Lying Awake
by Mark Salzman

“Lying Awake” is a deceptively simple novel of Sister John of the Cross, who writes mystic poetry. But does her inspiration come from God? Or from a brain tumor?

If you read the book consider:

How many meanings of “lying” and “awake” does the title of the book refer to?

Many little girls, Catholic or not, flirt with the idea of becoming nuns. How does Sister John’s life as a Carmelite stack up against whatever notions you had about becoming a nun?

Sister John believes, at least for a time, that her epileptic episodes are a sign of grace. What
other incidents in Sister John’s life also seem to be visitations of grace? Why do you think so? Have you ever experienced similar incidents of grace?

Birds appear frequently in the novel. What function do they serve?

Mark Salzman is a convert to Buddhism, which has its own monastic tradition. Do you see evidences of his Buddhism in the novel? Where?

At the end of the novel, do you think Sister John’s illness has been a blessing or a curse? Why? What does this say about your own ideas about illness and grace?