First and Foremost,

I have no clue how to blog! I'm not sure of the dynamics nor the structure; I'm definately not computer savvy enough to post interesting and cute pictures of all that I may acquire (yet) and I definately don't possess any sort of creativity as to how this blog shall unveil itself to any readers (yet), BUT I hope -- and I have faith-- that my research will be sufficient and carry through the interest this novel deserves. For the tenure of the American Novel 4101 course, I will participate in one the most complex and intriguing research projects I have thus far encountered. Reading first Rebecca Reed's "Six Months in a Convent." What intruiged me most about this novel, was the fact that she was only in the convent for six months (six months!) before she got out. What happened in those six months that made her change her mind about her devotion not necessarily to the church, but to the sanctity of her relationship with God? Or, did her relationship with Christ play little to no importance in her decision to leave? What provoked her to leave the church? Was it the institution itself, the "body of christ," or was she simply in it for the wrong reasons?
When I checked-out the book from the UCF Library, I conveniently found "Ex-Nuns: Women Who Have Left the Convent," by Gerelyn Hollingsworth. As I skimmed its pages, I realized that many women (now and then) have joined convents as a means of escape; escape from their families, circumstance, even themselves. During this research project, I want to investigate Rebecca Reed's experience, why she was persuaded to join the convent initially, why so many women leave after such little time, etc. I also wish to examine Catholicism's role in such works- what's happening within the institution, a place of sanctity and restitution- that is driving away so many that flee into it as a "safe-haven." Also, how is this prevelent today? How are ex-nuns treated after they have left the church? What kinds of consequences must they face? What happened to Rebecca Reed? What statement was she making about the church when the book was finally published in the 1830's? Hopefully, these are all questions that will meet their answers upon my discoveries.