The author of Dead Man Walking, the nation's foremost leader in efforts to abolish the death penalty, shares the story of her growth as a spiritual leader, speaks out about the challenges of the Catholic Church, and shows that joy and religion are not mutually exclusive.

Preface -- Introduction -- Part I: Novice -- Part II: Teaching and learning -- Part III: London, Ontario -- Part IV: Becoming an adult church -- Part V: River Rapids -- Afterword -- Appendix: A letter to Pope Francis.