and are a highly intelligent people. They welcome Mary into their world and ...
938143
***potential spoilers if you've not read the other books in the trilogy***

In this final installment of His Dark Materials trilogy, Lyra has been captured by her mother, Mrs. Coulter, and is being kept in a perpetual state of sleep.  In this sleep trance, Lyra can talk to her recently deceased friend Roger.  She swears that she'll come and save him in the land of the dead.

Will is on a mission to find and save Lyra from her mother.  He travels far and wide between worlds to discover where she is being kept and devise a plan to save her.  But, Will is not the only one looking for Lyra.  The Church has decided she must be killed at all costs, before she can be tempted and return evil and Dust to the world.  They have sent a priest assassin to kill her.  The Gallvespians, a small but deadly people, are also looking for Lyra on Lord Asriel's command.  They are to find her and return her to Lord Asriel if possible.  Lord Asriel is amassing an army from many different worlds to take on Metatron and start a war for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Dr. Mary Malone (from Will's world) has discovered a way to speak with the Shadows after following Lyra's advice.  They tell her she must leave her studies and help Lyra.  Mary follows the Shadows' advice immediately and finds herself in another world.  This world is unlike any other seen thus far.  It appears peaceful and more unmolested than most.  The Mulefa are the dominant species instead of humans.  They are most similar to elephants in our world, but are much differently shaped.  They have no spines, are able to traverse the land on wheels, and are a highly intelligent people.  They welcome Mary into their world and seek her guidance on what to do about Dust leaving their world.

Will and Lyra both have a strong sense of what they feel is right and wrong and what needs to be done.  They will continue to fight with all their strength to do what is right and won't let anyone stop them, even if it means going to the land of the dead and the awful price that must be paid to do so.  Their adventures are tough and will cause them to be wise for their years, with many lives lost, and the discovery of the true meaning of Dust.

Another great read in the trilogy.  I love seeing the different worlds and getting to see the different people and cultures that have arisen from different circumstances.  The mulefa's world seems more serene than most and more in tune with nature and the natural world.  I was amazed at the adventure through the land of the dead and the discoveries made there as well as the capacity of Lyra to love.  The mysteries that have been discussed throughout the books are nicely answered in this one.  My only quibble is that both Will and Lyra seemed to grow up too much for their years by the end of the book.  They definitely had to as a result of all they have been through, but I felt it was a bit much for their ages.  All said though, it was a good and satisfying ending to the trilogy.

A quote:
"But I stopped believing there was a power of good and a power of evil that were outside us.  And I came to believe that good and evil are names for what people do, not for what they are."
2906865
Reading "A Mary Like Me Flawed Yet Called" gave me a lot to think about. It was intriguing to read more details on these women. I felt like I was able to get to know them so much more deeply.

I enjoyed reading more in depth about Mary and Martha. Like most women I can see parts of both of them in myself. Depending on the situation I can see more of one than the other. I pray that I put God first, then take care of the other things in my life.

It gave me a whole new look at Mary Magdalene. Her problems were more like what we all go through from time to time than that she was a prostitute, which most people believe, She was a loving caring woman that devoted her life to Jesus and His care. She and the women that went along with Jesus and His disciples took care of their daily needs so that they could share the message of God's love.

I can't even imagine the emotions going through Mary of Nazareth. Being 13 when Gabriel came to her must have been overwhelming. She had a very strong faith, knew the scripture, and prophecy, Yet to be told that you were the one that was going to give birth to the Messiah had to be amazing. When she saw Elizabeth was pregnant, this had to be reassuring that Gabriel was really telling her she was going to give birth to Jesus.
 I chuckled when I read the part about her telling Jesus at the wedding that the wine had run out. As a mom I understand believing in what your child can do. Then for her to be there at the cross had to be the most horrible thing to go through. The loss of a child must be unbearable. Then the joy at seeing Him and spending time with Him until He went to heaven must have renewed her faith.

Thank you Andy for a delightful and moving read.
2885741
It's amazing what some people (meaning myself) will pick out of their bookshelf at 2am when they are waiting to see if their three year old will go back to sleep.

