No one enjoys reading about growing up Catholic more than fellow Catholics, usually recovered Catholics. In many cases, it's taken our entire adult life to recover from the guilt, shame, and in some instances recognize the joyful experiences, too. In Kathy Gereau's memoir, SERIOUS LITTLE CATHOLICS (SheWritesPress) we follow her journey growing up in the mid 50's and 60's as the oldest of seven children. I too, grew up Catholic and attended Catholic school. It's true what Tina Fey has said, you'll leave (Catholic School) with a damaged psyche, but God knows, you'll know the capitals of Vermont and all forty-nine states.
Kathy's book is comprised of short stories featuring some of the more interesting topics of Catholicism such as how does Jesus fit into that tiny wafer, what are the nuns wearing under those hideous black robes and what's the difference between a moral or venial sin? And most importantly, how to stay out of the way of the devil so you're not sentenced to eternity in hell. So much to learn and so many rules to follow.
Like most of us as kids, we eat up the mystery, mysticism, rules and exotic smells of school and church, but at some point, like Kathy, we learn to laugh at the dogma and find our own spirituality. Of course I'd never trade going to Catholic school. Unlike many of my friends, I write in beautiful cursive and I'm good at multiplication.
Kathy Gereau is a hoot and I highly recommend SERIOUS LITTLE CATHOLICS for Catholics certainly, and others who were taught another way to enter the kingdom of God. It's really funny!
Kathy was born in Washington, D.C. into a family of natural storytellers, Gereau has expressed her intellectual, creative, and spiritual curiosity through multiple reinventions.
Upon graduating from Northern Illinois University, Kathy embarked a 30-year career as a special education teacher, working with children with autism, as well as intellectual and behavioral issues.
After retiring from teaching at age 50, Kathy began looking for her next passion. She joined a local writer's group and began jotting down stories from her childhood. Encouraged by these supportive and accomplished writers, she decided to put her stories into her first book, Serious Little Catholics.
Kathy lives in Galena, Illinois with her husband, Don, and enjoys gardening, travel, and visiting her grandchildren in her spare time.
www.kathygereau.com
Thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours we have one copy to giveaway. Just tell us your experience about growing up Catholic, or maybe someone you know. We'll announce a winner soon. Good luck.
GIVEAWAY: USA only please
I did not grow up Catholic but I did live in a Catholic neighborhood and have many Catholic friends, plus my brother-in-law is Catholic. I don't know many stories as they haven't been discussed. I do have a friend that will make comments about a nun that would whack knuckles with a ruler in class. This made quite a impression on her as she has mentioned it many times.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a Catholic neighborhood where the elementary school was next door to the Catholic church. We were all friends and got along very well. We were young kids and played together. The area was very Catholic and were influenced greatly by the church.
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ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
grew up Catholic remember hating CCD was Saturday mornings had to miss cartoons
ReplyDeleteI didn't grow up Catholic...but several of my friends did..They attended St. Catherine's in Dundee, IL and Even St. Eds in Elgin...Those that left after 8th grade were so happy to be in the public schools...Our chorus dept at DCHS high school was full of rebellious Catholics...I actually have some great memories of fun times with two of the author's younger siblings..Kevin and Leslie..Can't wait to read this❤️
ReplyDeleteMy best friend growing up was Catholic and I remember going with her and there was so many times to kneel during a wedding.
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