From the author of the "absolutely absorbing" ( ) memoir comes an unforgettable portrait of childhood, family and community. The eldest child of a devout Irish-American Catholic family, Martha Manning weaves her story around the seven holy sacraments: baptism, penance, communion, confirmation, holy orders, marriage and last rites. She recalls her childhood pratfalls, adolescent yearnings and entrance into motherhood with wisdom, wit and remarkable honesty. At once poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, is a wholly original tale of family and friends, happy times and difficult ones — and thepainful, joyous journey from childhood to adulthood.