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Unruly Saint: Dorothy Day's Radical Vision and its Challenge for Our Times
In 1933, in the shadow of the Great Depression, Dorothy Day started the most prominent Catholic radical movement in United States history, the Catholic Worker Movement, a storied organization with a lasting legacy of truth and justice. Day's newspaper, houses of hospitality, and ministry of paying attention to the inequality of her world would eventually become world famous, just as she--a high-energy activist with a cigarette in one hand and a coffee cup in the other--would become a figure of promise for the poor. The ways in which Day and her fellow workers both found the love of God in and expressed it for their neighbors during a time of great social, political, economic, and spiritual upheaval would become a model of activism for decades to come. In Unruly Saint , activist, writer, and neighbor D. L. Mayfield brings a personal lens to Day's story. In exploring the founding of the Catholic Worker movement and newspaper by revisiting the early years of Day's life, Mayfield turns her attention to what it means to be a good neighbor today. Through a combination of biography, observations on the current American landscape, and theological reflection, this is at once an achingly relevant account and an encouraging blueprint for people of faith in tumultuous times. It will resonate with today's activists, social justice warriors, and those seeking to live in the service of others.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published November 8, 2022
47 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Mayfield
9 books330 followersD. L. Mayfield lives and writes in Portland, OR with her husband and two small children. Mayfield likes to write about refugees, theology, and downward mobility, among other topics. She has written for places as varied as McSweeneys, Christianity Today, Image journal, and the Toast. Her book of essays, Assimilate or Go Home: Notes from a Failed Missionary on Rediscovering Faith is forthcoming from HarperOne in August 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 23, 2022
I picked up Unruly Saint as an Advance Reader copy with little more than vague curiosity. My spouse is one person removed from someone who knew and wrote about Dorothy Day. He'd spoken about her before, but I didn't know what to expect of the story of a woman in the running for sainthood in the Catholic Church.
Instead of an in-depth biography of Dorothy Day, this book might best be described as an origin story for the Catholic Worker houses and newspaper told from the perspective of Dorothy Day's life. It was an eye-opening look at the early twentieth century and surprisingly relevant to today's world. Decades have passed, but human suffering and those determined to care for the struggling remain. The Worker houses fed and housed thousands during the Great Depression, often with no idea where the money would come from. US history buffs will find new nuggets to ponder from this point of view.
One of the strengths of Unruly Saint is that it's not a hagiography. Day is shown in all of her messiness, struggling as a single mom and human, and known to respond bullshit in response to questions about sainthood. There is no patina of untouchable perfection, but a woman who lived out her beliefs to the best of her ability with a determination that often irritated priests and the Church hierarchy, and eventually got her newspaper banned. The author also covers the impact of Day's work on her daughter, Tamar, and got to know Dorothy Day's granddaughter, Kate Hennessy (author of Dorothy Day; The World Will Be Saved By Beauty: An Intimate Portrait of Dorothy Day), in the process of writing the book.
Overall the book is an accessible read and would serve as a great introduction to Dorothy Day and her work to those new to either. Readers do not need a religious background to appreciate Dorothy Day's influence and impact on 20th century America.
Recommended.
Instead of an in-depth biography of Dorothy Day, this book might best be described as an origin story for the Catholic Worker houses and newspaper told from the perspective of Dorothy Day's life. It was an eye-opening look at the early twentieth century and surprisingly relevant to today's world. Decades have passed, but human suffering and those determined to care for the struggling remain. The Worker houses fed and housed thousands during the Great Depression, often with no idea where the money would come from. US history buffs will find new nuggets to ponder from this point of view.
One of the strengths of Unruly Saint is that it's not a hagiography. Day is shown in all of her messiness, struggling as a single mom and human, and known to respond bullshit in response to questions about sainthood. There is no patina of untouchable perfection, but a woman who lived out her beliefs to the best of her ability with a determination that often irritated priests and the Church hierarchy, and eventually got her newspaper banned. The author also covers the impact of Day's work on her daughter, Tamar, and got to know Dorothy Day's granddaughter, Kate Hennessy (author of Dorothy Day; The World Will Be Saved By Beauty: An Intimate Portrait of Dorothy Day), in the process of writing the book.
Overall the book is an accessible read and would serve as a great introduction to Dorothy Day and her work to those new to either. Readers do not need a religious background to appreciate Dorothy Day's influence and impact on 20th century America.
Recommended.
April 14, 2024
It feels divinely inspired that D. L. Mayfield chose to write a biography on Dorothy Day. Rarely have I so closely connected with both the author and the subject of a book. Dorothy and DL truly understood/understand what it means to be lonely in faith: refusing to take sides, refusing to give up God and refusing to give up people. Every chapter felt like a scar on my heart—hurt and healed at the same time.
It would be easy to use this story as a convicting tale of that all we middle-class-first-world residents aren’t doing, but I don’t feel the self-degrading shame that many left-wing radicals would give me for not doing my part. DL emphasizes Dorothy’s connection to each and every individual. I feel as if I have met Dorothy. I feel as if I have shared coffee with her. I feel as if she is asking me: are you full of the love yet? Do you want more? Are you ready to share?
It would be easy to use this story as a convicting tale of that all we middle-class-first-world residents aren’t doing, but I don’t feel the self-degrading shame that many left-wing radicals would give me for not doing my part. DL emphasizes Dorothy’s connection to each and every individual. I feel as if I have met Dorothy. I feel as if I have shared coffee with her. I feel as if she is asking me: are you full of the love yet? Do you want more? Are you ready to share?
March 31, 2024
This could not have come for me at a better time, and I might even consider buying my own copy and rereading it again soon. Recently, I’ve been battling some disillusionment with my faith—it can be so very tough for me to reconcile my typically leftist views with the views and actions of some of the people in the Church—but I have always found a kindred spirit in Dorothy Day, a woman who was committed to fighting for and serving the poor and marginalized while also being a committed Catholic, despite the Church’s attempts to stifle her voice and influence in her time. I think this book shares a great perspective for all of us living in these challenging and ever-shifting times, but I would especially encourage those who’ve fallen away from religion to give this one a read.
November 22, 2022
If you have an interest in Dorothy Day, I think you will like this book. I've read other books about Dorothy Day, including the Long Loneliness and the one by her granddaughter. So while the information was not new to me, I especially liked how the author portrayed Dorothy as an imperfect person.
November 26, 2022
There are few books that both move my heart and soul and inspire me to action. Dorothy Day would be pleased by this biography of her life, because it painted a portrait of all of her nuances, unruliness, accomplishments, faults, and phases of faith. This book honored her legacy and it's the best biography I've ever read. I couldn't help but well up with emotion after reading the last page: there is still hope, light, and beauty in this dark and treacherous world. What a timely year for this book to be published. What a timely message from a woman born over a century ago who spoke with wisdom and insight well beyond her times, a message that D.L. Mayfield so masterfully illuminates for our current time.
This is the first book I've read of Mayfield, although I have read countless of her insta stories and newsletter emails. I am always amazed at how talented of a writer she is. This biography was not boring or hard to read, and it struck that balance of being both easy-to-consume and utterly thought-provoking. This book was well-researched, convicting, inspiring, and fascinating. I couldn't put it down and read the entire book in just 3 days.
As an ex-vangelical Christian who still holds tightly to my faith but rejects the Christian nationalism that accompanies most American churches, this book was like salve to my wound, light for my darkness, joy to my despair. It was so encouraging to know that I'm not alone, not just in D.L. Mayfield and her similar perspective but also in Dorothy Day, a woman I hadn't even heard of prior to picking up this biography. There is something to be said about the long and arduous struggle of Christians who want to follow God but who feel torn when we see the piles of hypocrisy and limitless leaders who have been corrupted by a culture of consumerism and greed. I was amazed and relieved in a way to learn that Dorothy spoke out against that same culture that was present 100 years ago too.
Dorothy was not afraid to learn (through the span of decades) how to still love God and her neighbor, despite being rejected by most church leaders and other fellow Christians. Her auto-biography was aptly titled "The Long Loneliness." It was a lonely road to walk speaking out against the injustices of the 20th century, and Dorothy inspired thousands to walk alongside her through her making of the Catholic Worker newspaper.
