Chasing Grace: Reflections of a Catholic Girl, Grown Up – A Poignant and Funny Irish-American Journey Through the Seven Sacraments to Motherhood

by Martha Manning

From the author of the "absolutely absorbing" ( USA Today ) memoir Undercurrents comes an unforgettable portrait of childhood, family and community. The eldest child of a devout Irish-American Catholic family, Martha Manning weaves her story around the seven holy baptism, penance, communion, confirmation, holy orders, marriage and last rites. She recalls her childhood pratfalls, adolescent yearnings and entrance into motherhood with wisdom, wit and remarkable honesty. At once poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, Chasing Grace is a wholly original tale of family and friends, happy times and difficult ones -- and thepainful, joyous journey from childhood to adulthood.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Humor, Biography Memoir, Spirituality

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Martha Manning (b. 1952) is an American writer, clinical psychologist and former professor of psychology at George Mason University.

Reviews

[Jamie Sunderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of my all time favorite books. This is a laugh-out-loud-until-your-sides-hurt book, with many tender, insightful, and wise moments as well. If you were raised Catholic and have a sense of humor, this book is for you. If you don't know anything about the Catholic faith, read it anyway!

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manning is a member of the recovering Catholics’ club, and her very funny, poignant and moving account of growing up in a large Catholic family explains why. Highly recommended!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Truly, this was a set of reflections. She divided into categories and within each, it was vignettes of memories. Some were funny, some were dry, some really disclosed Catholic guilt/abuse/struggle and some were sweet. She never railed against her upbringing but rather let the reader conclude their own opinions as she simply told the stories: good and bad on their own merit.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for my nightstand. Each chapter stands alone, and is witty and wonderful, but true as well. I find myself agreeing with the author on so many issues, but often, I have never even thought about them, much less articulated. Just resonated with me. I have read this several times, and bought out all the copies B&N had when they were in the Bargain Books pile. I have since given them all away! Maureen was the funniest: she tried to read it, wasn't impressed and then put it away. Later, she picked it up and loved it. Proof that timing is everything.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Witty and life-like. Laugh out loud at points. There was a lot I could relate to in this book, but if you don't have connections to the Catholic church, it may not be as funny.

[Penny Cipolone · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun memoir that follows the lines of the seven sacraments in a Catholic's life. Easy read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favorite books (if not my absolute fave). it's been on my shelf-- torn and tattered by now-- for over 10 years. i can't say that a guy would really appreciate it, but if you're even a slightly introspective woman, i think you'd enjoy.

[Madelaine Landry]

MY FAVORITE MEMOIR! It mirrors my own life so closely and Manning's style is phenomenal! a must read for anyone who grew up Catholic!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who grew up Catholic and went to Catholic School would appreciate this

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book combines several of my favorite themes - growing up Catholic, faith outside religion, psychology... I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to reading some of her otehr books.

[Anne Svec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this… lots of memories from catholic school and being from a large family

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having had a Catholic school education for 8 years in the 1950s and 1960s, I always enjoy reading about other people who had nuns for teachers. Every nun who ever taught in a grade school at that time must have learned their teaching methods from the same very old, very mean head nun. Or maybe the nuns were all mean because they had to wear those crazy outfits!

[Cyndi Chauvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, realistic outlook on Catholic upbringing, could really relate with most things. Dont know how my 18yr old Daughter acquired this book and she doesn't remember either for she never read it. Found it, dusted it off, gave it a try. It's not biased in any way at all and thats what I liked most about it. Liked some of the quotes too.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but know I would have liked it more if I had some of those common Catholic experiences that were mentioned so many times. I found it a little disorienting at times because it was not chronological - instead being organized by topic.

[Karen Okamoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Grace was a wonderful, funny book that I absolutely loved. It made me want to share my funny moments with my original family, and continue to have the great times with my family now. Read it, learn from it, enjoy it, ....never put it down until you finish it! It is great!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious. A must Read for all Irish Catholics! Added bonus if you went to any sort of Sunday School or Catholic School.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty funny if you grew up in a large, Catholic, Irish family and went to Catholic school.

[Carlina · Rating 2 out of 5]

very boring!

[Missy]

This book is similar to Mickey's book.

[Aubree Bowling · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book I wanted to be a humorous memoir and instead it was more a collection of contemplative essays. Which wasn't what I hoped to read, so I was a bit bored and let down.

[Mary Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who was raised Catholic (or those that enjoy a good laugh) should read this book. It's very entertaining & was an easy read.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy read, laugh out loud book

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, but it wasn't what I expected it to be. I didn't get the sense of how Catholocism affected some of the decisions or played a part of some of the stories.

[Christy Medlock Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommending to my church for a book club reading. Excellent! Laugh out loud funny, but introspective as well.

[Sarah Sliva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read and reread and reread this book... I've kept it since high school on my shelf (almost 20 years now)!

[Peg Goldsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a book by Martha Manning that I didn't love! All the better when I can laugh through it

[Emily Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Martha Manning's writing style!

[Mellanie C]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14169756

[Peg Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and frank.