Mass

How do you choose between your faith and your future? Sixteen-year-old Stevie Albie is a religious person, but nothing prepares her for meeting Mary. Like the Mary, mother of Jesus. Just as Stevie becomes convinced she has a special connection with God, doctors discover a brain tumor in her frontal lobe they claim is causing the hallucinations. Her parents insist on removing the tumor as quickly as possible, but Stevie isn't so sure. Feeling special for the first time in her life, she runs away to a religious cult that's convinced her visions are their salvation and vow to protect her. But as time goes on she suspects they have their own agenda. Torn on who to trust, Stevie wonders if she'll have to choose: her visions or her future? **This version is free of profanity.** Excerpt: The fear and panic that was tightening around my heart releases like fingers, one by one, until I feel a weightlessness in my chest. She is more beautiful than I remember, her skin smooth and a few shades darker than mine. Her hair enviously perfect, soft waves without a single strand out of place. This time she is alone, and I am glad it is just her and I again. "What is happening?" I ask her. She smiles. "I think you know."