"She saved her real wrath not for the communists but for the religious folks who did nothing to step in and help the working man. 'Men are not Christian today,' she said, recalling her time at the hunger march. 'If they were, this sight would not be possible. Far dearer in the sight of God are these hungry ragged ones, than all those smug, well-fed Christians who sit in their homes cowering in fear about the Communist menace.'" (72-73)
This is a must read for literally everyone. I love how passionate Mayfield is about Dorothy Day and the vision she inspired for a generation to come. I am so thankful for D.L.'s talent, passion, and service in bringing this beautiful biography to the public. Thank you D.L.!!! :)
Note: I read both the hardcopy and listened to the audiobook, which was an enjoyable listen. Both the e-book and audiobook are available on Scribd and the hardcopy is definitely worth the buy because it comes in a gorgeous purple hardcover and because you will want to highlight this book all over!
This is the first book I've read of Mayfield, although I have read countless of her insta stories and newsletter emails. I am always amazed at how talented of a writer she is. This biography was not boring or hard to read, and it struck that balance of being both easy-to-consume and utterly thought-provoking. This book was well-researched, convicting, inspiring, and fascinating. I couldn't put it down and read the entire book in just 3 days.
As an ex-vangelical Christian who still holds tightly to my faith but rejects the Christian nationalism that accompanies most American churches, this book was like salve to my wound, light for my darkness, joy to my despair. It was so encouraging to know that I'm not alone, not just in D.L. Mayfield and her similar perspective but also in Dorothy Day, a woman I hadn't even heard of prior to picking up this biography. There is something to be said about the long and arduous struggle of Christians who want to follow God but who feel torn when we see the piles of hypocrisy and limitless leaders who have been corrupted by a culture of consumerism and greed. I was amazed and relieved in a way to learn that Dorothy spoke out against that same culture that was present 100 years ago too.
Dorothy was not afraid to learn (through the span of decades) how to still love God and her neighbor, despite being rejected by most church leaders and other fellow Christians. Her auto-biography was aptly titled "The Long Loneliness." It was a lonely road to walk speaking out against the injustices of the 20th century, and Dorothy inspired thousands to walk alongside her through her making of the Catholic Worker newspaper.
"She saved her real wrath not for the communists but for the religious folks who did nothing to step in and help the working man. 'Men are not Christian today,' she said, recalling her time at the hunger march. 'If they were, this sight would not be possible. Far dearer in the sight of God are these hungry ragged ones, than all those smug, well-fed Christians who sit in their homes cowering in fear about the Communist menace.'" (72-73)
This is a must read for literally everyone. I love how passionate Mayfield is about Dorothy Day and the vision she inspired for a generation to come. I am so thankful for D.L.'s talent, passion, and service in bringing this beautiful biography to the public. Thank you D.L.!!! :)
Note: I read both the hardcopy and listened to the audiobook, which was an enjoyable listen. Both the e-book and audiobook are available on Scribd and the hardcopy is definitely worth the buy because it comes in a gorgeous purple hardcover and because you will want to highlight this book all over!
August 25, 2022
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and I was hesitantly excited about the subject. I’d long been drawn to people of faith who lived humble lives of service, but admittedly knew little about Dorothy Day. I was in attendance when Pope Francis commended her in front of the U.S. Congress as an exemplary American. I had heard varied quotes and references to her from the people I interviewed for my own newspaper. But hadn’t gone any further into understanding her life.
This book is perfect. The perspective of an author finding similar curiosity about the (perhaps soon-to-be-officially-sainted) saint — and also finding a great deal in common with her.
The life of Dorothy Day weighs heavy on the reader — but the book itself is a delight to read; I couldn’t put it down. My copy is destroyed with dog-eared pages and underlines of ideas and quotes I hope to return to.
After immersing myself in the sacrificial, bold life of Dorothy Day, I’m afraid my life won’t ever be the same. Just as D.L. Mayfield’s Introduction alluded to, Dorothy Day has become a pebble in my shoe, a reminder of the responsibility I have to my neighbor and the hopeful opportunity I have to create a more just, and perhaps more beautiful world.
I recommend this book for all seekers of justice, all people of faith, all who believe that the world can be a better place, and all creators of newspapers (and the rare few who live at the intersection of multiple of the above).
This book is perfect. The perspective of an author finding similar curiosity about the (perhaps soon-to-be-officially-sainted) saint — and also finding a great deal in common with her.
The life of Dorothy Day weighs heavy on the reader — but the book itself is a delight to read; I couldn’t put it down. My copy is destroyed with dog-eared pages and underlines of ideas and quotes I hope to return to.
After immersing myself in the sacrificial, bold life of Dorothy Day, I’m afraid my life won’t ever be the same. Just as D.L. Mayfield’s Introduction alluded to, Dorothy Day has become a pebble in my shoe, a reminder of the responsibility I have to my neighbor and the hopeful opportunity I have to create a more just, and perhaps more beautiful world.
I recommend this book for all seekers of justice, all people of faith, all who believe that the world can be a better place, and all creators of newspapers (and the rare few who live at the intersection of multiple of the above).
January 7, 2023
Pros: I know who Dorothy Day was and the roots of the Catholic Worker
Mehs: it’s very much a story of Dorothy Day based on a modern writer’s opinions and connections to her own life journey… so it feels somewhat less valid about DD. It’s also a bit repetitive and I probably would have stopped reading halfway through but the chapters are sparse and quick so I threw a few minutes at it when I could.
Mehs: it’s very much a story of Dorothy Day based on a modern writer’s opinions and connections to her own life journey… so it feels somewhat less valid about DD. It’s also a bit repetitive and I probably would have stopped reading halfway through but the chapters are sparse and quick so I threw a few minutes at it when I could.
July 7, 2023
I only could get through Part One because this book was less about Dorothy Day and more about the author screaming across her liberal anti-American, pro-abortion, socialist viewpoints. Dorothy Day was a remarkable woman and the part of the book I had read did her a terrible injustice.
October 29, 2024
3.5 stars
I really didn’t know much about Dorothy Day prior to reading this book other than her being a Catholic who worked to help the poor in NYC, started the newspaper Catholic Worker, and was maybe a communist. So, yeah I learned some things.
Dorothy Day was a left-wing radical before she became a Catholic. Soon after becoming pregnant she began to feel a yearning for God which eventually became irresistible. After her daughter was born she was essentially forced to choose between the Catholic Church and the man she loved who refused to marry her. She chose the church. But it was not always a comfortable fit.
In 1932 she met Peter Maurin, a destitute French immigrant who had big ideas about how “to build a new society in the shell of the old.” They both believed that that it was their duty (and everyone’s) to care for the needy and saw Catholicism as the religion of the poor. Together they started the Catholic Worker to publicize their political and religious ideas, and founded Houses of Hospitality to meet the needs of the poor. They believed in a life of voluntary poverty and gave to anyone who asked for help, always trusting God to provide.
Although Day would have to be regarded as a left-wing radical she did not agitate for government programs to provide assistance to the poor. She believed that caring for the poor is the job of every Christian—that we should all be caring for our neighbors in need. Her vision was that Christians would start similar Houses of Hospitality in every community, and government intervention would then be unnecessary.
Of course the life that Day chose is a tough sell. It’s just not realistic to expect this level of self-sacrifice from most people. Even her daughter bailed out rather than continuing her mother’s project. Over the years the work seemed to grind down Day as well. She would get irritated by Maurin (and many of the men in the house) who after being fed dinner would spend the evening pontificating about politics while she and the other women continued to clean up. Hence her famous quote, “Everyone wants a revolution, but no one wants to do the dishes.”
Day’s experiments could certainly be regarded as practical failures, but I still found her ideas often intriguing and sometimes convicting. These were some of the thoughts I pondered while reading:
With regard to a life of voluntary poverty, are we really called to be paupers and beggars in need of alms? Or are we instead meant to be the good Samaritans who are able to care for themselves and also help those in need? Surely there’s plenty of room to live faithfully while avoiding the harmful extremes of a life of poverty refusing to even work for your own subsistence, or a life of insistent striving and insatiable avarice.
