I have finally finished reading Real Women, Real Saints by Gina Loehr. This book compiles brief accounts of the lives of 100 people (99 women and one husband) and concludes with a short chapter on the Queen of All Saints. The saints (*) surveyed come from various backgrounds, from all vocations (single, married, religious), and from all time periods (early martyrs to 20th century models of virtue).
Unlike many compilations, this book arranges the saints thematically based on how they exemplify the virtues of faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. Although the information about each saint is limited, it delivers a targeted message on how real women have managed to live virtuous lives.
Gina Loehr’s subtitle, Friends for your Spiritual Journey, is apt. In these pages you will find women who suffered joyfully. Many were the victims of violence (torture, rape, incest), many were notorious sinners, many came from or inherited dysfunctional families. All encountered the same trials that make the command ‘Love thy neighbor’ so difficult to follow. Their steadfast adherence to the virtues encourages us to do the same.
As an example, Blessed Anna Maria Taigi (1769-1837) was married to a man of such violent temper he was known to grab the corner of the tablecloth and yank the entire meal to the floor if something displeased him. Although I doubt I would ever be as patient in my response if my husband pulled a trick like that, her devotion to making her home a calm and loving one is worthy of emulation, and any wife facing a tantruming husband can find spiritual support in Anna Maria.
This book review was a long time in coming, because I do not think this book is best when read quickly. I imagined myself like a teacher grading 15 student essays that all answered the question, “How does your saint demonstrate the virtue of charity?” when I sat for an hour and read that chapter all the way through. It is better taken one saint at a time, perhaps one a day as part of one’s spiritual meditation.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book for any woman’s library, and I think it would make an excellent gift for teachers, or lay ministers, or perhaps that new mom who needs something to read while she’s nursing her infant.
This review was written as part of The Catholic Company product reviewer program. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Real Women, Real Saints.
(*) The term “saint” is broadly applied in this review. Some of the women are “Servants of God,” some are “Venerable,” and some are “Blessed”, official Church titles for the stages preceding “Saint.” Each person’s “rank” is clearly given in her biography and the table of contents.
Reit This Way 
Sounds like a winner. I’m certain my library will <>not<> have a copy, but it might be one that would be worth grabbing from the shelves every few years. Thanks for the tip.
Great review. I just might buy a copy soon! I’m compiling a wish list!
Sounds like a great book… like it would be an inspiring one for all us moms who are aspiring to be holy and good mothers and wives. I’m going to add it to my (long) wish list of Catholic books. Thanks for the tip!
I felt the same way about this book, that it’s best read slowly, one at a time. Took me a while too! 🙂
I think I’d like this book. I haven’t read many saints that are married with children. It’s always more inspiring to read about people that have some of the same trials as us. Some days I feel it would be nice to be a nun and locked away from the rest of the world. I’m sure it’s not as easy as it seems, though.
<>I imagined myself like a teacher grading 15 student essays that all answered the question, “How does your saint demonstrate the virtue of charity?” when I sat for an hour and read that chapter all the way through.<>That’s very descriptive and a great help when trying to decide if a book can be read through or if it’s better to pick up occassionally read bits at random.