An Irish-American woman recently told her personal story of family and perseverance: "Circling My Mother" by Mary Gordon, one of the great chroniclers of Catholic America. Gordon's mother Anne died in 2002, and the writer explores the world of blue-collar ethnic Catholicism which shaped her and also left an indelible mark on her daughter Mary. Gordon's work can seem harsh, but here, her words are imbued with wisdom, love and compassion. ($24 / 272 pages / Pantheon)