by Alfred McBride
The first part of this book provides daily readings for Advent, focused on Mary's relationship with Jesus in his childhood. The second and third parts focus on Mary's relationship with Jesus during his public ministry and Mary during Christ's Passion, death and resurrection. The latter two parts would be appropriate at any time of the year. I think they might be nice to read during Lent as a complement to the Advent readings, though there would not be enough readings for one each day.
Overall, this is a nice little book. The quote, refection, question, and prayer provided for each day are quite short. The Bible passages recommended would flesh out the daily reading well. Sometimes the reflections didn't flow very well, but perhaps that was just the author's style. I thought most of the questions were quite good as well, especially if the reader was willing to be honest.
I was disappointed in the references. (I know, I'm odd; I almost always check the end notes in a book.) It seemed like the majority of the references are webpages (even for poetry or hymns in the public domain) or McBride's other books (at least once for an encyclical). There was nothing inaccurate with the references; it just seems like they were rushed or something. It made me wonder how much of the ideas in the reflections might also appear in other of McBride's books, none of which I have read.
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Holding Jesus. The Catholic Company is the best resource for gifts for every Sacrament celebration, such as First Communion gifts and Baptism gifts, as well as a great selection of limited-time Year of Faith gifts and resources.
