Stumble: Virtue, Vice, and the Space Between

by Heather King, Brian Doyle (Foreword)

Our lives are lived in virtue and vice and, most often, in the ordinary space between. We stumble and rise back up, ready to take on another day. King explains that “virtue” is the right way to deal with what life places in front of us. Stumble will encourage you to look at your challenges in a new way.

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, Spirituality

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 20, 2015

About the author

Heather King is an essayist, memoirist, and blogger. Raised on the coast of New Hampshire, she struggled with alcoholism for many years, got sober in 1987, and converted to Catholicism in 1996.

She is the author of nine books of essay and memoir, and has recorded over 30 slice-of-life commentaries for National Public Radio's "All Things Considered."

She also speaks nationwide, writes a weekly arts and culture column for “Angelus,” the archdiocesan newspaper of LA, and a monthly column on unsung saints for “Magnificat” magazine.

Her work, which she roughly defines as "the tragicomedy of the cross," ranges in subject from addiction to vocational crises, conversion, food, money, cancer, unrequited love, prayer and healing from abortion.

She lives in Pasadena, CA. For more info and her blog, visit Heather King: Mystery, Smarts, Laughs.

Reviews

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful and insightful glimpses into the life of a very real Roman Catholic Christian. Heather King's writing resonated with soul.

[Paul LaGreca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have fallen in love with Heather King. Her reflections resonated with me in a very personal way and her humor throughout is wonderful - despite setbacks and suffering (a testament to who she is as a person). She is an inspiration and her love for God shines through her often challenging experiences - from recovery from alcohol to her tenderness for those in need (as difficult as those experiences may have been). I am glad this book was recommended, and I look forward to reading her other books.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather King's passion and writing style really speak to me. I could relate to her memoir, Parched, and have been intrigued by her ever since. Stumble is an insightful glimpse into some of King's travels and life situations. She offers other ways to look at things. Perhaps how we can live in love and forgiveness rather than being so quick to hate and judge others. That's just my take on it...

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

She finds such beauty in a life that was filled with ugliness and brokenness

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather shares the holiness of everyday encounters. I received a review copy from the publisher and I am so glad I did!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sister gave this book a very strong recommendation so I think my expectations were too high. I also didn’t realize ahead of time that it’s a collection of essays so maybe I set myself up for failure! But I like heather king’s writing and this is a great sample of it.

[Julie Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each chapter is a short essay of her real life experiences and how the specific situation ties into the virtues we all desire. She takes you through many different situations and for me, personally, she has motivated me to look for ways I can also use my faith to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

[Stephanie Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars. I love Heather King's writings; but this book is just not as good as her other books (maybe I've set too high a standard for her), but I did enjoy reading it -always thoughtful, honest and raw...

[Jean Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, funny, poignant. Nothing Heather King writes is sentimental, but her faith is sincere and instructive to all of us.