The Reed of God: A New Edition of a Spiritual Classic

A beautiful book that is worth more than a one time read. Although it could be read through, it’s worth reading and reflecting and becoming fully engaged in its message

I am recommending this book to anyone and everyone. The beauty with which she writes and the feeling and thoughts the story evokes is very powerful. I was expecting a more novel/story about Mary, but what Houselander does is offer her reflection on Mary's story and tie in what it means to be human with the call to holiness we each have. If you want a book to inspire you, this one will. If you want a story to help you grow in your faith, this one will. If you want to build a deeper connection with Mary, look no further than this book. If you want a self help/reflection/betterment book, this one has that. If I could give this 10 stars I would.

I have read many books about Mary in my attempt to understand who she must have been and to appreciate her importance. This is the first book that has helped me to understand her as the gentle poor peasant child/woman whose flesh formed the humanity of the Son. I am grateful and my spirit has been enriched.

I enjoyed every page written with the deepest most gently explanation of Mary and Jesus who they are and what it all means

This book is well worth reading. It is written well and easy to understand but very thought provoking. Miss Houselander’s writing is superb. This book will be read again and studied!

enjoyable reading

Beautiful story and eat to read

This is one i will read again. It would make an amazing bible study with a small group of women

J'ai lu ce livre en tant que Protestante. La vie de Marie m'a toujours interpellé. Ici, on décrit plutôt la vie de Marie et la vie de Christ en elle et le développement à voir le Christ dans d'autres personnes. Ecrit d'une manière très intellectuel quand même et laisse rêveur. Toujours d'actualité alors que le livre est écrit dans la vie de l'écrivaine - pendant la deuxième guerre mondiale. Fascinant et à garder dans sa bibliothèque pour relire. I read this book as a Protestant believer and was always a bit fascinated by the Virgin Mary. In this book, the author describes the life of Mary and the life of Christ within her and how we can see the life of Christ in other people. This is a very intellectual piece of work and makes one think and dream a bit. It is pretty current, even if it was written during the Second World War. Really fascinating and worth keeping on the bookshelf to read it again (and again).

I lived this book so much I’m buying it for all my friends!

Our Catholic women's group is studying this book very slowly (a few pages a week) it is poetic and thought provoking. The podcast Abiding Together did a lovely 4 week study that unpacks this book. If you are looking for a slower reading group that incorporates the lives of the Saints as intercessors in growing closer to Jesus through the living example of Mary, check out Mount Carmel Place of Prayer website. We have a Catholic women's prayer group weekly featuring this book in 2024.

This book is really good. I would be surprised that if many people haven't read it. I bought it as a perfect gift to my godparents. Faithful to the original text No edits, no missing chapters, no strange formatting. The cover and layout feel like a true spiritual classic — not cheap or print‑on‑demand. Talking about the story. Its voice feels like a soft spiritual companion speaking quietly to the heart. The imagery of nurturing and giving life deeply resonates with someone who loves children and cherishes life.

excellent