Review of Love Letters to the Virgin Mary

[Tomy Chandrafrost]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Love Letters to the Virgin Mary" by David Richards.]

---

3 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

This book is written by someone with a military background and a strong commitment to Christ.
 
There are many great quotes from various scriptures, mostly focusing on Christianity and Judaism. The discussion about Islam isn't as extensive; it's more about how Mary is portrayed in the Quran.
 
For those who strongly believe that their religion is the only true one, this book might be challenging to accept. It highlights that Islam, Christianity, and Judaism are interconnected, influencing each other throughout history.
 
I particularly enjoyed the parts where the author shares his memoirs and how religion plays a role in his daily life. For instance, his childhood imaginary friend, whom he believed to be Jesus, the background of his family involved in wartime, and conditions in the early 19th century. Detailed stories from his past, like comics from Marvel, DC, and the mutants, were interesting. I appreciated the details of how he faced adulthood.
 
This book has an amazing, flawless, and perfect editing.
 
However, I'd give this book a 3 out of 5 due to its unclear storyline. Sometimes the timeline jumps are confusing, from stories in Spartan times related to religion to his childhood as a marine family kid, followed by the current pandemic era. 
 
The transitions are somewhat confusing. At one point, he talks about the pandemic, then he discusses the relationship between films like Superman with Jesus and Wanda Vision with Adam and Eve. Over time, in some of the last parts of the book, it seems like a religious father watching movies and connecting them to events in Christ. A more coherent timeline or clearer time transitions would be better.
 
Another drawback is that some parts seem to wander aimlessly, making it hard to follow at times. The book, despite its initial premise of comparing the three religions, focuses more on connecting Christianity with his life experiences.
 
Overall, this book is decent for those wanting to understand Christianity, enjoy stories with a wartime and military background, or are fans of memoirs.

******
Love Letters to the Virgin Mary
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Harshitha Nayak]

To be honest, This book questioned by ability to understand the themes or difference between timelines. I took lot of time to understand minimum of what's there in this book. Your critical reasoning explains exactly how this book is composed even though it had good content but failed due to division and unnecessary shift.

[Amy Luman]

It’s too bad that the book wasn’t clearer. I would have enjoyed a comparison of how the Virgin is portrayed in Christianity versus Judaism and Islam. My guess is that it is pretty much the same. Transitions are difficult for an author, but smooth ones are essential for readers. Thanks!

[Ludovica Peruzzi]

This book has been on my list ever since joining this site, but just off your review, I'm not so sure it's my cup of tea anymore. The interconnectedness of the three major religions sounds like a nice premise, but I don't want reading this book to feel like reading a sermon - and an extremely confusing one, at that. Do you think it's still worth giving it a try?

[Priya Murugesan]

I have thought of picking this book. But after reading your review, I am having second thoughts!

[Sia_young]

Books about religion has always been an interesting genre to me. Since this book interconnects three religion and also contains wartime stories, it sounds intriguing. However, the drawbacks you mentioned may affect my decision to read it. Good job on the review!

[Dana Lawrence Lohn]

I’m probably in the right target audience for this book. I’m a Catholic with a deep love for Mary. It sounds though like the wandering plot might just frustrate me! Even so, I’ll keep it in mind. Liked this review!

[_Rhea Jacob]

I am not a huge fan of religious books and I don't think I will be reading this one either though it sounds a bit interesting. Thank you for your review!

[Yashi Shukla]

As a fellow reader, I can see why you didn't find this book to be as enjoyable as I did, but I still thought it was good. I found this book fascinating, as I enjoy learning about different religions and cultures. Still, I can identify with a few of the drawbacks you mentioned about this book.

[Marie Chalupová]

I am not religious but I like the attempt at finding common ground between religions. It's shame the book is not better organised.

[Cristina-Ioana Toader]

Great review! Overall, this book is a decent read for those interested in Christianity and wartime narratives.

[Ashwini Tawade]

The author seems to believe in a connection between worldly things and religion, so he may relate many things, from childhood fascinations to adulthood happenings, to religion. His outlook is influenced by religion.

I think I would be interested in reading this book, if it's about memoirs. I like reading about real-life experiences.

I liked this review because, even with a low rating, it still makes me want to read this book. The review gives an understanding of the book. Thank you
 

[Runan]

I’m always open to seeing things from a different perspective, and this book seems to offer just that. I’m curious to find out how the author draws comparisons between different religions. I enjoyed reading both the negative and positive aspects of your review.

[Tomi Ahmed]

It sounds like "Mary" by David Richards offers a thought-provoking exploration of religion, intertwining personal memoirs with discussions on Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The author's military background and commitment to Christ shine through, enriching the narrative with deep insights and engaging anecdotes. However, it seems the book struggles with clarity in its storyline and transitions, occasionally wandering off course. Despite this, it offers valuable perspectives for readers interested in Christianity, wartime experiences, and memoirs. Thank you for sharing your insightful review!

[Elijah Reuben]

Books about catholicism are very interesting. Although I'm not a Catholic, I find this book a good one and a must read for everyone in the Catholic belief. A well-written review.