Looking for Mary: (Or, the Blessed Mother and Me)

Written by Beverly Donofrio

Narrated by Christina Moore

Entering her 40th year, Beverly Donofrio, a "lapsed Catholic," inexplicably begins collecting Virgin Mary memorabilia at yard sales. Soon, immersing herself in a spiritual quest, she makes a pilgrimage to the holy city of Medjugorje. There, she learns that Mary comes into a person's life only when pride steps out and receives a bonus: hope. In Looking for Mary, Donofrio offers the universal story about a woman who--in a quest for the Blessed Mother--finds herself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 29, 2011
• ISBN: 9781461810070

Beverly Donofrio

Beverly Donofrio is a noted memoirist best known for her bestseller Riding in Cars with Boys, which was adapted into a film of the same name, staring Drew Barrymore. Donofrio also collaborated with mob wife Rosalie Bonanno on Mafia Marriage, which was adapted into the CBS miniseries Love, Honor and Obey.

Reviews for Looking for Mary

[dolly22_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a beautifully written book which I really enjoyed, both laughing and crying along with Beverly Donofrio and her search for Mary and what this means to her. It had an enormous impact on me and really increased my knowledge and connection with my own Mary. I normally donate my books to the charity shop, I can't part with this one, it is just gorgeous and highly recommended.

[susiebookworm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An interesting read, regardless of one's views of Marian apparitions or the author's self-centeredness. The biggest flaw to me was that it seemed a bit disjointed and incomplete, but that's probably more true to the author's life and experiences than writing a more cohesive narrative. I appreciated that the author's voice seems honest -- sometimes cringingly so -- and accessible to non-Catholics or the non-devout. Yes, it's a conversion tale, but it's well-written and individual rather than falling into the tropes and cliches of many conversion narratives. It's most fascinating as a glimpse of how one woman relates to the Virgin Mary, including interaction with Marian objects and apparition sites, and uses such interactions as a mode of personal healing.

[davidpwithun_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a very beautiful and touching retelling by Beverly Donofrio of her own conversion and repentance under the guidance of the Mother of God. Although I don't always agree with Donofrio's personal opinions and she sometimes makes some rather strange statements, I enjoyed this book nonetheless. It is a powerful testimony both for the effectiveness of the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the power of a mother's love -- and how those powerful forces can change a person and a person's life permanently.

[cailin_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A couple of weeks after having finished this book I'm still impressed with it. I loved the research about Mary and also the way Beverly D'Onofrio wrote about her journey of faith. That being said, I'm afraid I can't commit to being a fan of hers. I read Riding in Cars with Boys and had to force myself to give this book a chance. In fact it took me about 5 years after I bought it to actually read it. I just don't care for her as a person - based upon what she's shared in her memoirs. I don't know if she's trying to come off as self-centered as she is but that's what turns me off. I'm off my soapbox! I did enjoy the book and it has brought me a new understanding of the devotion to the Blessed Mother and for that I'm grateful!

[libraryscat · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Another person searching for the grace of the Blessed Mother - and finding her in her own life. I enjoyed this book and found it interesting to think of the author's other book Riding in Cars with Boys - from Catholic school, to motherhood, to single parent, to seeker of full faith - very good.