Ann King
author website
Saint Catherine of Secaucus
What readers are saying
“You will want to keep reading this book until the very end. And hope for a sequel.”
–Richard Fletcher, Washington, D.C.
“Ann King brings us a fresh narrative voice with Catherine Ricci: a personal coming-of-age in a dysfunctional Catholic family against the backdrop of 1960s liberal northern New Jersey.”
–Kim Zylker, Berkeley, CA
About the book
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About the book
What happens when the faith you rely on slowly crumbles?
Catherine Ricci’s fall from faith begins at age ten when her beloved third-grade teacher, Sister Alberta, is killed in a car accident. Catherine tries to stay in the fold by participating in extra religion classes and acts of charity. However, when she leaves her Catholic school, she considers herself agnostic and attends a public high school.
Over the next five years, Catherine endures her father walking out on her and her mother. She briefly attends college, but after accidentally killing her boss, she is tried for manslaughter and serves her sentence working with the Sisters of Charity in Newark. There, she learns true service and finds friendship and guidance from the sisters.
Despite her problematic family, a devious boss, and a violent uncle, Catherine’s unwavering commitment to true goodness saves her and her family.
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EARLY REVIEWS OF SAINT CATHERINE OF SECAUCUS
'Saint Catherine of Secaucus' is a unique coming-of-age novel, told through a fascinating first-person account by a woman who, despite many obstacles and traumas, manages to get through her teenage years and enter adulthood with her sanity intact, comfortable with her chosen (and complicated) spiritual path, and realizing that everyone is both saint and a sinner (herself included). Populated with interesting and unusual characters (her Italian family, friends, acquaintances, nuns and priests, boyfriends and lovers), you will want to keep reading this book until the very end. And hope for a sequel."
Where are you left when an unshakeable part of you disintegrates? Catherine Ricci’s steadfast childhood faith quickly unravels after a series of heartbreaking events, and she spends the next 15 years tunneling through poignant moments of inner conflict and violence with one constant: wonder. Ann King brings us a fresh narrative voice with Catherine Ricci, a personal coming-of-age in a dysfunctional Catholic family against the backdrop of 1960s liberal northern New Jersey."
I loved this book. At times, I felt slightly uncomfortable, that I was eavesdropping on Catherine’s thoughts and I shouldn’t have been learning of her doubts and questions. She is a strong-willed, intelligent, brutally honest person who came of age in a tumultuous time in this country. The fact that she doubted, and maybe lost, her faith before she regained it by doing good deeds was so eloquently described."
In Catherine Ricci, we get a front row seat to a seemingly ordinary person embarking on an extraordinary hero’s journey through past and present—full of introspection, honesty, curiosity, and empathy. Ann King’s charming protagonist stayed with me long after I closed this book. Catherine is relatable and aspirational, reminding us that to err is human, and to forgive—especially to forgive oneself—divine.”
Ann King’s book 'Saint Catherine of Secaucus' brought me back to my childhood… the intricacies of Catholicism…the roller coaster ride of faith..lack of faith…fear of faith…. fear of lack of faith. I thought my road trip was unique but Ann turned me on to the world of shared experiences! Made me realize the kinship of internal battles. It’s wonderful spending time with Ann King in her literary world!"
The book transported me back to those early days of my childhood in Catholic school dealing with the questions we all had about God, faith, and the purpose of our being. The book is a journey through time.”
It's a great story that has everything to hold interest: love, young curiosity, self-doubt, sex, violence, and resolution."