Mary, Teach Me to Be Your Daughter: Finding Yourself in the Blessed Mother

by Megan Madden

Our Blessed Mother has a heart filled with love for each of us. On our spiritual journeys and in our everyday lives, she lovingly desires to lead us closer to her Son. Mary, Teach Me to Be Your Finding Yourself in the Blessed Mother leads Catholic women on an intimate journey into the life of Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God, and reflects on the ten principal virtues that she possessed. With a unique view into Mary’s day-to-day life, this book not only illuminates the profound virtues that defined Mary’s character but also guides readers on a path of practical application in their own lives . Written by author Megan Madden, a devoted wife and mother with a special consecration to Our Blessed Mother, this book is a treasure of wisdom on authentic femininity, virtuous womanhood, and the ultimate goal of femininity―imitating Our Lady .
Within the pages of this book, Catholic women will
By living out Mary’s virtues with prayerfulness and peace, readers will find themselves drawn closer to the Blessed Mother and uncover new depths to their relationship with her and her Son , as they pray, “Mary, teach me to be your daughter.”

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction

149 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2023

Reviews

[Emma McCabe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was beautiful — just wished it included some more practical advice

[Annaliese Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The beauty of women is simple, it is modest, it is humble, and it is fostered by a disciplined prayer life steeped in the sacraments.”

“But holding fast and offering, surrendering, and uniting all difficulties to the cross turns all suffering into something rather beautiful. Never forget the beauty of the cross.”

[Celie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible!

[Patty Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books on being a woman!! I DID NOT want this book to end! I’m so grateful for my Mother Mary - what a woman, a role model and a fierce lover she is!! Highly recommend this book to ALL women!

[Sarah Gehres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a lot out of this book, and I appreciated how it walks through many different states/stages of a woman’s life and how she can better reflect Mary’s example. I’ll be keeping this book close.

[Lindsey Lauterwasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay honestly put off finishing the last 4 pages of this book because I didn’t want it to be over….but I am ready to read again!!! 10/10 recommend

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm rather disappointed with this book. It was described as a book that "... not only illuminates the profound virtues that defined Mary’s character but also guides readers on a path of practical application in their own lives." I am calling HOGWASH on that. But you know, sometimes books are described and marketed poorly, so let's look further.

The author herself said in the first chapter about writing this book that she was prompted to based on a conversation in a moms group about Mary where several women felt she was so perfect that they couldn't relate to her. She also said that she herself was afraid she had placed Mary "on a pedestal of perfection that was untouchable" and that she "had no real idea of how to be the intimate daughter of such a radiant and glorious mother." She then proceeds to spend most of the book putting Mary on a pedestal even higher than I had felt like she was before and advising women to basically just try harder to be that perfect!! Yes, I'm not kidding or exaggerating.

Her descriptions of Mary come in great part from her own meditations over the years, though she doesn't really indicate that and sort of leaves you to believe that she views this as fully factual (right down to the details of her finding flowers to put on the dinner table for Joseph and young Jesus). And she has some very romantic ideas and images in her mind! This romanticism extends to what she believes women are innately and should be as well. But this is all with virtually no specific ideas, suggestions, or advice for accomplishing that other than... try harder if you find you haven't achieved it yet. So now Mary is more perfect and untouchable than before, and we're given no advice on how to get closer to her other than to pray more and try harder.

Speaking of what she believes women are or should be, she mostly focuses on those who have gone into religious vocation (nuns, which she almost became) or have had biological children (mothers, which she became instead). As what feels like occasional afterthoughts or patronizing mentions, she rarely refers to those who are not wives and/or mothers (currently or ever for any reason). Such a missed opportunity to be specific in expressing how these women can find a path of spiritual motherhood she brings up here and there. Quite insensitive, but in keeping with her romantic notions of what women are or should be.

Fortunately, Mary most certainly doesn't share her romantic ideas to the exclusion of all others, and surely has a better understanding of and compassion for all of us who want to reach the level of virtue represented in her. I'm sure there are much better books to help women on this journey.

There ARE some valuable insights and interesting imagery in her writings, so I don't feel like it was a total waste of my time reading it. What I'm bothered by is that she said she was writing a book for a specific purpose and wrote the opposite instead. I'm sure it's great for women who already have a strong connection to Mary and are trying to reinforce it or explore it differently. But if you are trying to cultivate that connection, this is not the place to start.

[Lauren Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Humility is so often thought to mean a meekness that is self-deprecating. But in fact, it is to know who one is and who one is not.”

