"[I] highly recommend Convent Wisdom , a delightful glimpse into the colourful lives of counter-reformation nuns. It''s thrilling to learn how powerful, purposeful women managed the unreasonable demands of male authority figures, made ends meet and lived on their own (and God''s) terms. It''s salutary, too, to realise any serenity was hard won: they also suffered crushes and complex friendships, finances described as "a demonic mess" (hard relate) and terrible bosses." --The Guardian "Academics Ana Garriga and Carmen Urbita introduce us to the sound common sense and surprisingly strong opinions of a series of longdead nuns whose experiences not only make them feel thrillingly relatable but also offer solid and supportive life lessons for 21 century readers. Their affection for these nuns shines through as they share stories of the nuns'' single-mindedness, tenacity, or bloody-minded determination, setting an inspirational example that will smooth our own passages through life." --The Telegraph "A cheeky exploration of the lives of cloistered nuns who, from a centuries-old vantage point, impart lessons applicable to the generational malaise and angst bedeviling modern life. While frequently funny, Convent Wisdom deploys historical scholarship to challenge misconceptions of cloistered nuns as tame, and monastic life as severe and oppressive. The book''s thematic chapters, on money, love, friendship and the body, among others, include both rigorous biographical minutiae, contemporary pop culture references and the authors'' personal struggles.
" --The New York Times "Witty, dramatic and humorous. [Garriga and Urbita''s] careful attention to historicity does not make for dry storytelling. These nuns are fully-fleshed out humans who experience the full range of emotions and experiences. Their challenges and joys are as real as ours, which makes their tongue-in-cheek advice quite compelling. The internet slang is funny, the nuns'' stories are engaging, but perhaps the most profound story is that of the friendship between the two authors." --Presbyterian Outlook "Incendiary stuff. Convent Wisdom is a wormhole into the elaborate, interior museum, sex club, library, bakery, community space and diaspora the convent always was. Carmen and Ana, I thank you mightily for this profoundly useful and pleasure seeking book.
" --Eileen Myles, author of Afterglow and Chelsea Girls "A wonderfully entertaining book which shows us that monasticism is not an anachronism, but rather a deep well from which we can draw guidance and comfort. The lives of the sisters and saints in Convent Wisdom are as relevant today as they were in their own time." --Sister Monica Clare, author of A Change of Habit "Cheeky and insightful. brimming with fascinating historical details." --Melissa Febos, nationally bestselling author of The Dry Season and Girlhood , for Marie Claire "An invitation to sit at the cool nuns'' table, Convent Wisdom is for anyone who longs for more sisterhood, solitude, or sapphic drama (who doesn''t?). It''s at once juicy and funny and meticulously researched, an educational deep dive that''s also a fizzy joy to read. I''m already planning to gift it to several of my honorary sisters this year. I loved it!" --Betsy Cornwell, New York Times bestselling author of Ring of Salt "Playful and inventive, Convent Wisdom is a delight for the intellectually curious reader.
Through some alchemy, a pair of witty scholar-storytellers transform what could have been a survey course in historical religious figures into a treasure chest of revelations and nuggets of self-help. (A favorite: ''How the Mystical Visions of a Franciscan Nun Explain Your Obsession with Recipe Videos'')." -- Anonymous, author of Becoming Duchess Goldblatt "When it comes to advice on life and love, where else would you turn besides sixteenth century nuns? Convent Wisdom is here to help us get in the habit of learning from the past." --Nicole Tersigni, bestselling author of Men to Avoid in Art and Life "Pick up Convent Wisdom for the clever cover art and intriguing title, stay for the fascinating stories and nun-ly wisdom. With impressive research and writerly aplomb. the duo enthusiastically populate seven sections--Girlfriends, Work, Body, Love, Money, Soul and Fame--with richly detailed, entertaining stories of indomitable, inspiring nuns. Garriga and Urbita clearly regard the nuns as galvanizing influences and treasured friends; perhaps we should, too." --BookPage "With no shortage of comical but also keenly observed comparisons between past and future, [ Convent Wisdom ] charms.
" --Publishers Weekly "Popular religious history from a millennial perspective, served with a tongue-in-cheek slice of self-help. Pithy comparisons catapulting the medieval into the modern abound, with comparisons of ecstatic religious choreography to Dua Lupa''s moves or postmortem incorruptibility as superior to Botox." --Library Journal.