Blending inspirational memoir with a religious and political rebuke of American Christianity, the oldest daughter of Senator Robert F. Kennedy delivers a rousing call to arms for spiritual renewal.

"Two-term Maryland lieutenant governor Townsend makes a valid point: in America, faith is no longer about community. She longs for the Catholic Church of her youth, that 'dealt with issues at the core of the Gospel — suffering, injustice, sickness, and poverty' rather than a Christianity influenced by a crop of preachers who seem to believe that 'Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry and cared for the poor just so we don't have to.' Addressing a broad range of issues including women, the religious right (and left), the GOP and her own political party, the Democrats, Townsend hopes to appeal to a wide audience, not just a Christian one. Personal anecdotes, including the text of a note from her father, Robert Kennedy, written to her on the morning of her uncle John F. Kennedy's funeral, make this a very personal discussion of faith, religious history and politics. Unfortunately, this doesn't always translate into a cohesive discussion, and the workmanlike style coupled with an doe-eyed earnestness leave the reader wanting. Townsend's call for the disillusioned to stay in church, meet with the priest or minister and help the community comes off more as a catechism than a battle cry." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Having been in national and state government, and taught at a couple universities, Townsend speaks regularly on political and religious issues. Here she reminds readers of the role religion has played throughout US history in social justice and compares it to the political activities of churches today. She does not provide an index. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)