This was so excellent. I don't really imagine it'd appeal as much to still-practicing Catholics, though -- fair warning. But for lapsed Catholics who are still dealing with all of the emotional fallout of that, it's such a balm. The author's personal story of his relationship with Catholicism is woven into the story of the three children who claim to have been visited multiple times by the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. This was a story my grandmother loved to tell so I was immediately fascinated.

It's beautifully written, which I was expecting since the author is a Texas Monthly writer and it's such an underrated magazine. Really fascinating story, well told, and connects powerfully with former Catholics.

This is part well researched history lesson and part personal memoir. Having been raised Catholic I understood many of the author’s feelings and thoughts about Catholicism and the church. The author considers himself a former Catholic, and is no longer a believer.
I originally requested this book because I remember my mother telling me stories about the shepherd children who saw and heard from the Virgin Mary and I was curious to hear more information. I was satisfied, and believe many Catholics and former Catholics would be as well.
Thank you Netgalley and Knopf for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.