Maybe there’s something to Day’s idea of community, supporting and relying on each other. Maybe this is what makes family so critical. But perhaps this idea of family needs to be extended. The American mindset of rugged individualism is so ingrained in us, but is this really the way we’re meant to live? Is this really the way Jesus calls us to live? Or are Day’s ideas closer to God’s foolishness that confounds the wise?
Around the time I was reading this biography, I was also reading The Return and came across this passage about the author’s Libyan father. It struck me that perhaps this is the proper attitude we are to have regarding those in need:
‘The simple rule was never to refuse any one or thing in need. "It's not your job to read their hearts," he once told me after I claimed, with shameful certainty, that begging was a profession. "Your duty is not to doubt but to give. And don't ask questions at the door. Allow them only to tell you what they came for after they've had tea and something to eat."’
I really didn’t know much about Dorothy Day prior to reading this book other than her being a Catholic who worked to help the poor in NYC, started the newspaper Catholic Worker, and was maybe a communist. So, yeah I learned some things.
Dorothy Day was a left-wing radical before she became a Catholic. Soon after becoming pregnant she began to feel a yearning for God which eventually became irresistible. After her daughter was born she was essentially forced to choose between the Catholic Church and the man she loved who refused to marry her. She chose the church. But it was not always a comfortable fit.
In 1932 she met Peter Maurin, a destitute French immigrant who had big ideas about how “to build a new society in the shell of the old.” They both believed that that it was their duty (and everyone’s) to care for the needy and saw Catholicism as the religion of the poor. Together they started the Catholic Worker to publicize their political and religious ideas, and founded Houses of Hospitality to meet the needs of the poor. They believed in a life of voluntary poverty and gave to anyone who asked for help, always trusting God to provide.
Although Day would have to be regarded as a left-wing radical she did not agitate for government programs to provide assistance to the poor. She believed that caring for the poor is the job of every Christian—that we should all be caring for our neighbors in need. Her vision was that Christians would start similar Houses of Hospitality in every community, and government intervention would then be unnecessary.
Of course the life that Day chose is a tough sell. It’s just not realistic to expect this level of self-sacrifice from most people. Even her daughter bailed out rather than continuing her mother’s project. Over the years the work seemed to grind down Day as well. She would get irritated by Maurin (and many of the men in the house) who after being fed dinner would spend the evening pontificating about politics while she and the other women continued to clean up. Hence her famous quote, “Everyone wants a revolution, but no one wants to do the dishes.”
Day’s experiments could certainly be regarded as practical failures, but I still found her ideas often intriguing and sometimes convicting. These were some of the thoughts I pondered while reading:
With regard to a life of voluntary poverty, are we really called to be paupers and beggars in need of alms? Or are we instead meant to be the good Samaritans who are able to care for themselves and also help those in need? Surely there’s plenty of room to live faithfully while avoiding the harmful extremes of a life of poverty refusing to even work for your own subsistence, or a life of insistent striving and insatiable avarice.
Maybe there’s something to Day’s idea of community, supporting and relying on each other. Maybe this is what makes family so critical. But perhaps this idea of family needs to be extended. The American mindset of rugged individualism is so ingrained in us, but is this really the way we’re meant to live? Is this really the way Jesus calls us to live? Or are Day’s ideas closer to God’s foolishness that confounds the wise?
Around the time I was reading this biography, I was also reading The Return and came across this passage about the author’s Libyan father. It struck me that perhaps this is the proper attitude we are to have regarding those in need:
‘The simple rule was never to refuse any one or thing in need. "It's not your job to read their hearts," he once told me after I claimed, with shameful certainty, that begging was a profession. "Your duty is not to doubt but to give. And don't ask questions at the door. Allow them only to tell you what they came for after they've had tea and something to eat."’
February 13, 2025
Inspiring!!
Amazing look at Dorothy Day’s life and the passion and reality that made that life have so much impact. I’ll post a longer review when i can gather the notes and passages i loved.
Amazing look at Dorothy Day’s life and the passion and reality that made that life have so much impact. I’ll post a longer review when i can gather the notes and passages i loved.
December 27, 2022
A good introductory read for those unfamiliar with Catholic Worker and Dorothy Day.
Mayfield is not an impassioned biographer, but a fellow “worker” trying to connect her own experiences of American culture and those on the margins to a religious ancestor who has thought this all before.
The end notes and further readings give an option for more of a deep dive on other parts of the Dorothy Day and Catholic Worker story.
Mayfield is not an impassioned biographer, but a fellow “worker” trying to connect her own experiences of American culture and those on the margins to a religious ancestor who has thought this all before.
The end notes and further readings give an option for more of a deep dive on other parts of the Dorothy Day and Catholic Worker story.
March 2, 2023
I’m always up for another book on Dorothy Day. This particular one is a great, fairly simple read, and a good introduction to Dorothy specifically as the foundress of the Catholic Worker Movement. Dorothy holds a special place in my heart because she didn’t fit in any box, she was full of contradictions, but even with all her contradictions, she led her life with Love as the most important thing. This book definitely looks at those contradictions and at Dorothy leading with Love.
January 5, 2023
A fascinating look at the life of Dorothy Day and the beginning of the Catholic Worker movement. I appreciated the way D.L. Mayfield explores Dorothy's life and the influence Dorothy's life had on her own. Written in a compelling and engaging way.
September 30, 2024
It's necessary to be clear at the outset that this is a genre of 'biography' that is emphatically not my cup of tea. If you're publishing an essay reminiscing about your influences, or a blog, this style of writing would be fine. It becomes an ethical problem and irritation when it's a published book with a well-known face on the cover, giving the overriding impression that the book is an account of this person's life.
This genre seems to be a new phenomenon. Let's call it the 'Famous Person + Me, Myself & I' genre. Recently, I read a book that I thought was going to be about Joni Mitchell in this genre. It was an incredibly frustrating experience, though in that case, it was more 'Joni Mitchell - But Mostly Me, Myself & I.'
In 'my' (humble) opinion, words like 'I', 'me', 'my', 'mine' do not have a place in the main narrative of a book that has a picture of a well-known person on the cover and is marketed as being about the life and work of that individual. Those pronouns may be relevant in the introduction to the book, as an explanation of the author's motivations and intentions. However, when they start creeping into the middle of a narrative that is supposed to be about the trajectory of an important person's life, they are just unwelcome, ambushing the reader with a point of view they didn't sign up for when they paid good money for the book. This is a matter of ethics and also honesty in marketing. In addition, the book immediately loses its authoritativeness as soon as the author invades your space and plunders your quest to discover more about a personage you admire.
Now that the above clarification is out of the way, there is quite a lot to reasonably like about this book, and the authorial invasions are nothing like as problematic as those in the book on Joni Mitchell mentioned above.
The author has a genuine love for Dorothy Day, and clearly delights in Day's quirks as much as her holiness and heroism. Day had a cat named Social Justice and chain-smoked rolled cigarettes until her early 40s, when she went through a re-conversion to a deeper, more ascetic form of Catholicism. (For non-Catholics, it's a given in Catholicism that salvation is a process, rather than a one-time thing. You're unlikely to hear a Catholic say something like, 'I was saved at 4.15 on 3rd of July 1983.') Despite the deeper conversion, Day couldn't quite bring herself to give up coffee: many would share the author's appreciation for this fact in a person the Catholic Church is on the road to canonizing. The book gives a very decent outline of Day's life and is informative on the ins and outs of the Catholic Worker movement.
The author is concerned (as are many) that making Day a saint would sanitize her. However, many Catholic saints are known to have been highly subversive in their lives, yet also somehow known to grow into a communion with the teachings of the Church as their life goes on. What seems like a contradiction on the outside is often its opposite, when you read the Gospels and note how conflict with the authorities was part and parcel of the ministry of Christ. Nevertheless, the book outlines well how some have painted Day in their own image as a political conservative, conveniently ignoring her critique of capitalism, her demand for another economic system, and her deep dislike of militarism. Despite the truth of the latter positions she took, in relation to Church doctrine, she was definitely a conservative.
