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Keeping On: How I Came to Know Why I Was Born
Fifty years ago, beloved teacher Sister Catherine Cesnik was the victim of a violent murder that still remains unsolved. "Who killed Sister Cathy?” is a question Sister Cathy’s students, colleagues, friends, family members, and community have been asking for years. One of those people is Gemma Hoskins, one of Sister Cathy’s former students who appeared on The Keepers, the 2017 Emmy-nominated Netflix docuseries that soon had the rest of the world asking that same question, too. Sister Cathy’s life and death have both deeply inspired and haunted Gemma in a number of ways, and she’s made it her life’s purpose to uncover what really happened on that November night in 1969. In Keeping On, Gemma takes readers on a journey of her life, from her childhood and her time as Sister Cathy’s student at Archbishop Keough High School through present day. She reflects upon the experiences that have shaped her, including her own experiences as a teacher, grassroots investigator, and fierce advocate for truth and justice. With candid prose and unyielding honesty, Gemma openly and honestly continues not only the global conversation about the truth behind Sister Cathy’s murder, but also reflects upon how Sister Cathy’s life profoundly touched those who knew and loved her.
248 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2020
15 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 3, 2021
This book, written by Gemma Hoskins, eases its way into the story of her former teacher, Sister Catherine Cesnik, who was killed back in November, 1969. Even though many years have passed since then, it remains an important issue to Gemma and as she learns, to others, to find out who is responsible for her death, and what really happened. The more that questions are raised about this, people begin coming forward about it, and it eventually opens the door onto other crimes. Was Sister Cathy becoming aware of crimes going on around her and threatening to blow the whistle? Was that why she was killed? Those who like true crime and mystery books may want to check this out. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Gemma Hoskins, and the publisher.
November 16, 2020
Full disclosure: Gemma and I were neighbors, friends, and classmates throughout grade school, then my father’s job with the Army took us to Virginia when we were in 8th grade. I feel certain that I would have gone to Keough had we stayed in Baltimore, so when Gemma told me about her upcoming role in The Keepers, I was anxious to see it.
I loved reading Gem’s memories of St. Will’s and the playground. We both lived in homes that formed the boundary of West Hills Park. I was so surprised to read about how alone and vulnerable she felt in those days. She always came across as being so confident and positive, outgoing and friendly! I remember when she found out about her diabetes, and once she showed me how she tested the sugar in her urine, and told me about giving herself insulin shots. I always thought she was so brave!!!
Her relationship with her husband Ernie seemed straight out of a romance novel- true soulmates torn apart by illness and death. It broke my heart! I was at his funeral (a packed house of caring family and friends), and when the service was over, I learned the true meaning of Keening.
But Gemma is a warrior, and she pressed on, making her life count in so many ways! Few of us have careers that are smooth, with no bumps in the roads, and hers was no exception. But all her trials only served to make her stronger, a strength she would need during the making of “The Keepers”, and after its release. I can only assume that the people who deride her are in some way complicit.
It turns out that the brave, confident, outgoing Gemma I knew as a child was really the woman she is now!
I loved reading Gem’s memories of St. Will’s and the playground. We both lived in homes that formed the boundary of West Hills Park. I was so surprised to read about how alone and vulnerable she felt in those days. She always came across as being so confident and positive, outgoing and friendly! I remember when she found out about her diabetes, and once she showed me how she tested the sugar in her urine, and told me about giving herself insulin shots. I always thought she was so brave!!!
Her relationship with her husband Ernie seemed straight out of a romance novel- true soulmates torn apart by illness and death. It broke my heart! I was at his funeral (a packed house of caring family and friends), and when the service was over, I learned the true meaning of Keening.
But Gemma is a warrior, and she pressed on, making her life count in so many ways! Few of us have careers that are smooth, with no bumps in the roads, and hers was no exception. But all her trials only served to make her stronger, a strength she would need during the making of “The Keepers”, and after its release. I can only assume that the people who deride her are in some way complicit.
It turns out that the brave, confident, outgoing Gemma I knew as a child was really the woman she is now!
