NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY KIRKUS REVIEWS An unforgettable spiritual autobiography about a search for meaning that begins alongside one of the great religious icons of our time and ends with a return to the secular world At seventeen, Mary Johnson saw Mother Teresa’s face on the cover of Time and experienced her calling. Eighteen months later, she entered a convent in the South Bronx to begin her religious training. Not without difficulty, this bright, independent-minded Texas teenager eventually adapted to the sisters’ austere life of poverty and devotion, and in time became close to Mother Teresa herself. Still, beneath the white and blue sari beat the heart of an ordinary young woman facing the struggles we all share—the desire for love and connection, meaning and identity. During her twenty years with the Missionaries of Charity, Sister Donata, as she was known, grappled with her faith, her sexuality, the politics of the order, and her complicated relationship with Mother Teresa. Eventually, she left the church to find her own path—one that led to love and herself. Provocative, profound, and emotionally charged, An Unquenchable Thirst presents a rare, privileged view of Mother Teresa. At the same time, it is a unique and magnificent memoir of self-discovery.
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"The author was very transparent! Challenged by her desire to serve God with the community of Missionaries of Charity, and knowing after 20 years of ministry that this calling evolved into a life she could no longer live. Absolutely my favorite audiobook for 2024. "
— Monabeena (5 out of 5 stars)
" WON A COPY! Now to start reading it.... "
— Ashley, 9/3/2013" I really loved this book. Anyone that grew up in a culture (family culture) of hypocritical restrictive rules that puts God in a box can relate to Mary Johnson's story. I can't wait to read what she writes next. "
— Peri, 7/22/2012" It was a slow read, this book. "
— Marichee, 1/3/2012" I thought the twenty years could have been condensed more. I liked that we also learned about her life before and after her life in the convent. "
— Elena, 12/2/2011" It's a compelling and fascinating book. I keep recommending it. "
— Anna, 10/20/2011" Incredible story! This is a detailed, intimate and honest portrayal of 20 years in the life of Mary Johnson as a Missionary of Charity sister. As someone suggested at the end of the book, it should have been called "Cracks in the Convent". "
— Kitty, 10/17/2011" This is a powerful book about following one's calling, no matter how inconvenient, uncomfortable or contradictory it may seem. "
— Emily, 9/20/2011" Great book -- an insider's view on life in The Missionaries of Charity and Mother Teresa. Fascinating. Her honesty is what makes the book shine. "
— Raven, 9/6/2011" This is a beautiful and wonderful book. At more than 500 pages, you would think it'd feel long, but it was so well done it felt like a fast, incredible journey. "
— Joshunda, 8/27/2011Matt Montanez is a voice talent and audiobook narrator.