There are a few issues that are slightly problematic, caused by the type of writing style described above. For example, the author questions where Day might stand on the gender identity debate if she were alive today. The answer is undoubtedly that she would stand with the Magesterium of the Catholic Church on this issue. The author also maintains early in the book that Day never spoke out against abortion or contraception. This isn't actually true: I've seen footage of her railing against both as an elderly woman.
These attempts to paint Day in the image of present-day American liberalism are just as probleamtic as the Republican Dorothy Day others may create. They limit the book to a large extent. She cannot be understood neatly within either framework: her Catholicism was what encompassed her life after her initial conversion, and wishful thinking doesn't change facts. Despite these shortcomings of scope and style, the book is a pleasant enough reflection on Day's life and the effect she has had, and continues to have, on American culture.
This genre seems to be a new phenomenon. Let's call it the 'Famous Person + Me, Myself & I' genre. Recently, I read a book that I thought was going to be about Joni Mitchell in this genre. It was an incredibly frustrating experience, though in that case, it was more 'Joni Mitchell - But Mostly Me, Myself & I.'
In 'my' (humble) opinion, words like 'I', 'me', 'my', 'mine' do not have a place in the main narrative of a book that has a picture of a well-known person on the cover and is marketed as being about the life and work of that individual. Those pronouns may be relevant in the introduction to the book, as an explanation of the author's motivations and intentions. However, when they start creeping into the middle of a narrative that is supposed to be about the trajectory of an important person's life, they are just unwelcome, ambushing the reader with a point of view they didn't sign up for when they paid good money for the book. This is a matter of ethics and also honesty in marketing. In addition, the book immediately loses its authoritativeness as soon as the author invades your space and plunders your quest to discover more about a personage you admire.
Now that the above clarification is out of the way, there is quite a lot to reasonably like about this book, and the authorial invasions are nothing like as problematic as those in the book on Joni Mitchell mentioned above.
The author has a genuine love for Dorothy Day, and clearly delights in Day's quirks as much as her holiness and heroism. Day had a cat named Social Justice and chain-smoked rolled cigarettes until her early 40s, when she went through a re-conversion to a deeper, more ascetic form of Catholicism. (For non-Catholics, it's a given in Catholicism that salvation is a process, rather than a one-time thing. You're unlikely to hear a Catholic say something like, 'I was saved at 4.15 on 3rd of July 1983.') Despite the deeper conversion, Day couldn't quite bring herself to give up coffee: many would share the author's appreciation for this fact in a person the Catholic Church is on the road to canonizing. The book gives a very decent outline of Day's life and is informative on the ins and outs of the Catholic Worker movement.
The author is concerned (as are many) that making Day a saint would sanitize her. However, many Catholic saints are known to have been highly subversive in their lives, yet also somehow known to grow into a communion with the teachings of the Church as their life goes on. What seems like a contradiction on the outside is often its opposite, when you read the Gospels and note how conflict with the authorities was part and parcel of the ministry of Christ. Nevertheless, the book outlines well how some have painted Day in their own image as a political conservative, conveniently ignoring her critique of capitalism, her demand for another economic system, and her deep dislike of militarism. Despite the truth of the latter positions she took, in relation to Church doctrine, she was definitely a conservative.
There are a few issues that are slightly problematic, caused by the type of writing style described above. For example, the author questions where Day might stand on the gender identity debate if she were alive today. The answer is undoubtedly that she would stand with the Magesterium of the Catholic Church on this issue. The author also maintains early in the book that Day never spoke out against abortion or contraception. This isn't actually true: I've seen footage of her railing against both as an elderly woman.
These attempts to paint Day in the image of present-day American liberalism are just as probleamtic as the Republican Dorothy Day others may create. They limit the book to a large extent. She cannot be understood neatly within either framework: her Catholicism was what encompassed her life after her initial conversion, and wishful thinking doesn't change facts. Despite these shortcomings of scope and style, the book is a pleasant enough reflection on Day's life and the effect she has had, and continues to have, on American culture.
November 18, 2022
“The only way I can make sense of my life is to pursue Jesus to the edges of society.” Mayfield
Incredibly delightful biography by Mayfield on her hero Dorothy Day. Could sense her passion for the woman behind the 20th century justice work through engaging stories, cultural/theological insights and masterful application of Day’s teaching to our time. Great introductory material to the life of Day. Inspiring.
Incredibly delightful biography by Mayfield on her hero Dorothy Day. Could sense her passion for the woman behind the 20th century justice work through engaging stories, cultural/theological insights and masterful application of Day’s teaching to our time. Great introductory material to the life of Day. Inspiring.
November 21, 2022
"She is one of the ancestors who guides us, cigarette in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, saying to us, Never stop asking why, and never stop hungering for God. The loaves and fishes will miraculously appear, but only if you surround yourself with those who are hungry."
Read
November 2, 2023An excellent way to follow up my read of The Long Loneliness that added a lot to my appreciation of that book and of Dorothy Day’s life and work. I didn’t expect the inclusion of the author’s personal journey with Day and the way she was influenced by her, but that was an aspect of this book I really enjoyed.
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December 9, 2022
A combination of biography and commentary on current culture. Until I started hearing about Mayfield's book I had never heard of (or don't remember hearing of) Dorothy Day. Come to find out there are lots of books written about her. I hope to read more. Thank you DL Mayfield for introducing me to this important historical figure and encouraging us with the things that have inspired both you and Dorothy Day.
July 27, 2023
Reading about Dorothy Day has been fascinating and I am excited to read more about her life and beliefs. This book claims not to be a biography and instead is the author's own thoughts and reflections about Day relative to her own faith. The book shines as an introduction to the figure of Day but its author's sometimes tedious interjections about her own religious journey and speculations about Day's feelings make me inclined to read a different book as a supplement to this one.
November 29, 2022
Pope Francis addressed Congress and listed Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker movement, as one of four great Americans. That he would name a radical pacifist labor-supporting Catholic layperson one of America's greatest leaders might be unexpected, and yet that's what he did. Since some have called her a saint (and she is currently in the canonization process), what kind of saint is she? While her willingness to give up everything to care for those in great need, advocate for workers, and oppose American wars, has caught the attention of many admirers, one might wonder if she would want such an honor, especially if in doing this the Church ended up domesticating her memory.
If you are like me, you know the name Dorothy Day. You may know that she helped found the Catholic Worker movement. You may know that many social justice advocates look up to her. But do you know her story? Do you know how this one-time near Marxist, labor-organizing journalist, who once had an abortion, could become a near saint? I will confess that I didn't know much about her until I opened up D. L. Mayfield's book "Unruly Saint." That title may sound odd, but by the time you finish reading this book, you will understand why Mayfield gave the book this title.
Mayfield offers us a biographical study of Day's life, with a focus on her role with the Catholic Worker movement. In other words, if you're looking for a comprehensive biography of Day, this isn't it. Though, she does provide significant biographical details. That's because her biography is the foundation of her involvement with the movement. As for the author, D.L. Mayfield is not Roman Catholic. In fact her spiritual location might best be described as post-evangelical. She is the author of two books, is a self-described activist, having taught ESOL to immigrant and refugee populations.
Mayfield approaches Dorothy Day as a something of a fellow-traveler. She doesn't aspire to the asceticism that Day embraced or puts all others before herself in the way Day did, but Mayfield seeks to identify as much as possible with Day and her commitments to justice and the well-being of others. She recognizes a degree of saintliness about Day's life, but fears she might get domesticated by a church that might use her memory in ways that do not reflect who she was. Most of all Mayfield wants the reader to know that Day may have died in 1980, but she remains relevant today.