August 13, 2020
I was so moved by Gemma's memoir, both for her story and how she speaks from her heart. I have an advance copy as I have known her since grade school and am a member of "The Tribe". I have followed the story of the murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik since I learned details about it in 2003. I joined the first Facebook group, "Justice for Catherine Cesnik and Joyce Maleki", and followed as the documentary, "The Keepers", was first thought of and produced.
This book is a personal memoir of how Gemma evolved into a strong warrior to fight for survivors of sexual abuse, primarily at the hands of Roman Catholic clergy in the Baltimore area. She describes her devotion to Sister Cathy and the effect she had on her life. She offers new details of the investigation and her opinions on who may have been responsible for her murder... and the murder of others in the area around the same time, most notably Joyce Maleki. I just finished the book and my heart is still pounding at her theory as to who "Brother Bob" is!
This book is a personal memoir of how Gemma evolved into a strong warrior to fight for survivors of sexual abuse, primarily at the hands of Roman Catholic clergy in the Baltimore area. She describes her devotion to Sister Cathy and the effect she had on her life. She offers new details of the investigation and her opinions on who may have been responsible for her murder... and the murder of others in the area around the same time, most notably Joyce Maleki. I just finished the book and my heart is still pounding at her theory as to who "Brother Bob" is!
March 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. If you enjoyed The Keepers documentary on Netflix, this book is a great follow up. Gemma shares many stories from her life growing up in Baltimore. She writes like she talks, which I enjoyed.
Gemma provides interesting ‘behind the scenes’ information about filming the documentary and the publicity they received afterward. In the final chapter, she outlines her theory of what happened to Sister Cathy. While I would’ve liked to have seen more information about the crime and what may have happened, she presents an interesting theory and some new information that was not included in the documentary.
Watch the series on Netflix before reading this book, otherwise many of her stories and references won’t make sense. It made me want to watch the series again and again. A short, easy read. Very interesting.
Gemma provides interesting ‘behind the scenes’ information about filming the documentary and the publicity they received afterward. In the final chapter, she outlines her theory of what happened to Sister Cathy. While I would’ve liked to have seen more information about the crime and what may have happened, she presents an interesting theory and some new information that was not included in the documentary.
Watch the series on Netflix before reading this book, otherwise many of her stories and references won’t make sense. It made me want to watch the series again and again. A short, easy read. Very interesting.
December 9, 2020
After watching the Netflix series "The Keepers", I've read and listened to everything I could find on this topic. Gemma describes the events in her life that contributed to her unrelenting efforts to determine who killed Cathy Cesnik, and why. She has a humorous and refreshing method of relating her tale. She also tells us her theory about Cathy's death. I admire Gemma for her dedication and efforts to uncover the truth of the horrific priest abuse. It's a tough topic and she takes it on to make the world a better place. We need more Gemmas in our world.
Want to read
April 10, 2021Unfortunately, I was unable to feel as if this book was able to hold my interest for very long.
The story is interesting, but I feel that it is more "memoir" than "True Crime." If you are interested in this story because you want to know how it impacted the aurhor, you will love this book. However, if you are more interested in the crime, you may want to give this book a pass.
I rate KEEPING ON as 3.5 out of 5 Stars.
The story is interesting, but I feel that it is more "memoir" than "True Crime." If you are interested in this story because you want to know how it impacted the aurhor, you will love this book. However, if you are more interested in the crime, you may want to give this book a pass.
I rate KEEPING ON as 3.5 out of 5 Stars.
March 12, 2021
Grab a chair, a cup of coffee, and settle in as Gemma Hoskins shares her story.
Gemma is well known as one of the key citizen investigators of the 1969 murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik - a former high school teacher of Gemma’s whose brutal homicide was described in the 2017 Netflix documentary “The Keepers”. In the documentary, Gemma and her colleague, Abbie Schaub, set out on a multi-year investigative journey to find Cathy’s killer, and end up uncovering of a network of horrific pedophilia and sexual abuse, masterminded but not limited to clergy members situated at Gemma’s Maryland high school.
