Rating: 
Summary: She let the good ideas get away
Review: Although Reed acknowledges that the more conservative orders are currently attracting more new members than the progressive orders, she gives far more attention to the progressive orders and never really examines why they are less successful in attracting new members. Since this information, which I learned for the first time from Reed, is counter intuitive, it seems that the logical course for the book is to examine this discovery in more depth. I would have also liked to read more about the beliefs of the nuns she encountered who worship God in a female form and incorporate Buddhism into their Catholicism. Instead, Reed gives short shrift to these suprising discoveries and allows her personal preferences and biases to dominate the book. By the end, I was just plain bored.
Rating: 
Summary: I loved this book
Review: As a cradle Catholic and product of Catholic education, I was always intrigued by Nuns. This author spent so much time visiting many different monastaries and convents and she left no question un-asked. The stories in this book are so varied yet all inspiring. I have a renewed appreciation and understanding for these remarkable women.
I highly recommend this book to Catholics and non-Catholics.
Rating:
Summary: Accurate and Moving Portrayal of Sisters Today
Review: As a woman religious, I am always looking for books and articles that portray us in the mainstream press well and accurately. "Unveiled: the hidden life of nuns" does exactly that. It is wonderful book with stirring and clear accounts of various Sisters across the U.S. Ms. Reed captures the diversity of our lives, the realities of our Congregations and the challenges in our ministries with a richness and depth that is not seen in most mainstream writings about Sisters in America today.The fact that Ms. Reed spent 5 years actually visiting and living with Sisters speaks well of her research and the clarity with which she writes. Too often, we are made fun of or talked about with some sort of mysterious "veil" of sanctity that doesn't capture us as real, very human women who have made a choice to live a life that grapples with spiritual questions, while trying to serve God's people in ways big and small. I believe that this is the journey of most people and Sisters (or nuns) are no exception. I recommend this book for anyone who would like to have a better understanding of who we are and why we have made this choice. We are just regular women who search for the journey of life that allows us to become whole persons and contributors to the overall life of God's people. Thanks to Ms. Reed for this wonderful book.
Rating:
Summary: Accurate and Moving Portrayal of Sisters Today
Review: As a woman religious, I am always looking for books and articles that portray us in the mainstream press well and accurately. "Unveiled: the hidden life of nuns" does exactly that. It is wonderful book with stirring and clear accounts of various Sisters across the U.S. Ms. Reed captures the diversity of our lives, the realities of our Congregations and the challenges in our ministries with a richness and depth that is not seen in most mainstream writings about Sisters in America today. The fact that Ms. Reed spent 5 years actually visiting and living with Sisters speaks well of her research and the clarity with which she writes. Too often, we are made fun of or talked about with some sort of mysterious "veil" of sanctity that doesn't capture us as real, very human women who have made a choice to live a life that grapples with spiritual questions, while trying to serve God's people in ways big and small. I believe that this is the journey of most people and Sisters (or nuns) are no exception. I recommend this book for anyone who would like to have a better understanding of who we are and why we have made this choice. We are just regular women who search for the journey of life that allows us to become whole persons and contributors to the overall life of God's people. Thanks to Ms. Reed for this wonderful book.
Rating:
Summary: Well-reported insight into the lives of Catholic nuns
Review: Author Cheryl Reed spent years researching her nonfiction book on the lives of Catholic nuns in the U.S., and her diligence shows. She visited numerous orders at convents all over the country, often living with the nuns for brief periods. As a result, her book reveals a hidden life that even most Catholics aren't aware of.
Most surprising to me was the diversity of the various orders, which enjoy a level of autonomy I didn't know existed within the tight confines of a Church steeped in centuries of tradition. To a great degree, each order sets its own rules and pursues its own goals. Of course, the Roman Catholic Church has ultimate authority over the orders, but as the author reveals, many nuns veer from the strict letter of Church doctrine, in ways both large and small. To some extent, the nuns are an engine of change with the Church. In my opinion, the Church would be healthier if it listened to them more often.
Although the author is an experienced newspaper reporter, her writing in "Unveiled" is more subjective than straight news reporting. She approaches her book from a more personal point of view. I believe her style is more suited to this subject than dry, purely objective writing. She is not afraid to include her personal reactions and feelings as she recounts her experiences with the nuns. I think she comes across as honest and forthright. She doesn't hesitate to discuss her biases and preconceptions.
Any book about religion is sure to be controversial for some readers. Yet "Unveiled" avoids sensationalism and religious prejudice to give a realistic and humanistic look at people who choose a life very different from our own. I think everyone has something to learn from this book.
Rating:
Summary: Realistic
Review: Cheryl Reed is on target with her investigative reporting of the lives of nuns in the United States.
This book goes beyond the stereotypes and media portrayal of this group of women. As a protestant, Cheryl Reed asked all the questions that I wanted to know, but was too afraid to ask. This book was interesting and informative, the diversity of nuns was amazing to me. I would advise anyone who was curious about the role of women in the Catholic church take a good look at this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Curious about Nuns
Review: Cheryl Reed is on target with her investigative reporting of the lives of nuns in the United States.
This book goes beyond the stereotypes and media portrayal of this group of women. As a protestant, Cheryl Reed asked all the questions that I wanted to know, but was too afraid to ask. This book was interesting and informative, the diversity of nuns was amazing to me. I would advise anyone who was curious about the role of women in the Catholic church take a good look at this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't fall
Review: for everything you read. This has so many inaccuracies. Its amazing how many people fall for the sensational.
Rating:
Summary: Great book.
Review: Great book - very thorough and always respectful. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into their world.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling, informative for anyone educated by nuns!
Review: I spent 16 years in Catholic schools, and experienced many different types of sisters. As a post-Vatican II child, I still encountered many sisters who clung to the pre-Vatican II way of life, and this book helped clarify some of those reasons. As a student who encountered nuns who were scary, mean, and cold, this book gave me a sense of compassion for their difficult lives, and a truer knowledge of the "mystery" that we all have wondered about. Much of it is quite shocking, alarming, and dehumanizing. As a student who encountered nuns who challenged me, and allowed me to believe in my own independence, this book affirmed the power that these women have within the Church. I love the quotation from one of the Benedictines (from my alma mater, no less!) who states that she isn't sure that she would even be in the Catholic Church were it not for the Benedictines. Her commitment to her community and her order is stronger than the hierarchy of the Church. This confirmed my own struggles as a Catholic woman.
I found the book to be exceptional. I agree that the author chose to not focus on WHY the more conservative orders are attracting new members...that was not her purpose in writing the book. It seems to me that is the question that should be plaguing the Catholic Church! Do we really want to be moving backwards? I certainly hope not.
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