Rocking-Horse Catholic

A Rocking-Horse Catholic by Caryll Houselander, 148 pages

Noted twentieth century spiritual writer and mystic Caryll Houselander was not born to Catholic parents, nor was she an adult convert, rather, like her contemporary JRR Tolkien, she was brought into the Church as a child when her mother converted - hence "rocking-horse Catholic" instead of "cradle Catholic".  A Rocking-Horse Catholic is her short memoir about her long education in the ways of God and men.

Although the book includes accounts of three mystical experiences in which the supernatural broke abruptly into the world of the author, the focus is on her growth through the influences of those around her, some despite and some because of their imperfections.  Throughout, Houselander maintains a charming tone, approaching even the most trying times and people with at least a retroactive generosity and spirit of gratitude, seeking - and finding - her Lord in the crowd.