I chose 'Mary', by Sholem Asch - and have no regrets with the choice. Mr. Asch, though long since departed from this earth, is an author that, like many others, I dearly wish were still alive to continue to write novels to read for years to come.  His trilogy of 'religious' novels, of which this is included, may have angered Jews and Christians alike upon release and over the years, but to me this was simply a great work of fiction.

Anyone who ever attended Sunday School, or listened to Christmas songs like Away In A Manger, or Silent Night, etc. - know the 'basis' of this story. The virgin bride, the miraculous pregnancy, the no-frills birth in the stable of an inn with 'no room' for Mary and Joseph, etc., etc., etc. But, with the talent and imagination of a gifted writer, there's much, much more to the tale.

Filled with lavish, believable period detail, historical fact about the people of the time of Jesus, Herod, and Pontius Pilate - this story is a fascinating historical novel on a grand scale. The people of Nazareth come to life in page after page of deeply thought out, moving, and inspirational witness to the birth of the Lord, to his upbringing and the discovery of his 'gift' for prophecy and interpreting the word of God, to the crucifiction at Golgotha.

With such a character as Jesus as part of the story, Mary would have been overshadowed in the hands of a less capable writer. But Sholem Asch goes to great lengths to keep Mary, or 'Miriam' as she is called here, vital, lively, and very much the star of this book, while not sparing any of the known details about the life and times of Jesus Christ.

I am, admittedly, not a religious person...I am more a spiritual person with a love of good writing and a well-woven tale. This is every bit that and more. Highly recommended for reading by those who, like myself, enjoy tales of this genre without any 'preaching', regardless of the subject matter.
3750636
An intelligent novel. The references to music, art, philosophy and theology are refreshing. Russell writes in such a way the reader can picture the relationships between Gideon and the other characters. Enjoyable read.
572038
This book was written on an intellectual level and based on logic. However, God is supernatural and we can only reach God by our hearts instead of brains. Look at how the disciples and even Jesus tell the gospel. They didn't have a long debate with nonbelievers. Instead, they use gifts of the Holy Spirit to heal people and love people. Their preaching is simple and they used a lot of parables.
3554378
Oftentimes, the very people who are supposed to inspire us intimidate us. Even more so when they are saints. How is one supposed to relate to someone who has achieved that degree of sanctity? That level of perfection? How do THEY relate to MY life, my trials and sufferings?

"Working Mother" illustrates beautifully how close the saints are to us "ordinary people" and how their lives do mirror ours in more ways than we can imagine. The idea of a "working mother" (what mother does NOT work???) seems to be a modern situation, but the story shows how it can be even more real and even more difficult during the time of Christ when women had fewer, if any, rights than modern day women do.

The courage and determination, fueled by faith in God and love for her family, exhibited by Mary, Our Blessed Mother, is a true inspiration and example for us, both men and women, today. I loved this story an was privileged to be asked to review it. I'm certainly planning to buy it for my own library!
4175244
The book is about highly qualified intelligent Indians who spent their lifetime for upliftment  of common people and society. The dedication of these people is highly admirable. .
4178313
This is a beautifully written story about a misunderstood fairy named Mary.  It sends a message to anyone, young or old, that we all have gifts that need to be shared, not hidden because others do not understand them.  The characters in this book soon come to realize how wonderfuly Mary and her beautiful wings are and what a gift she really is to them.
1404780
Gifts of the Visitation  Nine Spiritual Encounters with Mary and Elizabeth, by Denise Bossert, is filled with virtue! I thoroughly enjoyed how Bossert took Lukes accounting of Marys visit to Elizabeth and highlighted all the virtue contained within it (Luke 1: 39-80). Bossert devotes nine chapters to discuss nine virtues; so beautifully brought to life in her book. She brings a whole new, refreshing outlook to this passage. From Marys spontaneous yes, to her courage needed to fulfill Gods word, to the thanksgiving Mary expresses to God for entrusting her with such an important honor, we traverse with Mary to visit Elizabeth.

As a mother herself, Denise Bossert, correlates stories from her own life with Lukes Gospel passage. She peppers her lifes stories; intertwined with the story of Marys visit to Elizabeth. The reality of Denise Bosserts life makes the story of Marys visit to Elizabeth that much more enchanting and meaningful.