“To receive God’s mercy - something that seems so easy but is lost in the temptation of scruples, the impatience in the journey of perfection, and the difficult pursuit of self-knowledge.”

“She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her.”

[Kate Frantz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made it about halfway through before deciding to set it aside because I wasn’t connecting with it as I’d hoped. Based on the title, I expected more emphasis on what it means to be Mary’s daughter, but much of the content felt more like guidance on becoming a mother like Mary.

Many sections read as the author’s meditative reflections on Mary’s life, but they were presented in a way that sometimes felt almost factual, which made me pause. I also found the organization and some of the subtitles a bit difficult to follow.

The chapter on discernment, for example, seemed to focus mainly on seeking direction from a superior—such as a husband—which is certainly one valuable approach, but I was hoping for a broader perspective. The example given about a husband making a grocery list and asking his wife to shop didn’t resonate with me as a central teaching on discernment.

I also struggled with a line suggesting that widows might “contemplate the end of their futures,” which came across to me as assuming widows are older or nearing the end of life. I would have appreciated more attention to the diversity of experiences among non-married women.

That said, I did find the chapter on humility thoughtful and appreciated the author’s sincere devotion to Mary, which is clear throughout the book. Even though it wasn’t the right fit for me, I can see how others may find it helpful.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

While there were some things about this book I struggled with, I really liked the “how might we grow” parts. However, the reason I gave it 5 stars is because of the parable at the end of the book. It was so beautiful and profound. It is something that can be pondered upon for days and weeks. It is a parable that I feel I could come back to for years and it would be just as relevant and reflecting as it was the first time I read it. If I had started with the parable then it would have been just a nice story. Having gone through the journey of how to be Mary’s daughter, the parable was the perfect ending. I cannot seem to leave this book now.

[Olga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mother Mary, Teach Me How to Be Your Daughter is a gentle, heartfelt guide for those longing to deepen their relationship with the Blessed Mother. Through personal reflection, prayer, and accessible spiritual wisdom, the book invites readers to see Mary not as a distant icon but as a tender, guiding presence, a true mother in every sense. It’s warm, nurturing, and powerful, offering encouragement for anyone seeking to grow in trust, humility, and love. A beautiful companion for both daily devotion and moments of soul-searching. I loved the addition of journaling prompts to go with each chapter.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 73 of 2023 — Mary, Teach Me To Be Your Daughter by Megan Madden

“Every woman must bear with others patiently” (95).

For all of us who struggle with the feelings we aren’t good enough, this book is for you. I really enjoyed Ms. Madden’s beautiful descriptions of how we can draw closer to Jesus through his mother.

I struggle with spiritual dryness and the feeling that I’m not doing enough. A reminder that it’s not about perfection, but desire. Each day I desire to be a little better and if I’m not, nunc coepi!

5⭐️/5

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can tell there is certainly Divine Intervention that went into the writing of this book. Absolutely beautiful wording that perfectly depicts Mary, her roles, and her story. While there isnt any direct advice on how to be a daughter of Mary, getting to know her through these perfect words has most definitely helped me understand her better. Which in turn has taught me how to emulate her perfect ways so I can too become who God created me to be.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with a group of moms from our parish. I gained more from the group than the book. So I guess the book was a good starting point for us to talk. But it was these ladies and the sharing of our thoughts and feelings and lives that really touched most of us.

[Lucie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a catholic, yet this book is really transformative and touch the heart. So many good reflections on Mary and how to live your life as a daughter of Christ through the difficulties and blessings of life.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ 5 stars

A beautiful book reminding us about just how much Mother Mary loves us. ❤️

[Jennie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hate the message. Took me forever to get through it and the only reason I finished it is because I asked for it for Christmas.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall good advice in the book. Some chapters are not as interesting. I would recommend

[Michaela Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second time reading this book and I got even more from it this time! This book takes you through Mary's life like introducing you to a new friend. It shows you all of Mary's struggles and virtues while showing you how to grow. Just like we learn from watching our earthly mother's we can learn to be Mary's daughter by watching her life's story unfold and working to have the same virtues.

[Danielle King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 5 🌟 spiritually enriching read. A beautiful contemplative book, which I will read again and again. Read it! Megan writes from a Catholic perspective, but I would also recommend this book to other Christian denominations to gain a greater understand of Mary and the Catholic beliefs on the veneration of Our Lady.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled to read this and even more to finish it. I love Our Lady so it’s not the subject. The author seemed to speak on a theoretical level and not from her heartfelt experience. And if she was it didn’t resonate with me. It often felt preachy.