Book Review: The Rosary — A Path Into Prayer

The Rosary: A Path Into Prayer by Liz Kelly is a lovely book that has taught me more about the Rosary than almost 30 years of being a cradle Catholic. More than a ‘how-to’, this book is also an excellent defense of the Rosary and “praying to Mary”. Kelly not only talks about the prayers and why they are particularly useful and pleasing to God, but how the Rosary is actually a meditation of God’s life (via the Mysteries). She also briefly covers the history, as well as touching on the question of why to pray a Rosary and indeed, why pray for Mary’s intercession at all. The last several chapters include meditations on all the mysteries (including the Luminous) and other devotions for which a Rosary can be used.

I loved this book, because as a mom, I often feel overwhelmed. The perfectionist in me (the devil?) tells me not to bother. I will be interrupted, I won’t be able to concentrate, I will lose my place. Kelly puts my fears to rest, stating that prayer in itself, however imperfect it may be, is a blessed act. Her detailed and loving history, anticdotes, and insight have made me fall in love with the Rosary like never before.

I highly recommend this book to any Christian looking to deepen their prayer life and especially to any Catholic.

This book was provided for review by the folks at Loyola Press.