What makes Day's story so compelling is that before her conversion at age 30, she was on a life path that wasn't leading toward the church. But once she found the church she wanted to make sure this faith fit with her commitment to serving the poor and the oppressed. The key to her life vocation is her encounter with a Frensh "philosopher-hobo" named Peter Maurin, who helped her discover her calling to create what became the Catholic Worker movement. That movement began with a newspaper she launched in 1933, which was followed by a 'house of hospitality, and later farms and communes. What Mayfield does here is bring this story to life.
In her introduction, Mayfield notes that she discovered Day at a point when she was in the midst of a personal crisis, where she was trying to figure out who she was spiritually. Growing up in white evangelical circles this no longer worked, and she went looking for something else, which is when she encountered Day. Thus, this is a very personal book, a book that seeks to take Day's life and work very seriously.
Mayfield breaks the book into three parts. She starts appropriately in Part 1 with a series of chapters that take us to Day's early life, which takes us from birth in 1898 to her conversion at age 30 in 1927. This turn in her life shocked all her friends since it didn't fit her life as a chain-smoker who wrote for leftist papers and impatiently sought to change the world. How did a "pregnant-out-of-wedlock free spirit who could quote Marx with the best of them and was always ready with a sarcastic retort or a girlish giggle" convert to Catholicism? (p. 22). For Day, as we discover, it was her commitment to the poor that led her to God and eventually the Catholic Church, even though she grew up in a nominal Episcopalian family. Part of this story was the birth of her daughter Tamar, which helped clarify her own sense of being and purpose. It was during this early period of her life as she began to move into the church that she took her muckraking style of writing that she had used writing for leftist papers to Catholic publications such as Commonweal. But, as she covered labor issues, she began to want to do more, especially since she watched as Communists demanded that people seeking justice leave religion for the class struggle. "She was angry at how they overlooked the reality that large percentages of the poor workers around the world were not only religious but Catholic. How could one claim to be for the common worker of the world and dismiss their religion as intellectually depraved and morally corrupt?" (p. 70). That is a relevant question for contemporary liberals who often dismiss religion. After covering a major labor march, she returned to her home in a New York tenement, where she encountered an older man in rumpled clothes who had come looking for her. That encounter would lead to the creation of the Catholic Worker, a muckraking paper that became the foundation of a movement in the church.
Part 2 takes us to the birth of the Catholic Worker. She begins with the meeting with Peter Maurin that day at her apartment. It was Maurin who encouraged her to use that passion for justice along with her writing ability to create a movement. Maurin may have looked like a hobo, but he was trained in theology and philosophy and sought to marry Catholic social teaching with this philosophy. As such he served as the intellectual foundation for what became Day's life work. The goal here was to change the world. Together, he with his ideas and with her energy and writing ability created a movement for the church. Though they had hoped to convince church leaders to create houses of hospitality in every congregation, they didn't succeed in that. However, the vision caught on, thousands subscribed to the journal, and she began to influence Catholics to commit to creating space and support for those in need. That journal was born in 1933, at the height of the Great Depression. From there came the houses of hospitality, which ultimately started as people showed up on Dorothy's doorstep needing housing and help. Most importantly, for her part, she was spreading word about Catholic social teaching, which not everyone in the hierarchy appreciated. The first house was opened in 1934. as Dorothy was busy renting apartments to house all those who were homeless. One thing that Mayfield notes is that Day was not impressed with government-sponsored programs and sought to do things differently. While she was not their biggest fan, she recognized the need and helped people get signed up for them. The problem today is that opponents of government programs will appeal to her concerns, but do so in ways that run counter to her own understanding. Interestingly, her problem with the government programs was rooted not in religion but a deep-seated anarchist bent that preceded her conversion. Mayfield does a good job navigating these concerns and suspicions. REgfarding the origins of this movement, Mayfield notes that the stories are "full of humor and failure and grassroots camaraderie and heady days." (p. 154). Over time the movement grew, setting up shop across the country with each having its own distinct feel. Mayfield writes of this work of living out Catholic social teaching in seeking to create a better world: "Love in action could be a harsh and dreadful thing, but it was certainly never, ever boring." (p. 154).
As I noted earlier, Mayfield's focus is on the origins of the Catholic Worker movement (part 2), with an exploration of the life she led to the point of its founding in 1933 when she was 35. Part 3 is titled "The Work Continues." This isn't a complete accounting of the work or her life, but Mayfelid helps us see how the work matured, how she ran into problems as her commitment to pacifism led to problems with both the church (especially during the Spanish Civil War in 1936- the church supported Franco) and then in World War II when she took a strong stand against the war, which led to a steep decline in support for her movement as she would not let go of her commitment, but also led to her being put on an FBI watchlist. While her earliest efforts were focused on labor issues and the realities of poverty, including homelessness, over time she gave more attention to her commitment to pacifism and to addressing the realities of racism in the country. In fact, Mayfield was surprised how often articles on race appeared in the early issues of the journal. In later years, Day had a second conversion, in which she came under the influence of a rigorist version of Catholicism, a version that seemed to give her a sense of grounding but which alienated many of her co-workers and family members. Mayfield shares how a Fr. Hugo led silent retreats at the Catholic Worker farm, which called for a severe form of asceticism, which called for giving up the best things in life.
The person we encounter here is in every way a radical Christian who gave her all for the cause. That led at times to neglecting members of her own family, though in time a break with her daughter led to reconciliation. She might be a saint, but if so, she is an unruly one. We can think D. L. Mayfield for helping us get to know this woman who might be a saint, but not a domesticated one.
If you are like me, you know the name Dorothy Day. You may know that she helped found the Catholic Worker movement. You may know that many social justice advocates look up to her. But do you know her story? Do you know how this one-time near Marxist, labor-organizing journalist, who once had an abortion, could become a near saint? I will confess that I didn't know much about her until I opened up D. L. Mayfield's book "Unruly Saint." That title may sound odd, but by the time you finish reading this book, you will understand why Mayfield gave the book this title.
Mayfield offers us a biographical study of Day's life, with a focus on her role with the Catholic Worker movement. In other words, if you're looking for a comprehensive biography of Day, this isn't it. Though, she does provide significant biographical details. That's because her biography is the foundation of her involvement with the movement. As for the author, D.L. Mayfield is not Roman Catholic. In fact her spiritual location might best be described as post-evangelical. She is the author of two books, is a self-described activist, having taught ESOL to immigrant and refugee populations.
Mayfield approaches Dorothy Day as a something of a fellow-traveler. She doesn't aspire to the asceticism that Day embraced or puts all others before herself in the way Day did, but Mayfield seeks to identify as much as possible with Day and her commitments to justice and the well-being of others. She recognizes a degree of saintliness about Day's life, but fears she might get domesticated by a church that might use her memory in ways that do not reflect who she was. Most of all Mayfield wants the reader to know that Day may have died in 1980, but she remains relevant today.
What makes Day's story so compelling is that before her conversion at age 30, she was on a life path that wasn't leading toward the church. But once she found the church she wanted to make sure this faith fit with her commitment to serving the poor and the oppressed. The key to her life vocation is her encounter with a Frensh "philosopher-hobo" named Peter Maurin, who helped her discover her calling to create what became the Catholic Worker movement. That movement began with a newspaper she launched in 1933, which was followed by a 'house of hospitality, and later farms and communes. What Mayfield does here is bring this story to life.
In her introduction, Mayfield notes that she discovered Day at a point when she was in the midst of a personal crisis, where she was trying to figure out who she was spiritually. Growing up in white evangelical circles this no longer worked, and she went looking for something else, which is when she encountered Day. Thus, this is a very personal book, a book that seeks to take Day's life and work very seriously.
