Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
Secrets of a Nun: My Own Story
A Memoir
by
Elizabeth Upton Author and Novelist
Genre/s
Nonfiction, Biography / Memoir, Family and Relationships, Philosophy, Self-Help
Publish Date
January 2, 1985
Short Description
"Secrets of a Nun" is an insightful, honest, and profoundly moving exploration of one woman's soul. In 2025, celebrating the 40th anniversary of this publication, it was awarded a 5-Star rating in the Reader Views Magazine Editorial Review and a 2026 'Honorable Mention' book award by Shelf Unbound Magazine Book Awards."
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Description
"At fifteen, Elizabeth, a talented athlete, gives up her dreams of competing in the Olympics to become a nun."
Torn from her mother and twin sister, she leaves her friends and familiar world behind to pursue a life of piety. But she finds herself unprepared for what lies ahead. While her cloistered life commences as a profound spiritual and emotional journey, personal disenchantment takes root and slowly grows over the next twenty years. Elizabeth recoils against the restrictive atmosphere of convent life. She struggles with conflicting emotions until a forbidden love affair forces her to come to grips with her needs as a woman.
Over the course of striving to find her authentic self, she ultimately feels compelled to leave the Order. A true story inspires this fascinating account of courage and passion. It will shock you and bring a smile to your face as you follow the course of a young woman's obsession to become a spiritual seeker—an obsession that, over time, transforms into a deeply felt desire for personal liberation.
"I am thrilled to celebrate the 40th anniversary of my book, 'Secrets of a Nun: My Own Story,' published in 1985. This memoir delves into themes of passion, forgiveness, love, and devotion. I want to extend special thanks to Literary Consultant Catherine Lyon and to the readers' community, which has contributed to the worldwide success of my memoir."
Author, Elizabeth Upton
Book Trailer
Reviews Of The Book On BooksShelf
What impressed me most about Secrets of a Nun is how real and unfiltered the author allows herself to be. There’s something incredibly moving about the way she describes moments of inner struggle. Like her strict novitiate training or the emotional weight of preparing for her final vows, and how those experiences shaped her. I appreciated her honesty in exploring both her devotion and her doubts, especially in scenes where she wrestles with expectations placed on her. The storytelling feels intimate without being dramatic, and it’s easy to admire the strength behind her self-reflection. I absolutely recommend.
This memoir is powerful, honest, and surprisingly easy to connect with. Elizabeth Upton shares her experiences in a way that feels genuine and deeply human, without ever overwhelming the reader. Her reflections on faith, identity, and personal growth are thoughtful and heartfelt. It’s the kind of book that leaves you thinking long after you finish it, appreciating the strength behind her story.
Secrets of a Nun is a rare memoir that blends emotional honesty with striking literary clarity. Elizabeth Upton’s voice is confident yet vulnerable, allowing readers to feel the intensity of her spiritual, personal, and psychological journey without ever sensationalizing it. The writing is richly detailed and deeply introspective, offering insight into an inner world shaped by faith, discipline, and the search for identity. What stands out most is the author’s courage—her willingness to be raw, self-revealing, and unflinching. This is a compelling and thoughtful memoir that lingers long after the final page.