You can read this book in one of two ways:

1) As you would read any other book, from cover to cover

2) As a Novena to the Blessed Virgin; asking for her assistance in obtaining the nine virtues.

I chose to do the latter. I am glad that I did. By reading a chapter per day, I used the time to mull over Bosserts commentary, soak in the prayer for the selected virtue, and recite the Novena prayers. By reading the book as a Novena, I felt like I was on a spiritual retreat! Not only will this book refresh your spirit, but you will also come to know Mary and Elizabeth better.

With Mary and Elizabeth walking with you on this journey, you will learn more about the virtues. Experience spontaneity, courage, joy, readiness, humility, adventure (zeal), hospitality, wonder and awe (reverence) and thanksgiving. So, if you are looking for ways to grow in virtue, then I highly recommend reading Gifts of the Visitation  Nine Spiritual Encounters with Mary and Elizabeth.
1197643
I'm one of those lucky former Catholics who was NOT abused by a priest. Still, I connected with Mary's story in many ways. I am so happy that she has found love and peace, and I believe she is a true hero of our times. I heartily recommend this book.
2012682
This is a story of the early believers in Ireland, who, despite Roman attempts to dominate and shape their beliefs, were unable to suppress the vital and unshakeable faith of these early followers. Whether all the facts presented here are true or not, it is true that Ireland did bring about the preservation of many books and other relics which later graced our civilization after the Dark ages. I like the strong picture of women not only in Brigids time, but that of Mary herself. Too often, Mary is seen as a passive, even docile person who played her part in Jesus life, but nothing else. But how could a person like we see in Christian lore, do the things that Mary did For me, this is a much more acceptable Mary. Thanks to the author for presenting women as they probably were, and had to be, to preserve Church history.
3046052
Non-Christians may have trouble with this book as it tells of the lives of a very diverse group of Christian saints.  (But, if they are not anti-Christian, they may enjoy the reading and benefit from the book.)  Catholics, Protestants, and Greek and Russian Orthodox readers should find these saints' lives encouraging.  I mention this as there are exemplary life stories here from all their respective geographical areas.

These individuals were never "lukewarm".  By God's grace, they converted from being hardcore sinners to being heroically self-sacrificing, courageous and charitable people (in other words - saints).  They put their strong faith into constructive actions that helped others.

This book reminds us that God really does care about what is going on down here on earth.  Buy it for a friend or loved one who is struggling with his/her Christian faith in these difficult times.
3363795
This book starts with the birth of Christ and takes the reader along to his death and resurrection seen through the eyes of Mary, his mother. Come to Me reminded me of the movie The Nativity Story; where they give an account of the harsh environment and the social realities Mary, Jesus mother grew up in. It wasn't a sugar coated Hollywood production but showed the nitty-gritty of life in Nazareth.

Laura Davis shows a believable account of Mary's life before and after she finds out she's pregnant by the Holy Spirit and has to tell her betrothed Joseph. I haven't read any book that's showed the playful side of Mary who was a teenage girl and Joseph who wasn't that much older than Mary. I enjoyed the authenticity and innocence of the book.

I enjoyed how this author revealed the intimate dialogue, playful side of Mary and Joseph the fun they had as they awaited their wedding day. Then she showed the heart-wrenching reality of Joseph finding out Mary is with child and it's not his. Joseph respects Mary and can't believe that she would lie to him, then the Angel speaks to Joseph in a dream and he believes Mary. I enjoyed reading about Josephs love for Mary and how he struggled to do the right thing.

Laura used her imagination to fill in the dialogue between Mary and Joseph as it might have been, two young people traveling to Bethlehem for the census. Mary was pretty far along in her pregnancy to travel. This journey is a little different than what you're used to reading and I enjoyed that. Laura explains why she wrote the story the way she did, it was very interesting.

This story line is unique as it's told through Mary, the mother of Jesus' eyes.  I often wondered about how Mary saw Jesus as he was growing up, then when he started his ministry and when she saw him dying on the cross and all the things that happened in-between.  It was fun and heart-wrenching near the end to read this story through Mary's mothering eyes.