In this book, which is best read as a companion piece to the documentary, Gemma provides her back story, providing insight into her childhood, school life, friendships, romances as well as some broader context leading to her role in the examination of Cathy’s murder.
Gemma tells her life story unapologetically, just because “it makes her happy”. And she does it well - the easy conversational style of this book, along with Gemma’s brisk, no-nonsense telling of it, makes for interesting reading.
Gemma herself comes across a little bit like a real-life “Olive Kitteridge” - direct and somewhat prickly, definitely someone who knows her own mind - and yet it’s impossible not to feel for her. Her motives, her focus, and her strength of purpose in seeing this terrible journey through as well as in providing resources and support for victims of abuse everywhere are inspiring to read.
Some on the passages I noted in this book included:
- “Cozy is sometimes hard to be”
- “My philosophy is that every day be spent doing something productive, something therapeutic, and something fun”
And on a chilling note:
- “The nuns did not mess around, even the nice ones. The priests were another story. They walked around the school and playground like they owned the place, because I guess they did.”
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational memoirs and particularly if you follow the Cathy Cesnik story,
3.5 stars
A big thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, Mascot Books and the author for an advance review copy of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
Gemma is well known as one of the key citizen investigators of the 1969 murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik - a former high school teacher of Gemma’s whose brutal homicide was described in the 2017 Netflix documentary “The Keepers”. In the documentary, Gemma and her colleague, Abbie Schaub, set out on a multi-year investigative journey to find Cathy’s killer, and end up uncovering of a network of horrific pedophilia and sexual abuse, masterminded but not limited to clergy members situated at Gemma’s Maryland high school.
In this book, which is best read as a companion piece to the documentary, Gemma provides her back story, providing insight into her childhood, school life, friendships, romances as well as some broader context leading to her role in the examination of Cathy’s murder.
Gemma tells her life story unapologetically, just because “it makes her happy”. And she does it well - the easy conversational style of this book, along with Gemma’s brisk, no-nonsense telling of it, makes for interesting reading.
Gemma herself comes across a little bit like a real-life “Olive Kitteridge” - direct and somewhat prickly, definitely someone who knows her own mind - and yet it’s impossible not to feel for her. Her motives, her focus, and her strength of purpose in seeing this terrible journey through as well as in providing resources and support for victims of abuse everywhere are inspiring to read.
Some on the passages I noted in this book included:
- “Cozy is sometimes hard to be”
- “My philosophy is that every day be spent doing something productive, something therapeutic, and something fun”
And on a chilling note:
- “The nuns did not mess around, even the nice ones. The priests were another story. They walked around the school and playground like they owned the place, because I guess they did.”
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational memoirs and particularly if you follow the Cathy Cesnik story,
3.5 stars
A big thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, Mascot Books and the author for an advance review copy of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
March 13, 2021
When "The Keepers" premiered on Netflix a few years back, I binged the entire series. I was completely captivated and intrigued by the show, especially Gemma Hoskins who decided her mission in life was to figure out the person behind the death of her favorite high school teacher, Sister Cathy. What she uncovered was disturbing to say the least.
When I decided to read this book, I was interested in what Hoskins had to say about her life's work. Instead, the book focuses mainly on her childhood (living with type 1 diabetes) and the death of her young husband. Whenever "The Keepers" is mentioned, it feels as though it is just in passing and much of the book wouldn't make sense if you haven't seen the Netflix series already. As it's been several years since I saw it, there were mentions that confused me because I couldn't remember who specific people were.
I think Hoskins' unique perspective and sense of humor would make for a great companion piece to the series. However, as a memoir on its own, it doesn't amount to much. I think the book could have benefited greatly from having more concrete info about "The Keepers" laid out in an easy-to-understand section. I admire Hoskins for telling her story but I think fans of the TV series might be a little disappointed in the lack of cohesion and no new information.
*Free ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
When I decided to read this book, I was interested in what Hoskins had to say about her life's work. Instead, the book focuses mainly on her childhood (living with type 1 diabetes) and the death of her young husband. Whenever "The Keepers" is mentioned, it feels as though it is just in passing and much of the book wouldn't make sense if you haven't seen the Netflix series already. As it's been several years since I saw it, there were mentions that confused me because I couldn't remember who specific people were.
