved and continued after his death to revolve around her husband. But I tend to see some of what she has to say as (though ringing true to me) being an echo of what her husband thought, or taught and I question how much did Catherine really think for herself.
I think this book tells of Catherine's passion for her husband almost more than it has to do with her thoughts and her rise "to live again". It's like she died when her husband died because he was her life, and this story plots her life after his death to find new ways to live for HIM (her husband) even when he is not with her. A great reasaon to continue living I think.
After reading this book and indeed while reading this book I wanted to find out more about this woman. I wanted to meet her son and discuss her life with him. Read all of the books she has written about herself. But most of all I craved this story to speak about herself! Though it gives huge insights into her thoughts in an indirect way I just wished she would be more dominant. She talks about running away with her husband to marry him despite being told not to, and I long for this strength that she describes to ring throughout the rest of the story however she continues to quietly support her husband right through the book. And this is honourable.
A brilliant book, thought provoking, and great for a new look at life and to be refreshed back into living. It will make you want to find other books about her husband's and her life.
August 19, 2012
When Peter died he was a young man and though he had experienced an earlier brush with death, neither he nor his wife were prepared for his death. Catherine was numb for a while but her faith began to pull her through the bereavement. First she was drawn to publish his sermons, which she did as Mr Jones, Meet the Masterand then the story of his life as A Man Called Peter: The Story of Peter Marshall. She was a talented writer but as she discovered her efforts were inadequate to bring the sermons or the man to life and she began to lean more and more on her Lord and to trust that Peter was still alive, though in a different form.
Later she got the opportunity to sell the movie rights to a studio and work with the script writer to make the movie just as touching and real as the book had been. This got her writing career off on a strong footing so she no longer had any fear of how she was going to support herself.
The story included snippets of her son growing up and of her parents retiring from the ministry and of the charming old home she helped them buy.
I loved it.
Later she got the opportunity to sell the movie rights to a studio and work with the script writer to make the movie just as touching and real as the book had been. This got her writing career off on a strong footing so she no longer had any fear of how she was going to support herself.
The story included snippets of her son growing up and of her parents retiring from the ministry and of the charming old home she helped them buy.
I loved it.
October 19, 2008
This book is old and a little dated/ conservative. but if you're willing to look past that, it's a really good book. Catherine Marshall lets people into her life and walks them along the road she walked to "live again" after her husband died at a tragically young age. Her faithfulness to his memory, and spreading the work that he did, has enriched the lives of many people, and watching her bloom into the talented author she later became was helpful and encouraging. The book is a testament to the fact that God can walk us through anything, no matter how big or horrible or tragic, and even bring good out of it. I wept with her, laughed with her, and cheered for her. It was a good book.
October 19, 2014
I remembered reading it years ago, when devouring Marshall's books, one right after another. I knew I needed it now, having lost my own husband. I am surprised by how personally it speaks to me. I had forgotten that it chronicles Catherine's writing journey. It speaks to me mostly about her determination to follow and trust God with her life.
Catherine Marshall's writing is honest and open and carries the reader along in her life. I love it.
Catherine Marshall's writing is honest and open and carries the reader along in her life. I love it.
August 30, 2014
Published in 1957, it's amazing how well this book has kept its relevance. A heart-felt but not schmaltzy or churchy account of suddenly losing a husband and what to make of the new life that follows. Anyone who has experienced the death of their beloved spouse will find this helpful support and reassurance that this existence is not all there is and that life can go on in surprising ways.
March 12, 2012
Another Catherine Marshall book; took me awhile to read this one. I started it long ago. As I was a bit emotional after Peter was born, it made me a bit teary eyed in some places when she was describing learning to "live again" after her Peter passed away.
July 29, 2016
Would love to chat out chapter 11 Is There Life After Death with a good friend and confidant. This book was about the loss of Catherine Marshall's husband, Peter, to earthly death and her healing and growing time in the Lord in its wake.
September 17, 2012
Wonderful story of a widow's journey to wholeness
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August 14, 2016I loved this book - I found it encouraged and drew me into a closer walk with God
December 4, 2016
A most definitely read again book. One has to read A Man Called Peter, as this book is referred to.
