Book Series Guide

Author guide

Kathleen Norris Books in Order

Kathleen Norris (born 1947) is an American poet, essayist, memoirist, and spiritual writer. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised partly in Hawaii, she studied at Bennington College before beginning her literary career with poetry. Her later work draws on life in South Dakota, Benedictine spirituality, family experience, and the tensions between faith and doubt. She divides her time between South Dakota and Hawaii.

poetrycreative nonfictionmemoirreligious writingchildren's literature

Catalog record updated .

Kathleen Norris's Newest Book

Cover of Rebecca Sue: A Sister's Reflections on Disability, Faith, and Love

Rebecca Sue: A Sister's Reflections on Disability, Faith, and Love

memoir · First published 2025

A New Memoir from New York Times Bestselling Author Kathleen Norris "My sister Rebecca had perinatal hypoxia, but I knew and loved her as my little sister long before I heard that term applied to her. As Becky became a toddler our parents noted that her development was not like that of my older brother and myself. But that mattered less to all of us than the fact that we enjoyed the company of a lively little person, who in an atmosphere of familial love and support was developing a strong personality." Discover the untold story behind one of Kathleen Norris's deeply personal relationships in Rebecca Sue. Best known for her insightful and poignant reflections on faith and life, Norris steps into uncharted territory by sharing an intimate memoir exploring the life of her younger sister Becky. Born with perinatal hypoxia, Becky's life was shaped by physical and mental disabilities, yet her spirit and resilience illuminate the hidden power of faith, family, and love. With Norris's signature blend of poetic prose, spiritual reflection, and heartfelt storytelling, Rebecca Sue invites readers into a profoundly moving narrative. This isn't just a memoir; it's a tender tribute to Becky's intelligence, her struggles, and her extraordinary ability to inspire those around her. Through Becky, Norris examines the strength of familial bonds, the complexity of emotional and practical caregiving, and the myriad ways God works in our lives--seen and unseen. Kathleen Norris, a five-time New York Times bestselling author, weaves her family's story with the depth and nuance her fans have come to cherish. Rebecca Sue explores the resilience of the human spirit, weaving a powerful story of perseverance, hope, and the unexpected ways people find strength during life's toughest moments. This book is a heartfelt exploration of relationships, resilience, and faith--perfect for anyone drawn to spiritual growth, human connection, or those who belong to or support the disability community. What You'll Find Inside Beautiful Storytelling: A heartfelt narrative of Becky's life, capturing the joys and challenges of navigating disability with faith and grace. Spiritual Reflections: Kathleen Norris draws profound insights on how God's hidden power is revealed through family, caregiving, and love. A Rare Perspective: Learn from Becky's unwavering courage and Kathleen's enduring reflections on sisterhood, faith, and resilience. Tasting God's Grace: Read stories reflecting grace in everyday life challenges and triumphs. Kathleen Norris writes this memoir with the same care and introspection that has defined her career, sharing her own stories and reflections. Her compassion and honesty shine through, encouraging readers to consider their own relationships and faith. Why Read Rebecca Sue? This book offers a heartfelt journey through family relationships and personal growth. Whether you're a fan of Kathleen Norris, a memoir enthusiast, or someone exploring the intersection of disability and faith, Rebecca Sue will captivate your heart and soul. Discover how faith, family, and love can transform challenges into opportunities for deeper connection. Find inspiration in Becky's remarkable resilience and Kathleen's stirring reflections, and experience a richer understanding of what it means to live a life shaped by faith. Order your copy of Rebecca Sue today and step into a profoundly moving story that will linger with you long after you turn the final page.

Not sure where to begin?

Start with one of these

Cover of Dakota: A Spiritual Geography

Dakota: A Spiritual Geography

A defining memoir and an accessible introduction to Norris's writing about place, spirituality, and ordinary life.

Cover of The Cloister Walk

The Cloister Walk

A central work on monastic practice, contemplation, and the relationship between religious tradition and modern life.

Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith

A concise thematic introduction to Norris's reflections on faith, doubt, and religious language.

Outside the series

Bibliography by category

Novels (2)
Nonfiction (5)
  1. The Cloister Walk

    memoir · 1996

    A New York Times bestseller for 23 weeksA New York Times Notable Book of the Year"A strange and beautiful book...Part memoir, part meditation, it is a remarkable piece of writing." -The Boston Globe"The Cloister Walk is a new opportunity…

  2. The Virgin of Bennington

    memoir · 2001

    Shy and sheltered as a young woman, Kathleen Norris wasn't prepared for the sex, drugs, and bohemianism of Bennington College in the late 1960s—and when she moved to New York City after graduation, it was a case of out of the frying pan…

  3. Rebecca Sue: A Sister's Reflections on Disability, Faith, and Love

    memoir · 2025

    A New Memoir from New York Times Bestselling Author Kathleen Norris "My sister Rebecca had perinatal hypoxia, but I knew and loved her as my little sister long before I heard that term applied to her. As Becky became a toddler our parents…

Children's books (1)
  1. The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica

    children's literature · 2001

Poetry (4)
  1. Falling Off

    poetry · 1971

  2. The Middle of the World

    poetry · 1981

  3. The Year of Common Things

    poetry · 1988

  4. Little Girls in Church

    poetry · 1995

Other (1)
  1. The Psalms, with Commentary by Kathleen Norris

    religious commentary · 1997

Frequently asked questions about Kathleen Norris

Who is Kathleen Norris?

Kathleen Norris is an American poet, essayist, memoirist, and spiritual writer. She began as a poet and became widely known for accessible writing about faith, place, monasticism, and ordinary life.

Sources: poetryfoundation.org (opens in a new tab)ivpress.com (opens in a new tab)

Where was Kathleen Norris born and educated?

She was born in Washington, D.C., spent much of her childhood in Hawaii, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Bennington College in Vermont.

Source: poetryfoundation.org (opens in a new tab)

Is Kathleen Norris Catholic?

Norris is a Protestant who became a Benedictine oblate, an affiliated lay member of a Benedictine community. Her close engagement with Catholic monastic life strongly shaped her spiritual writing.

Sources: poetryfoundation.org (opens in a new tab)pbs.org (opens in a new tab)

What award did Kathleen Norris win early in her career?

Her first poetry collection, Falling Off, won the Big Table Younger Poets series in 1971.

Source: poetryfoundation.org (opens in a new tab)

What is Kathleen Norris best known for?

Norris is best known for bringing poetry, everyday experience, and spiritual reflection together in writing that made Benedictine spirituality accessible to general readers. Saint John’s Abbey credits her work with helping publicize Benedictine spirituality and renew interest in oblates.

Sources: saintjohnsabbey.org (opens in a new tab)ivpress.com (opens in a new tab)