Mayfield breaks the book into three parts. She starts appropriately in Part 1 with a series of chapters that take us to Day's early life, which takes us from birth in 1898 to her conversion at age 30 in 1927. This turn in her life shocked all her friends since it didn't fit her life as a chain-smoker who wrote for leftist papers and impatiently sought to change the world. How did a "pregnant-out-of-wedlock free spirit who could quote Marx with the best of them and was always ready with a sarcastic retort or a girlish giggle" convert to Catholicism? (p. 22). For Day, as we discover, it was her commitment to the poor that led her to God and eventually the Catholic Church, even though she grew up in a nominal Episcopalian family. Part of this story was the birth of her daughter Tamar, which helped clarify her own sense of being and purpose. It was during this early period of her life as she began to move into the church that she took her muckraking style of writing that she had used writing for leftist papers to Catholic publications such as Commonweal. But, as she covered labor issues, she began to want to do more, especially since she watched as Communists demanded that people seeking justice leave religion for the class struggle. "She was angry at how they overlooked the reality that large percentages of the poor workers around the world were not only religious but Catholic. How could one claim to be for the common worker of the world and dismiss their religion as intellectually depraved and morally corrupt?" (p. 70). That is a relevant question for contemporary liberals who often dismiss religion. After covering a major labor march, she returned to her home in a New York tenement, where she encountered an older man in rumpled clothes who had come looking for her. That encounter would lead to the creation of the Catholic Worker, a muckraking paper that became the foundation of a movement in the church.
Part 2 takes us to the birth of the Catholic Worker. She begins with the meeting with Peter Maurin that day at her apartment. It was Maurin who encouraged her to use that passion for justice along with her writing ability to create a movement. Maurin may have looked like a hobo, but he was trained in theology and philosophy and sought to marry Catholic social teaching with this philosophy. As such he served as the intellectual foundation for what became Day's life work. The goal here was to change the world. Together, he with his ideas and with her energy and writing ability created a movement for the church. Though they had hoped to convince church leaders to create houses of hospitality in every congregation, they didn't succeed in that. However, the vision caught on, thousands subscribed to the journal, and she began to influence Catholics to commit to creating space and support for those in need. That journal was born in 1933, at the height of the Great Depression. From there came the houses of hospitality, which ultimately started as people showed up on Dorothy's doorstep needing housing and help. Most importantly, for her part, she was spreading word about Catholic social teaching, which not everyone in the hierarchy appreciated. The first house was opened in 1934. as Dorothy was busy renting apartments to house all those who were homeless. One thing that Mayfield notes is that Day was not impressed with government-sponsored programs and sought to do things differently. While she was not their biggest fan, she recognized the need and helped people get signed up for them. The problem today is that opponents of government programs will appeal to her concerns, but do so in ways that run counter to her own understanding. Interestingly, her problem with the government programs was rooted not in religion but a deep-seated anarchist bent that preceded her conversion. Mayfield does a good job navigating these concerns and suspicions. REgfarding the origins of this movement, Mayfield notes that the stories are "full of humor and failure and grassroots camaraderie and heady days." (p. 154). Over time the movement grew, setting up shop across the country with each having its own distinct feel. Mayfield writes of this work of living out Catholic social teaching in seeking to create a better world: "Love in action could be a harsh and dreadful thing, but it was certainly never, ever boring." (p. 154).
As I noted earlier, Mayfield's focus is on the origins of the Catholic Worker movement (part 2), with an exploration of the life she led to the point of its founding in 1933 when she was 35. Part 3 is titled "The Work Continues." This isn't a complete accounting of the work or her life, but Mayfelid helps us see how the work matured, how she ran into problems as her commitment to pacifism led to problems with both the church (especially during the Spanish Civil War in 1936- the church supported Franco) and then in World War II when she took a strong stand against the war, which led to a steep decline in support for her movement as she would not let go of her commitment, but also led to her being put on an FBI watchlist. While her earliest efforts were focused on labor issues and the realities of poverty, including homelessness, over time she gave more attention to her commitment to pacifism and to addressing the realities of racism in the country. In fact, Mayfield was surprised how often articles on race appeared in the early issues of the journal. In later years, Day had a second conversion, in which she came under the influence of a rigorist version of Catholicism, a version that seemed to give her a sense of grounding but which alienated many of her co-workers and family members. Mayfield shares how a Fr. Hugo led silent retreats at the Catholic Worker farm, which called for a severe form of asceticism, which called for giving up the best things in life.
The person we encounter here is in every way a radical Christian who gave her all for the cause. That led at times to neglecting members of her own family, though in time a break with her daughter led to reconciliation. She might be a saint, but if so, she is an unruly one. We can think D. L. Mayfield for helping us get to know this woman who might be a saint, but not a domesticated one.
May 23, 2024
Summary: A biography of a radical Christian who took seriously the call to help the marginalized.
Dorothy Day is someone that I have known about for a long time, but someone who I have not known much about. I have read one of DL Mayfield’s previous books and I know that she takes seriously the call for Christians to serve and live with the marginalized so I thought she would be a good author to read about Dorothy Day. (I have also read a book by her husband, a counselor.)
Unruly Saint is not a lengthy biography, about 250 pages. And most of its focus is on the founding of the Catholic Worker and its early years. Mayfield’s personal reflections on Day and her use of the research on Day as a way to grapple with her own Christian faith I think is one of the strengths of the books, but also one that may not appeal to everyone. I particularly read a lot of biography and memoir because I want to know how others have thought about what it means to live a good life or discern how to they can live in a complicated world. Reflective biographies like this give me insight not only into the subject of the biography but the author.
I was aware of the basic shape of Day. I knew she was a writer and that she founded the Catholic Worker Newspaper and various others activities to serve the poor during the Great Depression. I knew she was a radical and had been a communist prior to becoming Catholic. I knew that she had a child and was a pacifist. But I think that was really the extent of what I knew walking into this biography.
I am not going to rehash the book. But what I appreciate about Mayfield’s writing is that she is empathetic to both the strengths and weaknesses of Day and she doesn’t try to cover up either. At the end there is a grappling with the movement to officially recognize Day as a Catholic Saint. It is clear that Day wanted to try to live like a saint but didn’t want to be treated like one. There are several quotes about how Day was concerned about being minimized and reduced to “a saint” in a way that reduced the call to serve the marginalized to work that only saints did and not a calling on all Christians. Mayfield also reflects on the fact that Day was overwhelmed by her work often, but saw the need and couldn’t say no to giving away almost anything she had to someone who needed it because she understood the desperation of real need. Day assumed that others would react as she did when they also saw the need; but many do not.
There was a real community that formed around her, but it was also not a community that cared for Day as peers. She was lonely in part because she had such a strong call and skill at organizing. But I think she needed a community that would have shared responsibility and helped to get her to learn about her healthy, created limitations. There just do seem to be people with nearly superhuman capacity, but it isn’t unlimited capacity. There are people that I know who do so much more than I am physically capable of, but no one can operate without limitations.
More than anything else this made me want to know more about Dorothy Day. I already have a copy of The Reckless Way of Love by Dorothy Day, with an introduction by DL Mayfield and Dorothy Day: The World Will Be Saved By Beauty, the biography written by her granddaughter. Day’s autobiography, The Long Loneliness is on Kindle Unlimited, so I will borrow that eventually.
This was originalaly posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/unruly-saint/
Dorothy Day is someone that I have known about for a long time, but someone who I have not known much about. I have read one of DL Mayfield’s previous books and I know that she takes seriously the call for Christians to serve and live with the marginalized so I thought she would be a good author to read about Dorothy Day. (I have also read a book by her husband, a counselor.)
Unruly Saint is not a lengthy biography, about 250 pages. And most of its focus is on the founding of the Catholic Worker and its early years. Mayfield’s personal reflections on Day and her use of the research on Day as a way to grapple with her own Christian faith I think is one of the strengths of the books, but also one that may not appeal to everyone. I particularly read a lot of biography and memoir because I want to know how others have thought about what it means to live a good life or discern how to they can live in a complicated world. Reflective biographies like this give me insight not only into the subject of the biography but the author.
I was aware of the basic shape of Day. I knew she was a writer and that she founded the Catholic Worker Newspaper and various others activities to serve the poor during the Great Depression. I knew she was a radical and had been a communist prior to becoming Catholic. I knew that she had a child and was a pacifist. But I think that was really the extent of what I knew walking into this biography.