This is a good read to help a new Christian get another perspective on the life of Jesus and his ministry. It's also a great witnessing tool. Laura Davis does a great job of showing Jesus' humanity and him being the Son of God! I highly recommend this book to be read anytime not just during the Christmas season!

The Book Club Network
4202284
"Mary Chosen of God," by Diana Wallis Taylor is a fictionalization of the life of Mary, mother of Jesus. When I started reading the book I thought it might be boring, after all how many times have we heard of Mary over they years?  But, I was wrong!
  Taylor does a wonderful job of bringing Mary to life! She describes many of the emotions, the foods, and the rituals of daily life. It was neat to read about how Mary could have been feeling at various times. How life keeps going on, even when you are raising the most important child in all history! She shows the faith and prayer life of Mary, how close she was to God during various times of child-raising, losing her parents, and the death of her spouse.
  While I know this is fiction, I loved reading about the daily life back in biblical times. It was refreshing to read about a large family and the struggle to keep up with the cooking and chores. I like knowing that even the mother of Jesus was kept overly busy, just like modern women today are. And how easy it is to put family and chores before God. It is good to be reminded to make God a priority not only every day, but every moment.
  I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
825517
The visions of the mystic Blessed Ann Catherine Emmerich regarding Mary reveal an even deeper holiness than previously thought.  "Seeing" Mary interact with her Son throughout her challenging lifetime is inspirational and intriguing.  The faithful reader learns again that Mary consciously and purposely reflects her Son to all of us.  The reader also learns more of Joseph, Elizabeth and Zacharias and the ancestoral journey leading to the birth and life of Christ.
3358567
This is a must read book. It's deep and it will deepen your faith, understanding, knowledge and foundation, not only of God's plan for creation and The Holy Trinity, but of Mary, Our Blessed Mother, The Mother of Humanity. Your trust and confidence in Jesus and Mary will deepen. Before attempting to even read this, I'd pray to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment. You must be alert. You will understand the reasons for the Incarnation with regard to God-the fall and redemption, the Predestination of Mary, Her free will and co-operation, Her Divine Maternity and the magnitude of her Divine Motherhood. She was born perfect-body, soul, intellect, without original sin... Her supernatural disposition, beatific vision, Her ineffable virginity, innumerable virtues, gifts/sanctifying graces are superior to all angels and saints together. Mary is the coredemptrix and She is the mediatrix of all graces. She's to be venerated. She will bring you to Her Son. You can go to Jesus through Mary. Her will is God's will. You will come to understand and honor the royalty and strength of Mary, Her universal mediation the majesty or her rule. She is the refuge of all sinners...you always have recourse to Her Immaculate Heart and The Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Other books:True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin by St. Louis De Montfort, Preparation for Total Consecration according to Saint Louis Marie de Montfort, City of God by Ven. Mary Agreda. Fank Duff wrote the Handbook for the Legion of Mary.
247187
Havah by Tosca Lee is the intelligent and poignant tale of the first woman on earth, Eve. From those first days in Paradise to the hard-scrabble early days of the exile to raising a brood and then finally dying as the Great Mother of everyone living on earth, Lee takes Havah through every stage of her life. Her first breath and steps are taken in wonder and joy as she learns the name to each animal and plant and lives in complete harmony with the adam and the One who made her. But she is intrigued by the serpent who lives near the succulent fruit of the tree of knowledge. Adam has told her that they must never touch much less eat the enticing fruit, but the serpent tempts her with its beauty and her own ego. Lee's description of the Fall is both terrifying and heartbreaking as seen through Havah's eyes. Her loss of connection with both her mate and her Creator leaves her reeling and lost. In the new world, the two must fight daily for existence, and although the birth of their many children eases some of the burden, it also creates new turmoil as their children are also tainted with sin. Kayin, their eldest, is weighed down by the expectations of his mother that he will crush the head of the serpent, returning them to their paradisaical life in the valley. Lee takes the reader through stories heard endless times about Adam and Eve and makes them truly come to life. Most Christian fiction books aren't written this intelligently or with as much passion. Her version of Paradise lost if completely believable and will bring new understanding to readers about the first woman and how her sin has effected us all to this very day. I will never read the first four chapters of Genesis the same way again.