A Change of Habit

Leaving Behind My Husband, Career, and Everything I Owned to Become a Nun

By: Sister Monica Clare

Narrated by: Sister Monica Clare

The soulful, hilarious memoir of a chronic people pleaser who surprised everyone in her life by abandoning an unfulfilling career and marriage to join a convent—and learned how much we stand to gain when we fully embrace our authentic selves

“A Change of Habit follows the arc of Sister Monica Clare’s career with irreverence and sincerity. . . . Her book [confirms] the warmth—and fragility—of her new community.”—The New York Times

In her twenties and thirties, Monica Clare was a talented but exhausted photo editor who spent her days getting yelled at by clients who were often strung out on cocaine and megalomania. For years, the voice calling her to a simpler, quieter life had been getting louder. As a little kid, she’d seen Audrey Hepburn in The Nun’s Story and thought: That’s me. That’s how she found herself straightening her habit nervously as she walked into a convent, preparing to live alongside eleven other sisters who’d taken the same vow of poverty and celibacy . . . indefinitely. Could a chronically fidgety, pop culture–obsessed woman of the world ever fit in? she wondered. And why did the other nuns seem so cold and disapproving?

As the months went on, she realized the other nuns were shy, not unfriendly—much like herself. The culture at the convent discouraged giving compliments or even saying “please” or “thank you,” since acts of generosity were to be freely given and received. But when Monica rose to the role of Sister Superior, she got the policy against compliments changed. Relationships started to blossom, first awkwardly and then more easily. Who would have predicted that Sister Christina, the one she thought had deeply disliked her from the start, would turn out to be a huge hugger? Or that they’d spend entire afternoons trying to keep a wild turkey from running amok in their community garden?

Equal parts tell-all and rallying cry, A Change of Habit reveals how much we can say yes to when we stop laboring to prove our worth to ourselves and others. In her role as a spiritual counselor, Sister Monica guides people from all walks of life toward resisting the false promises of capitalism, finding healing in small acts of nurture and connection, and ultimately, restoring themselves to a place of wholeness, all while living in this gorgeously messy world of ours.

Critic reviews

“A Change of Habit follows the arc of Sister Monica Clare’s career with irreverence and sincerity. . . . Her book [confirms] the warmth—and fragility—of her new community.”—The New York Times

“[Sister Monica Clare is] honest, funny, and—one gets the feeling as the pages turn—true. This is a book to remind you that it is never too late to be the person you are meant to be.”—Spirituality & Practice

“An inspiring and hilarious tale of joyful transformation, A Change of Habit will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about your life. You probably won’t become a nun, but Sister Monica Clare’s remarkable story will show you how to face your struggles, access your courage, and find meaning in life’s most unexpected turns.”—Lori Gottlieb, New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

“Sister Monica Clare’s A Change of Habit is a surprising, compelling memoir that will reaffirm your faith in people—and maybe even yourself. With humor, warmth, and deep reverence for the power of that little voice inside, Sister Monica Clare shows us how everyone’s journey might be different, but if you keep the faith and keep listening to yourself—and God—you will arrive at the proper destination. I recommend this book to anyone who feels like a fish out of water or who needs a little love, and a little faith, right now.”—Sister Helen Prejean

aa“A Change of Habit is a boon for all readers who can relate to the feeling of life not turning out as they’d wanted. Clare’s overall message of hope, resiliency, and determination, along with trusting God, resonates regardless of personal beliefs. Poignant, and at times genuinely funny, her story will inspire hope and strength while reminding us that it’s never too late to get where we need to be.”—Booklist

“In A Change of Habit, her inspiring, detailed memoir, Sister Monica Clare . . . describes her circuitous, determined path to the convent, from her Southern Baptist roots through years of detours that never derailed her dream. . . . Her open and often humorous memoir concludes as she joyfully anticipates achieving the next steps in living her faith.”—Shelf Awareness, starred review

“[Sister Monica Clare’s] memoir is a testimony of both her steadfast commitment to God and her long, hard struggle to conquer her own demons. A forthright tale of pain and healing.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A poignant and good-humored account of [Sister Monica Clare’s] path toward nunhood . . . This tender autobiography offers encouragement for any reader who’s struggled to find their place in the world.”—Publishers Weekly

That damn turkey

Ain’t that just like life. You see something you think you like and it turns out to be not quite what you thought it would be. You think you’re rid of it and it comes back. Sometimes ya need to ask for help. God is always there helping us even if we don’t recognize Gods help.

This book is a fantastic read on how God guides us and leads us even when we don’t see the help.

Sister Monica Clare is funny and painfully honest about her life. I recognized a lot of myself in her story. Humor is my safety net, too. And I once thought I wanted to be a nun but I have a problem with silence and following the rules.

After reading/listening to Sister’s book, I really want to hug her. She really lets the reader see the why and how she came to become a nun and all the little steps and pushes that God gave her. Some things in life just plain suck but Sister Monica Clare leads the reader through good and bad times with style and grace.

I follow Sister on Instagram and I remember the turkey trauma. Read her book and be prepared for a wild ride from show biz to nun biz.

A Nun's Story for today

This is a faith adventure for today - would love to meet the author

Beautiful story of perseverance

Great story of going after one’s dreams
The only criticism I have is her voice is so monotone no inflection at all
As I read the book she mentions the nun’s are taught to have a soft spoken demure voice
I don’t understand how that makes her a better nun but who am I to judge

Courage redefined

Thank you Sister Clare - I’m so glad you trusted your faith enough to share a story that will inspire many more people. One of those rare memoirs that’s inspiring me to finish my story. Truly a literary dessert that has helped me through a tough time in my life. Thank you

Unique and honest and hopeful

Well written story of one womens brave search for purpose and meaning amidst the confusion of modern life and a very difficult childhood. Touches of humor throughout for balance. Having the author as the reader made it even more authentic. Glad I took a chance on this book.