Are You Out There, God?

by Mary Rose McGeady

They are like shadows in our cities, small outlines of skin and bones that attach themselves to abandoned buildings, park benches, narrow alleyways. And when darkness falls, these shadows disappear into places many of us will never, ever see in this lifetime. Very few people know the faces of these shadows, or their names. They are America's untouchables and unreachables--America's street children.

Who exactly are these kids? How do they end up on our streets? Where do they come from? How do they manage to survive? Do they survive? This is their incredible story, told from the front lines on America's darkest streets. Uncut. Unedited. Close to unbelievable. And every single word is true.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Christian

127 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Sister Mary Rose McGeady, DC.

In 1946, she became a sister of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul (DC).

She received a bachelor's degree in sociology from Emmanuel College in 1955 and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Fordham University in 1961.

She served as executive director of the Nazareth Child Care Centre for Homeless Children in Boston, executive director of the Astor Home for Children in Rhinebeck, NY, associate director of Catholic Charities for the diocese of Brooklyn, and lastly as director of Covenant House (from 1990-2003), which the New York Times identified as "the nation’s largest network of shelters for homeless youngsters."

Reviews

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad rating this only two stars and I think I feel bad because it's written by a nun. But, I can't be dishonest in a rating and review because I need to be able to look back on this years down the road and see what I thought. Not to mention I direct others to my lists and reviews sometimes. So, here we go...
This isn't written well. Even though the stories are very much true and happen every day the writing was such that it made it seeem like fiction. I had to keep reminding myself that Sister McGeady did in fact see these things and these people. That botherd me because with a story like this it should be the exact opposite.
The chapters - each one was about two pages. Unless that's your thing it'll really bother you. It bothered me. Once I got interested in so and so and wanted to know more, bam - it was over.
I did like how Sister McGready didn't "beg" for money. That may be the wrong word but then again maybe not. I like to choose which charities I give to and I don't like to be bombarded with why I should chose this or that charity. I fully expected to be told why I should give to the Covenant House and that wasn't the case. Besides asking for prayers, nothing was asked for and much thanks was given.
Sister McGready and probably everyone directly involved with the Covenant House has seen things that could fill many books. I think I'd give any of them a try. But this seemed like it was thrown together quickly, just trying to get it out without giving a thought to content and quality.

[Jenbebookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

For what this was, which was basically a pamphlet about the sex trade written by a nun who helps the sex slaves child prostitutes, it was well written and served it's purpose. It was pretty sad, and it reminded me of all the other real life books written about these kinds of things. Mental illness, being bulimic or anorexic, being molested, raped, hooked on drugs, stuck with a pimp, etc etc. all the girls around my age have all read those, go ask alice books. This was pretty much one of those. Designed to stick you in the gut and open your otherwise sheltered eyes to the ways of what the real world is for so many unfortunates. Sister whatever her name is isn't going to win a Pulitzer Prize, but I did put the book aside more than once to google some morbid statistics about the sex slave. Maybe I'll donate a buck or two or five. With a book that cost less than a quarter to print, I'd call that: Purpose served.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sad

[Kimberlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredibly sad. These street kids remind me of my own son. I just don’t get it.

[Basil · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author is a nun who helps run a chain of youth homeless shelters in several metropolitan areas. Her writing is not very good, but I gave an extra star for the heartfelt intentions behind it. This is mostly a collection of newsletters compiled into a book, with some prayers and poems sprinkled throughout, and a short Family Survival Guide at the back. The newsletter format makes for a repetitive and choppy read, as you go through story after story of various abused homeless kids. I feel for these children, absolutely, but as a book it's a schmaltzy emotional and literary equivalent of watching snuff films. The last couple pages had good advice for parents to prevent their teens from running away, and help get them back if they do, but most of it was like getting punched in the heart and left with nothing useful or edifying out of it.

In short: Skip actually reading the book and just donate some money to Covenant House.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book about homeless children in America. This was the first book that was written. It shares stories and insights into what todays youth are going thru. Many ran away from home to leave behind abuse, neglect and violence. They would rather deal with the streets then stay at home. They are scared on the street and either end up in a gang, prostitution or dead. They don't really have any options they just know they can not stay home any longer. Anywhere is better than where they are. The work done at the Covenant house helped them to have a place to rest their weary head, clean up, get help, have someone listen to them and love them and begin a new future. Some go back to their families, others find new homes with the foster care system. The Covenant house is a stepping stone to lead them to a place of hope and love.

[abbylee Oqueli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really sad, but hopeful in that there are people who are willing to dedicate their lives to helping others. It made me itchy to go find a volunteer opportunity.

With that being said, it wasn't the best read I've ever experienced; I would have given it a two start, but it struck inspiration in me. I think I am going to use it in my class when I do my homelessness unit next year . . . it should be good . . . so three stars it shall be.

[Sam Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is a long story, I read this at a church library in campfire, I left home not finishing college and knew there had to be a shelter in alaska. I was lost and broken but there I met my husband and the closest family ive ever had. If this book hadnt found it's way into my hands I dont know where I would be. I remember being scared I was going to end up like the girls in that book but because she wrote it and put this out there I am alive and happy today. Thank you mary

[anarki · Rating 3 out of 5]

:'(

[A.A. Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpectedly valuable read, in my opinion.

Comprised of a series of short, diary-like "letters" written by a New York City nun, the text paints a sobering mosaic of homelessness and street life as seen through the eyes of a child. Each of these brief narratives contains a vast story, and all, too, have something to teach, from lessons in empathy, to stark illustrations of the dark underbelly that exists beneath much of the modern world. Rarely have I encountered such brevity in the written word.

