The way we construct our selves—as the ancients created meaningful shapes
from the random sparkles of the stars at night—is the theme and structural
principle of this collection of poems. In writing them, Jeanine Hathaway
assumed the constellations of Eldest Child, Ex-Nun, Former Wife, Single
Mother, Writer, Teacher, and Pilgrim. Their most notable aspect is their
exploration of spirituality, the awe and ambivalence that characterize every
significant relationship, whether it be with God, family, friends, invented
and historical figures, or oneself.


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JEANINE HATHAWAY entered the Dominican order in 1963. After nine
years she left the convent, received an MFA from Bowling Green State
University, married, and had a daughter. She has been teaching literature
and writing at Wichita State University in Kansas since 1974.


Number Nine: Vassar Miller Prize in Poetry

What people are saying about this book
"This is a collection to be read in sequence because the continuity is
powerful and persuasive. If we are attentive readers, we end like the nuns in
the storm cellar 'not knowing whether we've been struck by lightning or by
love.'"—Madeline DeFrees, judge