Mary Magdalene: The Modern Guide to the Bible's Most Mysterious and Misunderstood Woman

As an avid Magdalene follower with too many books on the subject to count, I was very impressed by this little handbook from Ms. Lester. Not only does she give the MOST balanced perspective of all views of Mary Magdalene, but she does it in such a splendid, easily readable way. She presents Mary in light of her Catholic and Gnostic following, as well as from a feminist approach, along with many other lesser-known ways that she is regarded. Ms. Lester also included here devotional ideas and prayers...some of the best I've seen so far (although there are scarce few available; this book fills a void). This is a book I will turn to again and again in my personal journey on the Magdalene path. The ONLY thing that was glaringly missing from the book was a specific devotional for Mary's feast day, July 22nd. But with all the other delightful and informative guidance given here, one hardly misses it. In fact, I felt completely immersed in "the Magdalene attitude"...something I had yet to really feel with any other book. Bravo, Ms. Lester!

Of the plethora of books available today on the subject of Mary Magdalene, this one is, in my opinion, one of the best. In her approach to the subject, author Meera Lester provides a balance view of Mary Magdalene using as source material the New Testament Gospels, the Gnostic materials, legend, and oral traditions. Replete with prayers and ways to venerate the saint, this little book could serve as a handy reference book or devotional manual for modern women interested in Mary Magdalene as a spiritual role model. The author suggests that this saint is as relevant today as she was more than 2,000 years ago. My thumb is up for this one. Louisa P.--Richmond, CA