Chasing Grace by Martha Manning

Chasing Grace 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 sacraments: 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.

Martha Manning, Ph.D., is a writer, clinical psychologist, and former George Mason University psychology professor. Undercurrents: A Life Under the Surface, Chasing Grace: Reflections of a Catholic Girl, Grown Up, and All Seasons Pass: Grieving Miscarriage are among her works. Manning received the American Psychiatric Association's 1996 Presidential Award for Patient Advocacy after being recognized by the National Institutes of Mental Health for her work in education and advocacy. Her work has featured in the New York Times Book Review, the Washington Post, Ladies' Home Journal, and New Woman, among other publications. Dateline NBC, Good Morning America, C-SPAN, The Early Show, NPR's Voice of America, and other radio and television programs have all featured her.