I laughed, not at Dee, but, at myself as I recognized my own unique abilities to trip, to stumble, to drop things. My own mea culpas emerged as I read of her many public ones in her time as a postulate, a novice, a nun, a scholastic.
I cringed, not at Dee, but at myself as I recognized in her words my own younger self; unsure, exacting, looking toward a sainthood neither of us could achieve.
I learned, from Dee, as I became transfixed at the strict order in the life of a Benedictine nun, especially in the 1950’s and ’60, and at the beauty, the solitude, the silence and the strictures of living in community.
I cried. In the end, I cried, not in sadness but in humbled appreciation for the well-wrought words and graciously shared memories of Dee Ready. Her journey in belief, her years in the convent, and her profound honesty expressing her life-long search for self makes this a compelling book to read.
As I closed “Prayer Wasn’t Enough; A Convent Memoir”, tears streamed down my cheeks as a surge of gratitude grabbed my heart in the gift of the blessing of Dee Ready’s book.
I first met Dee through her blog, coming home to myself, about eight years or so ago. I hovered around her posts for a time before finally commenting, appreciating her writing, her stories, her honesty and her kindness. Over a period of time, Dee posted memories of her life in the convent, as well as many other stories of her remarkable life. What shined in all her posts is her humility, her kindness, and her advocacy for those less fortunate. Over the years since I first discovered Dee’s blog she has become a friend and an inspiration.
I was, as all of her readers were, excited to hear that her memoir was about to be published and anxious to read it once the book arrived at my door.
“Prayer Wasn’t Enough . . . ” opens with a transcendent moment in Dee’s life that leads her to become a Benedictine nun. Her story takes us to the convent adjacent to the college she attended and through her many years at the convent and in the schools she taught at as a scholastic nun.
There is so much packed into this precious book, from the more intimate details of a nun’s habit to the intricacies involved in daily service when living in community, I found myself fascinated by Dee’s descriptions of the well-ordered daily life in the Benedictine nuns, the Hours, the way the sisters were sent out to teach in the Catholic schools in a wide area through many states. I was amazed by the support Dee received in going forward with pursuing higher education during summer months and I laughed out loud at some of the small acts of defiance the younger nuns in her order acted out.
This book is as much about Dee’s acceptance of self as it is about her life as a nun. It is a fascinating read that I hope you will soon discover.
For an insightful interview of Dee Ready, please check out Debra’s blog at https://breathelighter.wordpress.com/2018/04/16/dee-ready-an-interesting-read/#comment-30900
This sounds like a captivating read. Thanks for this wonderful review, Penny.
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It is a captivating read, Jill. You are very welcome.
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What a beautiful review and endorsement, Penny. I’m so glad you had the ability to convey the emotional connections between you, as reader, and Dee, sharing so honestly of her struggles and sacrifice. It’s a bonus that upon reading the book she is still accessible, knowable and transparent today through her blog writings. The challenges she has faced have also been the proverbial grit that produced a precious pearl! I agree with you entirely that this book is a fascinating read! 🙂 And as I’ve said to you before, you could be a professional book reviewer. You have a gift!
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It is a bonus, I agree, and I totally concur with your statement that “The challenges she has faced have also been the proverbial grit that produced a precious pearl!” Well put, Debra, and so very true. Knowing Dee’s story, but, reading it in greater depth was a joy, and I was truly surprised by the tears that flowed for me at the end. As I always do, I read the acknowledgements and was thrilled to see a few names I recognized, Debra. 🙂
Your words are kind and much appreciated. Thank you, thank you.
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This will definitely be on my reading list! An excellent book review, very much due to your sharing of your personal reaction to it.
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Thank you. I was hoping you would stop by, Janet. I think you will appreciate “Prayer Wasn’t Enough”. It is a fascinating story on so many levels. Let me know if you read it.
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Debra is right, you make a great professional book reviewer. I will add it to my reading list.
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Thank you, Gerlinde. You are both too kind and I truly appreciate it. I think you will find this an interesting book to read.
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Sounds like a great book, Penny. I’m always interested in the journey of someone who gives herself to God in such a way. Thanks for this review.
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It is, indeed, L. Marie. Des’s story its quite interesting and inspiring as wellI think you might enjoy it.
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Can’t wait to read this. As it happens, I’m taking a class on Benedictine spirituality offered by my church. I recently realized all the connections I have to the Benedictine order, beginning with my birth 60 years ago on St. Benedict’s July 11 feast day and continuing throughout my life. For example, years ago, I planned to start my college life at a 2-year community college, but won a National Merit scholarship. Suddenly I had to look for a 4-year college. I ended up at Illinois Benedictine College (now called Benedictine University.) I look forward to learning more about the order. Your description of how the book “moved” you really makes me anxious to read it.
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You definitely have strong connections to the Benedictine order, Sue. The “secrets” of convent life are interesting, but, even more so, Dee Ready’s life-long journey of discovering herself. I think you will enjoy and appreciate this book. Thank you for your comment. I know you recently posted and will hop over for a read soon.
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Dear Penny, I visited your blog early last Monday morning and so missed this review, which brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, my friend, for your kind words and for your appreciation of the Benedictine life.
Thank you, too, for linking your review with Debra’s interview. The generosity of both of you fill my heart with both gratitude and joy.
My life has been so blessed from beginning to now. We never know where life is taking us and often the journey may seem to be on a byway. My moving back home after more than fifty years away seemed a mistake for the first two years.
Then I began to blog and met so many wonderful people who have supported me through ill health and now through my return to writing. So each season of my life has been a blessing. Thank you for being part of these years when I am discovering what being in my eighties means! Peace.
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Dear Penny, I forgot to say that I so agree with Debra and others that you are a fine book reviewer. You have the ability to get to the essence of the story and to grab hold of the theme. That’s a gift. You could really start a blog of reviews! Of course, you may not have time for that. But with your skill, you’d help a lot of readers. Peace.
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You are most welcome, Dee. It was a double pleasure for me; first for the reading, then for the reviewing. Debra’s post was icing on the cake.
I have been asked, ‘why do you blog?”. You have summed it up beautifully. I think we are all thrilled for you at what you have done and inspired as we, too, push forward in our year.
Thank you, for you kind words, Dee. Perhaps I will someday. Peace, dear soul. Peace.
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a remarkable review my friend!!!
i realized that you review books by your heart instead of mind as i can see lots of true and deep emotions here that i already keep for the writings of Dee
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Such sweet, kind words. Thank you, Shabana. Dee’s words and life are truly remarkable. Thank you.
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