The Marian Option: God's Solution to a Civilization in Crisis Hardcover – May 22, 2017

Have you ever read a number of books on a particular topic only to find that some are simply "retelling" of previous works? This is not one of those books! As a Catholic who has done a fair amount of reading in recent years, in and out of the classroom, I found this book to be fully engaging and enjoyable, from intro to conclusion.Especially regarding a topic like the Virgin Mary, abut which so much has already been written, it's hard to have something fresh to say. And by "fresh," I do not mean theological innovation but simply a new objective or perspective. Dr. Carrie Gress has given us such a book. Although she draws from many great saints and other sources throughout, I never once found myself asking "OK, what's the point?" Her writing is so clear and concise, she can dive into her sources without losing sight of the target. I found this very refreshing, as several books I have read recently came from priests and theologians who may have had good intentions but lacked the writing talent to serve their readers. Gress has both!Having done some professional writing over the years, and now finding myself in the seminary classroom, I tend to be somewhat critical of an author's writing style and choices as I read. So one of my joys while reading this book was enjoying page after page without being turned off by poor writing mixed with good subject matter- Gress delivers a great subject wrapped in good writing.In some books, appendices look like extra material an author or publisher tacked on to lengthen a skimpy book. Not so here; a very trim and useful appendix sends the reader off with something on which to chew for a while. And speaking of book length, Gress has crafted a perfect work. It is neither too short, making one feel shortchanged, nor too long, losing our interest before the curtain falls.One curious thing I found... towards the end of the book, Gress relates the traditional story of Saint Peter leaving Rome to avoid being killed. In it, the author writes that Our Lord asks Peter, "Where are you going?" The way I have often heard the story is that in walking away from Rome to avoid being crucified, Peter encounters Our Lord. Peter asks "Where are you going, Lord?" Our Lord replies, "I'm going to Rome to be crucified again." Peter than turns around and heads back to Rome. But who knows, such a traditional tale may have more than one version.I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Our Lady, the Rosary, the role of Mary in the Church, the state of our society or all of the above. And if you purchase the hard copy of the book, you will find that the cover art is almost as lovely as its author.

Dr. Gress really gave us a wonderful book. It is carefully written and builds with a steady progression to the end which is really worth the wait if you get bogged down early on. Stick with it and you will find it well worth the read. I did like the mix of careful research and thoughtful commentary. I have been thinking a lot about it ever since I finished, which I think is the mark of a great book. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I got the hardback and have been impressed with the subject matter and the author's viewpoint.It is very good food for thought.Thank you.

Overall informative and accessible. A good read for those who don’t know a lot about Mary as well as those who do.

This is a really good book on the Marrian ways read all of it.

It is a good, readable, informative and useful book. It ties together the most famous Marian apparitions. Anyone with the slightest appreciation of Our Lady can appreciate it. My only reservation that is keeping me from five stars, is there are times when the author cites Wikipedia and a few websites that I do not know well enough to have any weight with me. It is a fine book. Its not going to tax your intellect, but it is not meant to do so. It is meant to show emphasize the power, propriety and history of a quality relationship with the Mother of our Lord.

I am a hidden devoted servant of Our Lady "Marian" and named after her - but even If this were not my case, i'd still be in awe over how this author researched and culminated historical events including apparitions and gives us a broad picture from geopolitical and cultural shifts ALL from Mary's profound influence. I URGE everyone finding this review and book to read it. As always, God knows what the best plan is and who to use for the GOOD of ALL, starting with this simple Virgin giving birth to our Lord Jesus...I particularly challenge all who dare judge the faithful of Catholicism to also really learn how important Mary's role in humanity has been from the start (and still is) - I challenge you! Open your mind and this author will take you down a road you dare not look back....Unbelievable - a sword to the heart of Truth! Dr. Gress, you did an excellent job in your perspective, research, writing and perseverance in laying out this most important work "an option" for our pandemic times. This is my personal challenge to anyone not wanting to pick up a gun, pick up a rosary and devote a brief window of time to changing our world and before you know it you will be changed through intimate devotion to Mary. I personally have gone from a dark gutter to mystic from her hand. I dare you to just try.

I am a Catholic convert and was interested in learning more about Mary. This book is chockful of historical data (the part about Columbus was quite intriguing!) and my only complaint is that the time frame jumped occasionally that made it difficult to follow. That said, it would have taken me many years to compile the research for this book, and I'm most grateful to the author for presenting it to the world. She does address radical Islam and the threat it poses, but we all are aware of that anyway. I loved ALL of the information about St. John Paul II, whom I knew little about as a non-Catholic who yearned to see La Pieta at the Vatican on her honeymoon in June 1994! A treasure of a book for those serious in deepening their understanding of the Catholic faith and especially of Mary.

A fascinating insight and overview into Marian devotion and a call for its renewal and strengthening as the antidote to the ills of the current age.

This was an excellent read that had a different twist to the idea of the "Benedict Option" (where the idea is floated that we need to either physically retreat from the world [ie. go live in a remote/rural area] or cut ourselves off from the secular world as much as possible so that we can hunker down and protect the Faith while the world hurtles down the crazy train tracks).Where is everyone from Sunday Mass? Why aren't they showing up to Adoration or Catechism or Bible studies? Why aren't Confession lines longer? Why are so few Catholics on fire and living the Faith in a real and concrete way? Carrie Gress suggests that we can turn not only the Church around, but also the world if we would just surrender ourselves into the loving hands of our Blessed Mother. She suggests that the key is to inflame our hearts by praying the Rosary, the Angelus and other Church approved devotions.Carrie reminds us of what happens when mere man is truly devoted to the Blessed Virgin--she tidies us up and brings us closer to her son, Our Lord Jesus. We build massive, awe inspiring Cathedrals. We win impossible battles and wars. Our minds are clear thinking and our hearts are drawn to purity so our Churches are full and we naturally tune out heresies.Retreat from the world to protect the Faith? No, plug into Mary and allow her to transform us one person at a time...and the world will in the end voluntarily turn to her too. And when that happens, the world (art, music, literature, education, architecture, society in general) is a thing of beauty and at its best.Note: Too many Marian books nowadays include quackery and non-approved "messages" and "apparition's"...these do much harm because they turn people off or misdirect their devotions. Have no fear with this book, Carrie keeps it on the straight, Church approved path.

The author brought a perspective that had never considered before. Impressed!

Was expecting much of this book. The title promised a great content, but I didn't get much out of it. The chapters are brief and somehow superficial. Much more an introduction to the topic than a real book. Very disapointed.

Brilliant book! It was just as inspiring as I hoped it would be.Highly recommended to all Catholics, but especially to those who love Mary like me, and wish to learn more about her and deepen their relationship with her.