I am not going to rehash the book. But what I appreciate about Mayfield’s writing is that she is empathetic to both the strengths and weaknesses of Day and she doesn’t try to cover up either. At the end there is a grappling with the movement to officially recognize Day as a Catholic Saint. It is clear that Day wanted to try to live like a saint but didn’t want to be treated like one. There are several quotes about how Day was concerned about being minimized and reduced to “a saint” in a way that reduced the call to serve the marginalized to work that only saints did and not a calling on all Christians. Mayfield also reflects on the fact that Day was overwhelmed by her work often, but saw the need and couldn’t say no to giving away almost anything she had to someone who needed it because she understood the desperation of real need. Day assumed that others would react as she did when they also saw the need; but many do not.
There was a real community that formed around her, but it was also not a community that cared for Day as peers. She was lonely in part because she had such a strong call and skill at organizing. But I think she needed a community that would have shared responsibility and helped to get her to learn about her healthy, created limitations. There just do seem to be people with nearly superhuman capacity, but it isn’t unlimited capacity. There are people that I know who do so much more than I am physically capable of, but no one can operate without limitations.
More than anything else this made me want to know more about Dorothy Day. I already have a copy of The Reckless Way of Love by Dorothy Day, with an introduction by DL Mayfield and Dorothy Day: The World Will Be Saved By Beauty, the biography written by her granddaughter. Day’s autobiography, The Long Loneliness is on Kindle Unlimited, so I will borrow that eventually.
This was originalaly posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/unruly-saint/
May 8, 2023
Some biographies come from historians. There’s usually a theme, a particular perspective or interest, some sort of driving reason for the author’s time and talents spent in research and writing. Other biographies come from individuals with an agenda who seek to reframe historical personages to fit a particular narrative. And still others are the products of individuals who, in exploring their passions and problems discovered that they were not alone. Unruly Saint is that latter kind of work.
D.L. Mayfield is clear from the outset that Unruly Saint is a book about her personal engagement with life of Dorothy Day. She moves from history to application to personal reflection in a way that is almost a memoir. Its focus is on Dorothy, not D.L., but Mayfield’s own struggles and passions are seen clearly through the lens of Dorothy. The result is a generational connectedness that allows the reader to explore the areas where we have changed and laments the places we have stayed the same. Unruly Saint is a love letter to Dorothy Day by someone committed to following in their footsteps.
Mayfield divides Unruly Saint into three sections: The Beginning Years, The Birth of the Catholic Worker, and The Work Continues. While the first two sections progress chronologically, the latter is more of a thematic reflection on Day’s life and work. In all, Mayfield’s work is casual and conversational. It’s a friend telling you about their favorite thing or person, not a university lecture. In taking this tactic, Mayfield brings Dorothy Day to life—not just the facts of her history but the passion of her story. She tells us the story of Dorothy the way Dorothy would have wanted it told.
Amid this story, we find that the calls for social justice that have just now permeated into the social consciousness (of white American evangelicals) have been resounding for generations. The fights of today were also the fights of yesterday—which gives us something to learn from and also lament. We feel solidarity in knowing that we’re not alone in the fight, in knowing that there were others who bucked all religious trends and blazed a bold and rebellious trail of faith full of mystery and dichotomy. Unruly Saint captures Day in all of her complexity, offering an unsanitized and unapologetic view of a complicated person—an ordinary radical who eschewed religious niceties in favor of prophetic calls to action.
Lots of people could (and have) written biographies about Dorothy Day. Only D.L. Mayfield could have written this book about Dorothy Day. Unruly Saint is a treasure that ensures that legacy of Dorothy Day will live on.
D.L. Mayfield is clear from the outset that Unruly Saint is a book about her personal engagement with life of Dorothy Day. She moves from history to application to personal reflection in a way that is almost a memoir. Its focus is on Dorothy, not D.L., but Mayfield’s own struggles and passions are seen clearly through the lens of Dorothy. The result is a generational connectedness that allows the reader to explore the areas where we have changed and laments the places we have stayed the same. Unruly Saint is a love letter to Dorothy Day by someone committed to following in their footsteps.
Mayfield divides Unruly Saint into three sections: The Beginning Years, The Birth of the Catholic Worker, and The Work Continues. While the first two sections progress chronologically, the latter is more of a thematic reflection on Day’s life and work. In all, Mayfield’s work is casual and conversational. It’s a friend telling you about their favorite thing or person, not a university lecture. In taking this tactic, Mayfield brings Dorothy Day to life—not just the facts of her history but the passion of her story. She tells us the story of Dorothy the way Dorothy would have wanted it told.
Amid this story, we find that the calls for social justice that have just now permeated into the social consciousness (of white American evangelicals) have been resounding for generations. The fights of today were also the fights of yesterday—which gives us something to learn from and also lament. We feel solidarity in knowing that we’re not alone in the fight, in knowing that there were others who bucked all religious trends and blazed a bold and rebellious trail of faith full of mystery and dichotomy. Unruly Saint captures Day in all of her complexity, offering an unsanitized and unapologetic view of a complicated person—an ordinary radical who eschewed religious niceties in favor of prophetic calls to action.
Lots of people could (and have) written biographies about Dorothy Day. Only D.L. Mayfield could have written this book about Dorothy Day. Unruly Saint is a treasure that ensures that legacy of Dorothy Day will live on.
May 2, 2024
It's more about the birth of the Catholic Worker Movement than a true biography of Dorothy Day. Dorothy Day was undeniably a fascinating figure--someone who went from living a bohemian lifestyle to a deeply religious but radical figure. She was a true paradox: someone who believed deeply in Christ, the saints, the Works of Mercy, the rituals of Catholicism, but also was highly critical of the hierarchy and corruption of the church, capitalism, and people she saw as Christians in name only. She was radical in her pacifism, commitment to anarchy and intentional poverty. At her core she was admirable in her devotion to those who did not have and still do not have many people looking out for them. The Catholic Worker Movement was extreme in what it asked of its participants, but was and is also at its core an admirable and noble movement. If we were all a little bit more like Dorothy Day; serving others without judgement, wanting to be saintly but not comfortable carrying the label of saint, I think we would all be better off. It says a lot that even today Dorothy Day has not been canonized. Honestly, the book gave me the sense that Dorothy wouldn't care much one way or another. But when someone who so clearly embodied Christian (or at least Catholic) ideals as laid out in the Gospel (i.e. the Works of Mercy) but has been passed over in favor of fast tracking Pope John Paul II for instance, something is wrong. But while others were preaching ideals, Dorothy was living them, something the Catholic establishment is still uncomfortable with. Just look at those who dare to suggest that somehow Dorothy would be on the side of modern conservatism for instance. Ridiculous. She despised capitalism. Anyway, this was a good book for people, like me, who only know a little about Dorothy Day and her movement but want to learn more.
January 8, 2023
I was first introduced to Dorothy Day when I began working in homeless services at the nonprofit arm of a Jesuit parish. Dorothy was a hero to many there, and I was anxious to learn more about the woman whose quotes were so intriguing and convicting, and whose legacy was so astonishing. I read her memoir "The Long Loneliness" and was taken aback by her candor--how nonchalant she was in naming her own despair and resilience in the same breath. (I also was so confused at how much I was reading about labor disputes and unions--I was still new to the wider class consciousness that creates and sustains things like homelessness.)
When I heard D.L. was writing a book about Dorothy, I was thrilled. D.L. is an awesome writer and someone who has always reminded me of Dorothy not just in the way she chooses to live intentionally, but also in how she is painfully honest about herself and her difficulty keeping it all going. I'm so grateful she chose to write this, and had the courage to write it the way she did.
In the introduction, D.L. notes that the book is not quite a biography, not quite a series of essays, and not exactly any one definable genre. She interweaves personal experiences and reflections while focusing on particular moments of Day's life and applying it to today--not in a hokey preacher kind of way, but in a deeply lived-in, considered way.
D.L. takes Dorothy and her life *personally*. She's more than a "personal hero" or unattainable standard to live up to, but a deeply human person to be contended with in all of her complexity. I can think of no better way than to "deal" with Dorothy, who looked out at the world in all of its filthy-rottenness and all its beauty and chose to take all of it personally.