I think Hoskins' unique perspective and sense of humor would make for a great companion piece to the series. However, as a memoir on its own, it doesn't amount to much. I think the book could have benefited greatly from having more concrete info about "The Keepers" laid out in an easy-to-understand section. I admire Hoskins for telling her story but I think fans of the TV series might be a little disappointed in the lack of cohesion and no new information.
*Free ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
September 5, 2021
This book is a winner, especially for those who watched "The Keepers" series on Netflix and have read the podcasts from Himalaya, both of which I highly recommend.
Keeping On has some new informed allegations regarding Sister Cathy's murder in November of 1969.
Gemma Hoskins believes she was born to see that justice is served in the death of a respected, talented, and beloved teacher at an all-girl Baltimore high school. Her many painful, major health issues have strengthened her quest to take on the Catholic Church, municipalities, police agencies, and the thugs, all of whom had a hand in the murder of one who attempted to stop sex abuse at the hands of an an influential priest connected to the school. She sought justice for Cathy.
Not only is this riveting book the story of a retired educator/crime fighter, it tells of the incredible example of one who influenced many to be the best versions of themselves, whatever obstacles littered the way to right action.
Gemma, you are a bulldog and a badass, just as a couple of your besties have said. Persistence is your middle name.
Hats off to you! Readers, do yourself a favor and read this book by a woman who deserves to be on the cover of every major magazine, deserves the Nobel Prize, and deserves the deepest respect of all who strive to do the right thing.
Keeping On has some new informed allegations regarding Sister Cathy's murder in November of 1969.
Gemma Hoskins believes she was born to see that justice is served in the death of a respected, talented, and beloved teacher at an all-girl Baltimore high school. Her many painful, major health issues have strengthened her quest to take on the Catholic Church, municipalities, police agencies, and the thugs, all of whom had a hand in the murder of one who attempted to stop sex abuse at the hands of an an influential priest connected to the school. She sought justice for Cathy.
Not only is this riveting book the story of a retired educator/crime fighter, it tells of the incredible example of one who influenced many to be the best versions of themselves, whatever obstacles littered the way to right action.
Gemma, you are a bulldog and a badass, just as a couple of your besties have said. Persistence is your middle name.
Hats off to you! Readers, do yourself a favor and read this book by a woman who deserves to be on the cover of every major magazine, deserves the Nobel Prize, and deserves the deepest respect of all who strive to do the right thing.
Want to read
February 3, 2021Thank you to Mascot Book and NetGalley for a D-ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. I am part of the True Crime Community, and I loved The Keepers. Kudos to the author for her tenacity in trying to find justice for her former teacher. The book reads in a conversational manner. If you're looking for details or background about the case that we hadn't seen previously, you won't find it here. It's described as a memoir, and it is that. What's interesting is that I found the author's information about being widowed young (as was I) and her diabetes quite worth the read. She often will refer to old friends, and others in her past who might be reading the book, and she says things like, "If you're reading this..." That was a bit off putting, because you weren't part of the story, so it was as if it wasn't directed at you, the reader. That said: Gemma is genuine, she is to be admired for her loyalty and determination in seeking out the true story behind Sister Cathy's murder, and she is someone I'd like to know. Don't pick this up just because of the documentary, but rather because you're interested in someone else's stories and trials of their life.
May 22, 2021
Uncovering the Crime
I would love to say that in her book, Gamma Hoskins has solved the murder and brought the perpetrators to justice. Sadly, this is not the case, nor does it seem to be the purpose of Keeping On.
Gemma rose to notoriety with the release of the 2017 Netflix drama, "The Keepers", A docudrama which brought to light the abuse, cover ups and murder surrounding Archbishop Keogh High School in Baltimore during the 1960's. A former AKHS student, teacher, grassroots investigator and survivor advocate: Gamma Hoskins has invited the reader into her very life. From her childhood, through her selection as Maryland's Teacher of the year, Gamma recalls her personal struggles as she moves through family scenes, health crises, and personal loss.
