Thoughtful, Honest, and Deeply Human

Six to Carry the Casket and One to Say the Mass is a heartfelt collection of reflections that invites readers to pause and examine the deeper layers of identity, grief, spirituality, and growth. Bill Hulseman writes with clarity and vulnerability, drawing from personal experiences in a way that feels both intimate and universally relatable.. The tone is reflective without being heavy-handed, offering insights that feel earned rather than imposed. Hulseman's background in education and faith-based work subtly shapes the narrative, but the book never preaches. Instead, it opens a conversation....one that lingers long after the final page.

If you’ve ever felt pulled between who you were raised to be and who you are now, this book is a beautiful companion on that path. His reflections on family, faith, queerness, and becoming hit home with raw honesty and quiet strength. As someone who grew up Catholic and now carries a more complex relationship with the Church, I found his spiritual reflections moving and relatable. Reading Bill Hulseman’s Six to Carry the Casket and One to Say the Mass felt like being seen in ways I didn’t expect. What struck me most was how he balances vulnerability with hope. His essays don’t just reveal who he is; they invite you to consider who you are becoming. My son and I had a long conversation after I finished the book—about identity, legacy, and truth-telling. That’s a rare gift from any book.

This would be a great gift.

Six to Carry the Casket and One to Say the Mass is a deeply reflective and engaging read. Bill's personal essays offer a candid look at his life, identity, and the impact of his experiences. The way he explores the intersection of family dynamics, identity, and culture is both thoughtful and relatable. I really appreciated how the book made me think about my own journey and the choices that have shaped my life. If you're looking for something introspective and meaningful, this book is definitely worth checking out!

Great book, those of us who grew up Catholic in New York -- not Chicago -- understand so much of what the author describes in vivid detail. It will be VERY difficult for any reader to put this book down. Be prepared to read, and please beg the publisher and author for a sequel. Wow, this book is entertaining, strikes chords with me deeply, and if you know religious studies, music (Gershwin especially) and Chicago, this book is for Y-O-U. This book deserves a re-read and recommendation to so many religious institutions. Congratulations, looking forward to holding a hard copy for that re-read.