The Literate Spirit is divided into three sections: “Why Bother to Live?,” “Why Does Evil Persist?,” and “What Happens After Death?”  Each section contains discussions of secular literature that has moved Mathieu toward answers or, in some cases, more profound questions. The works are diverse, including The Color Purple, The Tao of Physics, and The Velveteen Rabbit, but all of them meet her final admonition to “Choose good. Choose life.  Read accordingly.”

Rev. Mathieu is ordained in the United Church of Christ and nationally certified in language arts.  The Literate Spirit is a synthesis of her passions for literacy and spiritual development.