THE LONGEST TRIP HOME

John Grogan grew up in the American midwest as the son of comicallydevout Irish Catholic parents who were pious to the point of eccentricity.Cruets of holy water and statues of the Virgin Mary were everywhere. Rosarybeads hung from bedposts, Mass was a daily obligation and altar boytraining was mandatory. There were strong expectations that all fourGrogan children would embrace religion with enthusiasm and more than onewould enter the priesthood. And then there was John. The Unbeliever. Fromfirst confession mishaps and family holidays to religious sites, the firstillicit cigarettes and the frustrating quest to lose one's virginity,LONGEST TRIP HOME is a story only John could tell -- filled with momentsof poignancy and heartfelt revelation -- and, of course, incisive humour.At its heart, LONGEST TRIP HOME is a universal story about growing up,outgrowing your parents, and making peace with them before it's too late.Given John's inimitable style this story is a wonderful mixture oflaughter, universal emotion and tears.