April 29, 2019
Marshall is probably best known for Christy, a forerunner in the now-booming Christian historic romance genre. Published in 1967, the book told the story of a sweet, but somewhat spoiled, young woman who left a life of comfort to become a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Appalachia. Many readers may not know that Marshall was a content preacher's wife for the first half of her life, who only began writing after her husband died in his forties. Her first book was a compilation of her husband's sermons, her second a biography of his life, and her third was To Live Again, a memoir of her grieving process, and the writing career that blossomed in the midst of it, and continued to flourish as she healed from her enormous loss.
Rich in emotional detail and spiritual reflection, but never maudlin, this book will acquaint readers of Christy with the life and joy that can follow loss, and the healing the Lord brings through serving others. It should serve as encouragement to both those dealing with loss, and aspiring writers who wonder whether their words can make a difference in the lives of others.
As a member of the latter category, I was certainly inspired to persevere in my writing, and to understand that the Lord gives the gift of writing to certain people because their stories will help others fear and trust Him.
Rich in emotional detail and spiritual reflection, but never maudlin, this book will acquaint readers of Christy with the life and joy that can follow loss, and the healing the Lord brings through serving others. It should serve as encouragement to both those dealing with loss, and aspiring writers who wonder whether their words can make a difference in the lives of others.
As a member of the latter category, I was certainly inspired to persevere in my writing, and to understand that the Lord gives the gift of writing to certain people because their stories will help others fear and trust Him.
November 17, 2024
Catherine Marshall is the main character and the author of this book. It is an autobiography book and has 336 pages. My first impression of this book is so really good because of the story about how she overcomes the death of her husband; I like it when it comes to God, and lastly how the author makes her story life.
*spoilers alert* in the half of the chapter of this book it just shows how Catherine asks God why did He something bad to her life. The book of her husband, The Man Called Peter, is getting popular because of Catherine.
At the end of the book, she overcomes the death of her husband. Catherine was happy. In the summary of my book review, this book is a 5/5 star for me because I like how she asks God about the death of her husband and how God changes her life. Thank you.
*spoilers alert* in the half of the chapter of this book it just shows how Catherine asks God why did He something bad to her life. The book of her husband, The Man Called Peter, is getting popular because of Catherine.
At the end of the book, she overcomes the death of her husband. Catherine was happy. In the summary of my book review, this book is a 5/5 star for me because I like how she asks God about the death of her husband and how God changes her life. Thank you.
December 29, 2019
I had read “A Man Called Peter” earlier this year, so I wanted to read how Catherine dealt with her husband’s death. I was not disappointed and would definitely recommend for anyone who is grieving. My mother-in-law made the comment that Catherine’s writing showed more spiritual depth as she matured, and I agree. This is one of the first few books she wrote, but still a a lot of godly advice here.
May 27, 2021
I really enjoyed Catherine’s story of being widowed and how she weathered through supporting herself through her writing. Was also helpful to know her process of grieving - I feel we all need help with that, widowed or not. Four stars, only because there was some theology in it that I think is wrong and may lead readers astray. Other than that, I loved it.
January 23, 2020
Excellent book that is well written. I was touched at Catherine's candidness regarding her huge life change in this book. Heartbreaking. However, Catherine is also inspirational in this book. This book really made me a huge fan of Catherine Marshall.
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March 26, 2020It is hard to give it a star rating because it is an older book published in 1957. I found it while cleaning out my Dad house. Had some real interesting points and ideas for that time and now about dealing with death and Christian believes. Shows how life was is the 50s and 60s.
November 10, 2021
Interesting and helpful autobiography of the first few years after her young and much loved husband, Peter Marshall, passed away. She talks about her grief and about writing her first book, a biography about him.
July 11, 2022
Was very engaging but had a few dry spots. I really enjoyed walking the journey of grief and seeing God's provision after her husband's death.
February 23, 2023
4.5 stars. It’s a bit dated (to be expected), but it’s especially good reading for anyone struggling with the loss a loved one.
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May 14, 2025Yea Im not readin allat
June 3, 2025
A great book to read if you're grieving. Wonderful insites of how to live after a spouse dies.
February 4, 2018
Telling the story of how after her husband's death, she put his sermons together for the first book, and then with that success, wrote a biography of his life. A Man Called Peter, then helped turn it into a movie and all the while raising their son and helping her parents as they easy toward retirement.
"I learned that money is really only ideas that have been converted into a form usable in the exchange markets of earth. "
"I learned that money is really only ideas that have been converted into a form usable in the exchange markets of earth. "
April 2, 2023
Mrs. Marshall has a beautiful way with words. She makes one really think about religion, and our beliefs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews