Mary at the Foot of the Cross: A Retreat to John Paul II and the Papal Household Book

I would give this book 4.5 stars if I had the option. The first half of the book is moderately interesting but tends to self promotion of Vanauken’s lesser known works that haven’t the depth of A Severe Mercy and this book. I did find many parallels between his experience of the racial tensions and anti war movements in the 60’s and what is going on today in the United States which was quite interesting.

The second half of the book was absolutely superb. His chapter on feminism is a must read. The last two chapters in the book I found incredible. Crossing the English Channel is such a powerful case for Catholicism.

If you read this book, and I think everyone should, you should first read A Severe Mercy (also one of my favourite books) and then slug through the first half of this book. The second half is worth it.