The Life of the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos

Rating:
Summary: Insightful and beautifully written
Review: If you are wondering who Mary really is and why she is referred to with so much reverence in the Eastern Churches, then this book is for you. This book is very detailed and well written in plain english. The book explores the known history of the Theotokos (and her parents Joachim and Anna), and cites numerous hymns, quotes, and passages about her life from the early fathers. It amazes me that so much IS known that is beyond the scope of the New Testament.
There isn't any "politic-ing" in this book. It presents the facts in a historical manner and teaches the reader about the unique life of the Virgin Mary and how, despite being totally human, she became known as the Theotokos and the truly amazing implications of such a title.
This book is worth every penny.

Rating:
Summary: Exhaustive (and Excellent!) Study of the Theotokos
Review: This book is an excellent study of the Mother of God! Although I am a seven-year convert to Orthodoxy, I still had a difficult time developing a relationship with her because I didn't feel that I knew her very well. This book really helped me to understand her on a much deeper level, to appreciate who she is, and to discover why she is to be honored (but not worshiped, which is for God alone) among Christians.

The book details her entire life within Holy Tradition, and presents the reader with the fullness of the Orthodox teaching on her through beautiful Orthodox hymnography, as well as commentaries from the Holy Fathers about her. The icons included are beautiful (but unfortunately, in black and white and not color) and instructive. Although the book is the Orthodox teaching on the Mother of God, it can be a wonderful resource for anyone that wants to know more about her and wants to enter into a closer relationship with her. I think it covers every aspect of her life, and is a tremendous resource.