A Long Walk With Mary: A Personal Search for the Mother of God, by Randy Willis Schreiber, is the perfect canteen for readers whose relationship with the Mother of God is even a little dry. Schreiber offers long draughts of refreshment in each chapter, as she pairs the story of her own personal search with her findings along the way. Her intimate thoughts, queries, and learnings delightfully intertwine throughout the text, seeping slowly into the reader’s soul.
The reader is invited to accompany Schreiber on her journey over the course of a year, as she seeks to learn more about Mary, the Mother of God; while simultaneously yearning for a child of her own. and wondering how to be a good mother. Equal parts memoir, faith journey, and truths (gleaned from both Scripture and tradition), this book is easy to read, whether in small sips or in great gulps. Schreiber’s beautiful writing style soothes the reader. Her story encourages their heart, and her findings deepen their own understanding of Mary, the Mother of God.
The book consists of 15 chapters and an epilogue, followed by suggestions for additional reading and exploratory questions. (This reader recommends perusing each chapter’s questions along the way rather than all at once, at the end of the book.) Book study groups will find ample opportunities for discussion as they read and engage with this book, together.
Schreiber writes in such a way that the reader feels that they are sitting shotgun on a road trip with her, enjoying the sunshine and the scenery along the path, all the while carrying on an easy conversation about the Mother of God. Orthodox Christians (especially women) of all ages will be encouraged by Schreiber’s story and her learnings. Readers will step away from each chapter of the book feeling a little closer to the Mother of God.
A Long Walk With Mary: A Personal Search for the Mother of God is a good way for a reader to begin to quench their curiosity about the Theotokos, and to rehydrate their love for her and her Son.
Find the book (available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook – read in the author’s beautifully calming voice) here: https://store.ancientfaith.com/a-long-walk-with-mary-a-personal-search-for-the-mother-of-god/
Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts
Additional readings on this blog about the Holy Theotokos:
“On the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos (Sept. 8 or 21)”, The very first feast of the new Church year is the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos, and it is a very good place to start! After all, the birth of the Theotokos is where many of the other feasts begin.
“On the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25)”, The Feast of the Annunciation is a very important feast of the Faith. Did you ever stop and think about why that is true? Why is the Annunciation one of the twelve great feasts of the Church? Let us take a moment to think about what happened at the Annunciation, so that we can be better prepared to lead our family in celebrating this great feast.
“On the Theotokos as Mother”, ways in which mothers and all women who care for children can aspire to be like the Theotokos.
“On the Mother of God: Quotes from the Church Fathers”, We have gathered quotes from the Church fathers about the Theotokos. Many of those quoted here lived in an age closer to her earthly life than the current era. We plan to share these quotes for you to ponder throughout the (new calendar) Dormition fast. As you read each quote, may you be inspired to be as genuine, humble, and obedient as she has been.
“On the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15 or 28)”, links to resources that will help your family learn more about the Feast of the Dormition.
Orthodox Christian Parenting 