I placed the pre-order through Amazon months ago, so imagine my joy to receive Karen Edmisten's book, "The Rosary: Keeping Company with Jesus and Mary," in the mail yesterday, just in time for Mother's Day!
As always, Karen writes with sincerity and clarity, drawing others to the rosary through a narrative that is intensely personal and deeply spiritual. Without so much as a word wasted, the book is a course in Marian history, apologetics, scripture and prayer that I cannot wait to share with my teenagers. (Truth be told, fifteen-year-old Agnes has already begun reading it without any encouragement from me--she knows a good thing when she sees it.)
The real genius of the book is that it is at once both simple and deep--simple and not at all intimidating for those just learning to say the rosary, yet deep and full of new information for those who have loved this prayer a long time. It is a book I can see myself revisiting whenever I need a lift or inspiration. Karen's "Making it Work" chapter in particular is one I need right now while juggling a new baby along with days that are fuller than full. My new motto is going to be "pray while you rock and nurse, rock and nurse . . . ." [p.70.]
Thank you, Karen, for a labor of love sure to remain a favorite forever. It is the perfect tribute to the "fairest of queens in the fairest of seasons, sweet May."
I can't wait for my mail lady to visit! Mine should arrive today. Thanks for the review Alice!
Posted by: Jennifer | May 09, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Just beautiful Alice, can't wait for my copy to arrive too :)
Posted by: Account Deleted | May 09, 2009 at 01:38 PM
Alice, I'm touched beyond words. And I'm humbled and honored by this beautiful review. Thank you so much!
p.s. Let me know what Agnes thinks! :-)
Posted by: Karen Edmisten | May 09, 2009 at 03:16 PM
That's a beautiful review for what I'm anticipating will be a beautiful book.
Posted by: sarah | May 09, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Mine's coming soon too. I can't wait either. I was quite excited when the email came in, letting me know the book was in early.
Posted by: KC | May 09, 2009 at 06:10 PM
Thank you for posting this beautiful review, and the gorgeous photos to go along with it!
Posted by: Kimberlee | May 09, 2009 at 08:09 PM
Mine came on Friday. The package arrived just in time for me to have one copy to take to my dd who's due to have her first baby shortly. I ordered multiple copies because there were a number of people to whom I wanted to give a copy. See I knew it would be good. If Karen wrote it, it had to be good. I've given two copies out thus far, and have one copy left to go to its recipient. I'm actually going to suggest the book to our book group as well. I suspect my copy will end up getting loaned out too.
Posted by: Liz | May 10, 2009 at 09:47 AM
This will be my reading during my deluxe, 2-day luxury hospital stay post-partum. I can't wait!
Posted by: Margaret in Minnesota | May 11, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Hello Alice. I just stumbled upon your blog yesterday and returned today to read more. What a blessing it is to read. Nice to meet you.
Gina
Posted by: Gina | May 13, 2009 at 07:30 PM
This is my first time visiting your blog, and it is so beautiful (in words and design). Best Wishes!
Posted by: Loren Christie | May 19, 2009 at 07:34 PM
Thanks for this review :-) I ordered a copy and love it! I've already thought of a whole list of people who'd benefit from this little treasure.
I hope all is well for you, Alice. I've missed keeping in touch ~ God's peace be with you and your sweet family.
Posted by: Beate | June 20, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Dear Alice, I came across your website by the grace of God. I teach art at a Catholic school in Colorado, and was looking for a project for All Saints' Day. What a joy to find your spoon saints and the rest of the inspiring contents on your blog. May God and His Blessed Mother continue to inspire you and reward you with your good works and example.
Posted by: Erin Grinnan | October 15, 2009 at 10:54 AM