Book 45: Kicking the Habit: A Lesbian Nun Story by Jeanne Cordova

I first discovered this book roughly a year ago, it was vaguely referenced in something else I was reading and I borrowed a copy through my local library in May 2025. I ADORED this book and bought my copy immediately! This was my second reading of the memoir in less than a year, which I would've done anyway even without this project as I love it so much! 

In addition to Cordova's funnily poetic writing about religious life during Vatican II, her growing understanding of class and social activism, and her queer awakening, the part that struck me the most in both readings was when a friend told her she was butch. This kind of gift of comprehension and validation, especially for a young, naive butch who's been too sheltered to know anything, is rare to find in books altogether. Reading it brought me back to college, not just my experience but also seeing how the people around you come to life after finally being given both language and acceptance. And for Cordova to write about that as a postulant is even more rare - and precious! 

It'll probably be at least a couple years before I reread this again not just because of this project, but also because I want details to fade from my memory so my future reread will be more enjoyable. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/448261.Kicking_the_Habit

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