Pretty interesting book. The author went around visiting many different convents. There are veiled nuns. Nuns who wear regular street clothes. Nuns who jog in shorts, and nuns who jog in their habits. Nuns who go to mass every day, and nuns who don't believe in much of anything the Catholic church says. Nuns who love the Pope, nuns who pray for a happy death for him. Nuns who stayed with their convent through thick and thin, nuns who left the church's ruling altogether and now accept families and homosexuals into their groups.

If you've ever had even the slightest question about how nuns live, ALL kinds of nuns, this is the book to read. Absolutely fascinating, and I very highly recommend it. You don't have to be Catholic to enjoy it- the author isn't even Catholic, just fascinated by nuns. You will be too.

I was disappointed in this book. I am "discerning my vocation" at the mommnt, to beautiful orthodox, joyful and FAITHFUL Orders.....Dominicans in Ann Arbor (thriving youthful community)and in Lockport, and Nashville. Poor Clares in Roswell.....and so many more! Devoted to their beautiful loving lives, and above all else, giving up so much for this world, for the better part! Their joy and happiness just RADIATES off them! The only Orders I felt even remotely pleased with were the lovely Passionists and the Sisters of St Francis of the Martyr St George (incidentally, my friend has just entered there as a Postulant this last August!!!)

I think the biggest issue for me with this book, is that most of the Orders she interviewed weren't necessarily aligned with the Magisterium. (meaning, they don't necessarily follow the Pope, and the Church's teachings) It disappointed me, as I really felt that she she giving a biased view....making traditional, and orthodox nuns look silly. In no way is the Catholic Church is line with one of the Communities mentioned...in fact, the leader of one of the has been asked to stop doing what he is doing, else he will be excommunicated.

If you are interested in Religious life, I suggest "A right to be merry" by Mother Mary Francis PCC, about the Poor Clare life. Also "Amata means beloved" by Sr Mary Catharine Perry (one of my dearest nun friends) a fictional novella based loosely on her Dominican contemplative life.

As much as I would like to say I found it interesting, I am too uncertain about it. I feel that it gives a clear picture of the sheer VARIETYof women out there, however, I do not feel they are a true representation of Catholic religious life. I do not know any nuns who think there should be women priests, or allow abortion, or anything like that! (Check out the Sisters of Life in NY, they're pretty awesome!)

Anyway, just a few cents, from a Catholic (college) student.