Robert Coles first met Dorothy Day over thirty-five years ago when, as a medical student, he worked in one of her Catholic Worker soup kitchens. He remained close to this inspiring and controversial woman until her death in 1980. His book, an intellectual and psychological portrait, confronts candidly the central puzzles of her life: the sophisticated Greenwich Village novelist and reporter who converted to Catholicism; the single mother who raised her child in a most unorthodox “family”; her struggles with sexuality, loneliness, and pride; her devout religious conservatism coupled with radical politics. This intense portrait is based on many years of conversation and correspondence, as well as tape-recorded interviews.
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"I really enjoyed this introduction to an American saint. I look forward to reading more of her work!"
— Robin (4 out of 5 stars)
“A rich harvest…For those who are not familiar with Day, Coles is the best introducer around.”
— Washington Post“Day’s compelling point of view is expressed in story format in an unconventional biography that is appropriate for the sensual woman many consider a saint.”
— Publishers Weekly“An unconventional biography that is appropriate for the sensual woman many consider a saint.”
— Publishers Weekly“Coles captures the mystique of Dorothy Day superbly.”
— History Book Review" Wouldn't it be remarkable if all Christians were as good at integrating the teachings of Jesus into their everyday lives as Dorothy Day was? If that were the case, there would be no Republicans left to vote down food stamps programs. "
— Kate, 6/4/2013" I only made it to page 111. Later in my life, I understood her struggle to slowly develop faith through action rather than the other way around. "
— Queen, 3/25/2009" Wouldn't it be remarkable if all Christians were as good at integrating the teachings of Jesus into their everyday lives as Dorothy Day was? If that were the case, there would be no Republicans left to vote down food stamps programs. "
— Kate, 11/24/2007Robert Coles is a winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
C. M. Hébert is an Earphones Award winner and Audie Award nominee. She is the recording studio director for the Talking Books Program at the Library of Congress’ National Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with her husband, daughter, cat, and assorted fish.