By allowing us inside her life, we are also 'present' as Hoskins' investigation shares glimpses and insights into the truths about clergy abuse and the murder of Sr. Cathy Cesnik. For this reader, "Keepers" opened my eyes to horrible truths, but "Keeping On" has shown me that all the mysteries surrounding Sister Cathy may still, someday, be brought to light.
I would love to say that in her book, Gamma Hoskins has solved the murder and brought the perpetrators to justice. Sadly, this is not the case, nor does it seem to be the purpose of Keeping On.
Gemma rose to notoriety with the release of the 2017 Netflix drama, "The Keepers", A docudrama which brought to light the abuse, cover ups and murder surrounding Archbishop Keogh High School in Baltimore during the 1960's. A former AKHS student, teacher, grassroots investigator and survivor advocate: Gamma Hoskins has invited the reader into her very life. From her childhood, through her selection as Maryland's Teacher of the year, Gamma recalls her personal struggles as she moves through family scenes, health crises, and personal loss.
By allowing us inside her life, we are also 'present' as Hoskins' investigation shares glimpses and insights into the truths about clergy abuse and the murder of Sr. Cathy Cesnik. For this reader, "Keepers" opened my eyes to horrible truths, but "Keeping On" has shown me that all the mysteries surrounding Sister Cathy may still, someday, be brought to light.
August 23, 2020
I have been a fan of the Keepers since it came out, and I had been checking the mailbox every day since I ordered this book. It finally arrived on Friday, and I finished it all in one day. I would say, if you haven't watched the Keepers, you should do so before reading this book, as you will probably be lost around a lot of the story.
Gemma is a social justice warrior, but she is also a teacher telling the story of her teacher. Gemma weaves together elements of her life around the thread of her fight. As a veteran teacher myself, I appreciate how Gemma describes her struggles with teaching, even though she was a Maryland Teacher of the Year.
The most unique chapter is the list of her friends, where she details each relationship. This adds a lyric element to the end of the book, and it also feels like a very personal piece of writing. I have never met Gemma, except one time in a ZOOM session, and this chapter makes me feel as though I know her and all of her friends.
Gemma is a social justice warrior, but she is also a teacher telling the story of her teacher. Gemma weaves together elements of her life around the thread of her fight. As a veteran teacher myself, I appreciate how Gemma describes her struggles with teaching, even though she was a Maryland Teacher of the Year.
The most unique chapter is the list of her friends, where she details each relationship. This adds a lyric element to the end of the book, and it also feels like a very personal piece of writing. I have never met Gemma, except one time in a ZOOM session, and this chapter makes me feel as though I know her and all of her friends.
January 23, 2021
After watching "The Keepers", which I found engrossing, I sort of wished I had never seen it. Parts were so disturbing that it was difficult to shake them from my mind. Thankfully, since this book is actually a memoir of Gemma Hoskins' life, not a true crime book, it didn't have the same horrifying effect as the Netflix documentary. Nevertheless, while it was easy to read due to it being conversational like, it was also too jumpy and fragmented. I started losing interest at some point and skimming some. In addition, it's obviously a book intended to thank those in Ms. Hoskins' own life, as well as those in her investigation of Cathy Cesnik's murder, so there are a lot of shout-outs to individuals most readers won't recognize. Hence, all in all, I didn't find it to be a captivating memoir.
(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher or author.)
(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher or author.)
June 28, 2021
This book was very good, but also very much not what I was expecting. I picked up the book after watching The Keepers, and I had expected the book to generally be about the case and her work on it.
Instead, there were about 2 chapters that referenced the case itself and the rest was memoir. You get into the deep stuff about her that doesn't get covered in the documentary but are important to understanding her as a person. The book does, however, give a basic primer on who is who in the group and among her circle. I hope she or someone else eventually does write another book on the case itself, God willing when the case is someday solved.
I'm going to go back and watch the series again knowing what I now know about her and her background.
