Orsi's book focuses on the human side of religion. In his book he gives a very interesting back stage view on what at a first glace seems to be a common and shared devotion - but in reality is a patchwork of ideas and practices of a very diverse group of people with very diverse histories, beliefs, desires and coping mechanisms. Orsi is a great storyteller. He tells not only the story of St. Jude (and his genesis in the depression years), but mostly of the people who venerate jude, and the unique stories behind their veneration. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is genuinely interested in people and religion and in the question of what people do with religion and what religion does with people!
This book offers the reader a detailed acccount of St.Jude's history and popularity in America. The author interviewed countless women in Chicago to learn of their common themes that brought them to honor St.Jude. As a devout friend of St.Jude I found this book to be fascinating.