And, though the book is meaningful in this aspect alone, there is more to be gleaned from 'Out There,' written between its lines. Namely, there is a book-long subtext of human study inhabiting the overt stories, presenting much in the way of psychology, sociology, and morality, regarding the narrator as much as her troubled subjects. Indeed, there is a lot to be learned from this unassuming little book.

My sincere thanks goes out to the author, subjects, and publisher. I am grateful for, and have benefited from, your work.

* * *

Some notable quotes from 'Are You Out There, God?':

"Do not ask for your life's load lightened, but for the courage to endure." -- p.70

"I've learned [...] that sometimes it's our own insecurities that keep us from drawing closer and listening to others. Street kids, I've come to learn, have a lot more to offer me about life than I could ever hope to teach them." -- p.100

"[...] I know that street kids can appear rough and undeserving, but just like you and I, they deserve to be treated with respect and love." -- p.101

[Jeanette Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I discovered this book while I was at work, and I got caught up in reading it in over a couple of days in my spare time. It's a quick read, and gives a really good insight into all the horrible things that happen to kids when they're on the street. The first part of the book seems to be a collection of letters from Sister McGeady to donors and those invested in Covenant House in some way. Each chapter tells a different homeless child's story, and they're all heartbreaking. While it does state that these are letters, it still came off as a bit unusual to me when McGeady suddenly addresses the reader at times. Throughout the book there are also little poems and prayers written by children who stayed at Covenant House.

Since it's written by a nun with "God" in the title, I probably don't have to say that it's written from the perspective of a christian, but I wouldn't let that be a deterrent if you aren't christian; I still think the stories are worth reading.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt a nudge to stop by one of the neighborhood book boxes in search of a good read. Buried beneath several children books I saw this one. After returning home, I immediately delved into it and did not put it down until I had completed it.

There are many reviews criticizing the writing and stating that it is poorly written, a bad, bad book and so on. My question is we’re you able to empathize with the stories of other humans who were living in consistent trauma based environments? Did those of you who rated it poorly, did you even once stop and ask yourself in what way can I help?

I googled Sr. Mary and found that she transitioned in the fall of 2012. To have met her would have been absolutely delightful. I am truly grateful for the gift of this book and truly believe it will continue to be the guiding light for those who’s journey seems filled with darkness.

Thank You Sr. Mary Rose McGeady

[Walt Walkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this book. McGeady has a gift for telling the stories of the at-risk kids she has interacted with in a compelling way, without over-dramatizing them or pandering to readers. She is not afraid to talk about the struggles of Covenant House’s outreach, even highlighting some stories where the organization was unable to help kids. Even though the book is 30 years old now, I think it’s still a worthwhile read. Highly recommend.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this little book on my bookshelf for so long. Just decided to read it quickly as it's just over 100 pages. The author wrote letters to her supporters telling them about street children who came to the doors of Covenant House for help. Very moving stories of kids who were abused, kicked out, neglected, etc.

[Kayla Sullinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was reading some of the reviews and how people thought it sounded unbelievable. I guess maybe in 1996 it was but these days it is totally believable. I have watched enough Law and Order: SVU to know that this book was probably mild for what goes on today. I didn't like the writing style but you have to remember that she wasn't a writer.

[Wanda Karas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 1996 by a nun who experienced/witnessed the tragic homelessness of young, sometimes very young, victims. Each chapter tells a different story. It is very revealing as to what really goes on behind life on the streets. Easy to read, very short book.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real eye opener! Sadly this world we can home is full of pure evil, sick people.

[Jared Herstine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book I can relate to those stories I pray and have hope for these children

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's heart wrenching to read stories like this when it involve children. One can really question the existence of a Supernatural Being aka God. I just wished there's a follow up story for each child written here...what happened to them years later.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abandoned and lost in a world of sex, abuse, and terror, desperate kids turn to their last hope, pleading Are You out there, God? The title of this book says it all. When I read this book and I can hear these children cry Why Me? or CAN YOU HELP ME! or even the tiny ones ask Will my mamma come back? What if she doesn't come back? Questions I myself have heard, it brings tears to my eyes. If you cannot help financially, or physically please pray for all of them each day. Prayer does help.

[Tari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a bit dated (1996), the concepts remain very helpful. If you are blessed to receive a copy, please read and pass along to others. If you think we have eradicated the problem of homeless children on the street of America since 1996, you are unquestionably mistaken. If you believe children are not being sold as sex slaves and indentured servants in America, you are mistaken. We can do this!

[Erin.spano · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is great! It can really tell you how life is not so great for eveyone, some people think theere life might be terrible cause they don't get everthing they want when exactly they want. this book is about homeless kids that do whatever they can to get money.When one day someone reconzies how much trouble they are in and start to take care of them.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very short but great read that gives examples of the lives of children who live on the street due to their home environment. It's heart wrenching how many children go through this. Very sad but very real.

[Lexus Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was alright.
Although the stories are true, heart wrenching, and an eye opener, I felt like there wasn't enough.
Each chapter was 2-4 pages long, the longest a trial case. Those type of things bothered me.
This is good for any quick read.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very heartbreaking book...a person would have to have a heart of stone to not feel something while reading these young people's stories.

[Ayana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but it was two short i finished in like and hour but it was still good the stories were sad

[Mrs. Oqueli · Rating 3 out of 5]

So sad, but awesome that people out there are willing to dedicate their lives to making a difference. It made me want to go out and find a place to volunteer.

[Mat Rueter · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are people out there that will help us not lose hope though there may be difficult times.

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 2007 and all I really remember about it is that I thought it was amazing.

[Ginnie Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was raw and haunting and honest. your heart really breaks for these kids