Instead, there were about 2 chapters that referenced the case itself and the rest was memoir. You get into the deep stuff about her that doesn't get covered in the documentary but are important to understanding her as a person. The book does, however, give a basic primer on who is who in the group and among her circle. I hope she or someone else eventually does write another book on the case itself, God willing when the case is someday solved.
I'm going to go back and watch the series again knowing what I now know about her and her background.
February 16, 2021
Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!
I had not seen the Netflix documentary, The Keepers, and now I can't want to start! I appreciated Gemma's honesty about her life and career experiences and how i has evolved and how she became intertwined in the documentary. Going to Catholic School all my life like Gemma, it was very easy to connect to some of the school commentary. Though we will never know the truth of Sister Cathy Cesnik's murder, I appreciate the time and effor Gemma and her documentary colleagues have put into solving/better understanding the mystery.
I had not seen the Netflix documentary, The Keepers, and now I can't want to start! I appreciated Gemma's honesty about her life and career experiences and how i has evolved and how she became intertwined in the documentary. Going to Catholic School all my life like Gemma, it was very easy to connect to some of the school commentary. Though we will never know the truth of Sister Cathy Cesnik's murder, I appreciate the time and effor Gemma and her documentary colleagues have put into solving/better understanding the mystery.
January 1, 2023
Thank you Gemma for trying to uncover the mystery of Sister Cathy Cesnik's murder. I am grateful for your story and bringing it out to where so many people know what the church did to cover up the abuse and murder. I do believe they knew more about the murder than they let on and covered it up, with the help of the disgusting DA who did nothing to even attempt to uncover the abuse or murder. Will continue to follow your story and your podcasts, and am hopeful that one day the truth will be known. Thank you for all you have done for your beloved teacher.
March 12, 2021
This is an unusual true crime account in that it is also a biography - but not of the person who was murdered. This means it brings a perspective which is personal but also perhaps more able to reflect on the impact of the crime without over dramatising it. The tragedy itself is a big part of the “story” but the biggest part is the analysis of what that loss of life meant and, perhaps more important, how the life lived continued to impact others. A very interesting book indeed.
January 14, 2021
Moving, personal, honest, and gutsy. Gemma’s story is all of that. She provides a very personal perspective and valuable context to the story told so publicly in The Keepers. Her authenticity and personality comes through page after page.
March 7, 2021
Not a fan
This book was pretty much an autobiography of Gemma Hoskins. Wherein She included her role in the investigation of the murder of Sister Cathy. Not sure why she wrote it. Possibly it was therapeutic for her.
This book was pretty much an autobiography of Gemma Hoskins. Wherein She included her role in the investigation of the murder of Sister Cathy. Not sure why she wrote it. Possibly it was therapeutic for her.
November 16, 2020
What an amazing book! I loved every minute of it! Gemma has a great style of writing. My favorite chapter was when Gemma was little! You are one funny lady!
Brilliant job!!
Brilliant job!!
November 16, 2020
Gemma’s voice still rings in my head, telling her story. Lots of insight into Sr. Cathy and her murder. Recommend highly!
May 13, 2021
Quick read. Interesting information. Knew a lot of people or recognized other names in the book. Brave of Gemma to put it all out there.
September 5, 2021
I was hooked on The Keepers after an online recommendation and was immediately drawn to Gemma. An inspiration and role model. Loved reading about her life, drive, and more details behind the documentary. May we all find our passions and purpose.
December 11, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book! After watching the Keepers a few years ago, the mystery of Sister Catherine Cesnik has continued to interest me. This memoir was a very insightful look at Gemma's back story as one of Sister Cathy's students and her drive to seek justice and truth for her beloved teacher. The book was very easy to read weaving thorough Gemma's life from birth until present day illustrating Gemma's dedication to uncover the truth. This book is well suited for those who have watched the Keepers and are interested to learn more about Gemma. I am not sure if this would be of interest to those who haven't watched the show or heard of Sister Cathy. Overall I really enjoyed the memoir and I will continue to read, watch and listen to content that seeks to uncover what happened to Sister Cathy.
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