When I heard D.L. was writing a book about Dorothy, I was thrilled. D.L. is an awesome writer and someone who has always reminded me of Dorothy not just in the way she chooses to live intentionally, but also in how she is painfully honest about herself and her difficulty keeping it all going. I'm so grateful she chose to write this, and had the courage to write it the way she did.
In the introduction, D.L. notes that the book is not quite a biography, not quite a series of essays, and not exactly any one definable genre. She interweaves personal experiences and reflections while focusing on particular moments of Day's life and applying it to today--not in a hokey preacher kind of way, but in a deeply lived-in, considered way.
D.L. takes Dorothy and her life *personally*. She's more than a "personal hero" or unattainable standard to live up to, but a deeply human person to be contended with in all of her complexity. I can think of no better way than to "deal" with Dorothy, who looked out at the world in all of its filthy-rottenness and all its beauty and chose to take all of it personally.
February 13, 2025
Early in the book, Mayfield tells the story of the Pope coming to address the US Congress and mentions three great Americans. Abraham Lincoln, or course. Without a doubt Marting Luther King Jr. But then he mentions Dorothy Day, and the scene is described as all across the room, jouranlist and congressmen pull out their phoens and feverishly search to find out who is Dorothy Day.
I would have been searching with them. Although I have heard her name over time, I just have never been able to understand who she was and what about her keeps causing her to keep rising to my attention.
I would now describe her as America's Mother Theresa, except ours smokes, gets thrown into prison and is on the the FBI's list of suspecious actors during the build up to World War 2 because of her outcry against making war and the treatment of the Jews, even in the face of opposition by her beloved Catholic church.
I will read more books about Dorothy Day. Her dogged pursuit of serving the poor and seeking to give to Jesus by giving cold cups of wather, food, and serving the imprisioned are truly amazing as she takes Jesus at is word when he says we should do those thnigs.
I would have been searching with them. Although I have heard her name over time, I just have never been able to understand who she was and what about her keeps causing her to keep rising to my attention.
I would now describe her as America's Mother Theresa, except ours smokes, gets thrown into prison and is on the the FBI's list of suspecious actors during the build up to World War 2 because of her outcry against making war and the treatment of the Jews, even in the face of opposition by her beloved Catholic church.
I will read more books about Dorothy Day. Her dogged pursuit of serving the poor and seeking to give to Jesus by giving cold cups of wather, food, and serving the imprisioned are truly amazing as she takes Jesus at is word when he says we should do those thnigs.
November 13, 2022
Occasionally people will ask me what to read to learn more about Dorothy Day. Of course my first go-to recommendation is Day's own collected writings from the Catholic Worker. But I'm glad to now have D.L. Mayfield's new book as a good biographical alternative.
Mayfield writes from a place of clear love and admiration, and it comes through in every page of the book. I find that many of the recent biographies that have come out recently, with a more dryly historical leaning, focus on the difficulties and impracticalities of the life she lived, which overshadow the radical ideals and deep faith that drove her. Those books are excellent in their own way, but I worry that as an introduction to Dorothy Day they fail to capture what makes her such a necessary and vital voice in the Church -- both in her own time and in our own.
Which is why I'm so glad to have a biography that gets it. "Unruly Saint" presents all the difficulties and impracticalities but also understands the religious convictions behind the life she chose.
Mayfield writes from a place of clear love and admiration, and it comes through in every page of the book. I find that many of the recent biographies that have come out recently, with a more dryly historical leaning, focus on the difficulties and impracticalities of the life she lived, which overshadow the radical ideals and deep faith that drove her. Those books are excellent in their own way, but I worry that as an introduction to Dorothy Day they fail to capture what makes her such a necessary and vital voice in the Church -- both in her own time and in our own.
Which is why I'm so glad to have a biography that gets it. "Unruly Saint" presents all the difficulties and impracticalities but also understands the religious convictions behind the life she chose.
January 26, 2023
After leading a bohemian life style searching for equality and justice for the poor, Dorothy Day, in a common law marriage, pregnant, living on a beach, turns to God in joy. She seeks out the Catholic Church, and even though the hierarchy of the Church is at odds with justice, its doctrine professes the dignity of life. This is something she chose to live with, many times experiencing stiff resistance from the Church as well as the state.
The book describes the Catholic Worker Movement and the creation of the various houses of hospitality which grew out of Peter Maurin's ideas of creating a new society within the shell of the old. The movement attracted many people who came to help out and many more who came in dire need of help. Dorothy accepted everyone as they were and turned no one away. She welcomed scholars, elites, and commoners into her tiny home to discuss current issues.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It amazes me that one woman could accomplish so much to help her fellow man.
The book describes the Catholic Worker Movement and the creation of the various houses of hospitality which grew out of Peter Maurin's ideas of creating a new society within the shell of the old. The movement attracted many people who came to help out and many more who came in dire need of help. Dorothy accepted everyone as they were and turned no one away. She welcomed scholars, elites, and commoners into her tiny home to discuss current issues.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It amazes me that one woman could accomplish so much to help her fellow man.
June 11, 2023
I didn't know much about Dorothy Day before reading this book by the wonderful writer DL Mayfield. I was aware that Day was a Catholic and she was harassed by government agents for being a radical in the 1930s and 1940s. Mayfield, in this book, touches on those areas of my knowledge and expands with a focus on Day's launch of the newspaper (for 25 cents) the Catholic Worker and Catholic Worker Houses. More than that, she connects Day's radical faith and vision to our contemporary circumstances. One of the real artful things about this book is the wrestling match between someone being faithful to God (self-denial to one extent or another) and enjoying life while feeling immensely grateful for being here. There are not simplistic answers to that tension as Mayfield lays that out within the life of Dorothy Day and perhaps asks us to embrace that tension as well. A really great book that in approximately 246 pages covers the early life of Day, her conversion, her launch of a movement that is still going to this day and her death in 1980. Highly recommended.
January 12, 2023
Well, Unruly Saint: was a doggone good read!
First, may I share I have been aware of Dorothy Day’s solidarity with the marginalized and her decision to stand with the poor as a Catholic woman and, for about 20 years now, I have jumped at the chance to read about her long life. Two reasons keep me reading about her, why was this do gooder on the FBI’s radar and how do we follow Jesus in this country today, especially today, in regards to His solidarity with the marginalized of His own day.
Definitely understand the FBI deal now after reading the book.
Still working on my second reason, but it was addressed in this book in a thoughtful way. The author’s sharing her own questions and experiences in helping the “other” offered some answers and sparked additional questions for me to continue to ponder.
Is she a saint, yes! Is she unruly…only to folks who are counting on getting obscenely richer and richer by our unbridled system of capitalism.
Hope you enjoy the book!
First, may I share I have been aware of Dorothy Day’s solidarity with the marginalized and her decision to stand with the poor as a Catholic woman and, for about 20 years now, I have jumped at the chance to read about her long life. Two reasons keep me reading about her, why was this do gooder on the FBI’s radar and how do we follow Jesus in this country today, especially today, in regards to His solidarity with the marginalized of His own day.
Definitely understand the FBI deal now after reading the book.
Still working on my second reason, but it was addressed in this book in a thoughtful way. The author’s sharing her own questions and experiences in helping the “other” offered some answers and sparked additional questions for me to continue to ponder.
Is she a saint, yes! Is she unruly…only to folks who are counting on getting obscenely richer and richer by our unbridled system of capitalism.
Hope you enjoy the book!
January 2, 2023
"Radical women like Dorothy are menaces to society, the church, and the government. They insist that the world change right now in order to prioritize those who are vulnerable. If even a handful of people decided to take Dorothy's advice seriously and perform the works of mercy with utter abandon, our society would collapse. Our economics built on exploitation, greed, and hierarchy, would no longer be profitable. Our churches would change as those who are poor and meek and sorrowful would be turned to for wisdom and theology. No decision would be made without the awareness that every human being- especially the suffering one- is the image of Jesus Christ himself. We would not be able to simply accept our filthy rotten system anymore."
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