Perfection

By: Kathleen Wade

Narrated by: Leah Frederick

Maggie Walsh has entered the convent. Her brother thinks she's wasting her life. Her sister doubts she has what it takes. Her mother is heartbroken; her father is happy. Her boyfriend pledges to wait until she "gets it out of her system".

Abandoning her dreams to be an actress or a writer, Maggie embraces church teaching that says the convent is the path to perfection. She sets out to prove - to herself and her family - that she can do it. She'll follow her higher calling, no matter what.

It is 1960. Church reform is a few years away, but when it comes, radical changes unfold swiftly. Maggie embraces that change. Her brother, Jack, who tries at every turn to get Maggie to come to her senses, involves Maggie in civil-rights and anti-war activities - forcing her into conflict with her superiors. Maggie must choose: Will she keep peace in the convent or follow her conscience?

Seeking perfection seemed so simple; now, it is anything but.

©2017 Lifestyle Entrepreneurs Press (P)2018 Lifestyle Entrepreneurs Press

I could not stop listening! Fascinating story-line

Full disclosure, I listened to this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I found Perfection to be a fascinating and engaging story. Because I grew up in Cincinnati, I kept wondering if the author, Kathleen Wade, and I went to the same Catholic schools or knew the same people. The names and places all seemed familiar but...different.

Set during the turmoil and unrest of Vatican II and JFK and Vietnam, Perfection is an interesting study of what one girl goes through to follow God's call in becoming a Catholic Sister/Nun. It delves into the external and inner peace and struggle she goes through. Training, obedience, dis-obedience, love, and striving to follow God's will.

I really enjoyed the narration of Leah Frederick who captured each of the characters of the story with subtle nuance and clear differentiation. Sometimes, I was short on time and in order to finish a chapter I put the setting at 1.25 speed and could still follow without a problem.

I don't usually choose religious books, but I would recommend Perfection, especially as an Audible book, to anyone looking for and engaging story than will leave you thinking about the choices in your own life. Well done!