Alter Girl is a tour de force of learning how to abandon preconceptions of the life of faith and embrace what is so generously given. Beautifully and honestly written. — Eugene H. Peterson, Pastor and author of The Message

You hold in your hands an epic tale through religious disillusionment into a discovery of a more personal and vibrant faith. With refreshing wit and candor, Andrea Syverson invites you inside her Catholic upbringing, her marriage outside that faith, and her efforts to live out her faith with a community of believers. Not everyone finds their way through this journey with their faith intact. She did, and what she discovered along the way can be of real help to you. —Wayne Jacobsen, Collaborator on The Shack and author of He Loves Me and Finding Church

Jesus would love this story. So will most Catholics and Protestants. It’s about a cradle Catholic who grows in her faith through high school and college and eventually changes her Christian denomination because of her husband’s faith. Thus, she is an “alter girl.” This story is for anyone trying to understand young adults who take their spiritual searching seriously—no matter where it leads them. —Gregory F. Augustine Pierce, Author of The World as It Should Be: Living Authentically in the Here-and-Now Kingdom of God

Andrea Syverson has written a gripping book that is equal parts memoir/thriller/ confessional/spiritual call-to-arms. Henri Nouwen wrote, “That which is most personal is most universal,” and this book proves his point. In her journey from a Catholic upbringing as sure and expected as gravity, to the open expanse of an evangelical adventure in the wild West, she offers an emotionally raw peak into her gathering intimacy with Jesus. This book could have been a polemic; instead, it is shot through with affection and an eager and unselfconscious honesty. The cherry on top is her sense of humor, which creeps onto every page. If you are searching for God, or trying to make sense of the deeper longings of your life, Andrea is your new best friend. —Rick Lawrence, author of The Jesus-Centered Life and editor of the Jesus-Centered Bible

The world needs books like Andrea’s that bring to life the experiences and potential of those who live faithful lives outside the institutional church. This powerful personal account brings comfort to and insight into the growing phenomenon of Dones. — Josh Packard, Ph.D., Author of Church Refugees and director of The Dechurched Project

With insight and candor, Andrea Syverson chronicles the heartaches and joys of her faith journey. Some people have “Paul” experiences (sudden and dramatic conversions), and some have “Timothy” experiences (lifelong, steadfast obedience). Andrea’s story shares features of both—a devoted pursuit followed by a gracious awakening. A faith-full pilgrimage well told. —Timothy J. Beals, President, Credo Communications

In the pages of this enduring work, Andrea Syverson has articulated the foremost issue of Christianity, religion verses relationship. Alter Girl stands alone in this regard, clearly revealing the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus, as well as knowing and trusting in the Word of God at an intimate level. —Boyd Bailey, Pastor, Spruce Hill Community Church

Some books just demand to be written. So it was with Alter Girl, painstakingly birthed by the author after decades of searching and laboring. Benefit from her discoveries. Bask in her faith. Her extraordinary spiritual journey is now a gift to us all. —Nancy Parker Brummett, Author of The Hope of Glory and Take My Hand Again

The journey toward Christ is one of ever-increasing freedom. Sometimes what binds us are the chains of our own religious pursuits. But there are no chains grace cannot break. Every testimony to the grace of Jesus adds to God’s glory. This book will inspire many to find freedom again. —Tim McConnell Pastor and author of Happy Church

“The rawness of Andrea’s struggle is both refreshing and riveting in her pursuit of Jesus. The authenticity of her lifelong quest to seek truth is evidence of God’s sovereignty, power and glory!” –Dr. Libby Bailey, Children’s Director, Spruce Hill Community Church

[Writing Alter Girl] took courage to write, and will help many, I am sure.             –Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Center for Action and Contemplation