Annunciation: A Call to Faith in a Broken World

by Sally Read

Sally Read converted from atheism to Catholicism when her daughter, Flo, was only four years old, but it did not take long for the child to become aware that many friends and relatives did not share her mother's newfound faith. This consciousness of "two worlds" led to a great many doubts in Flo, and some rebellion. Two nights before her First Communion she suddenly questioned whether she should receive the Eucharist. Sensing the precarious nature of faith in an overwhelmingly secular world, Read began writing down the compelling reasons for holding on to both God and Church. Taking the Annunciation as her template, she explored common experiences of the spiritual life as she meditated on each part of the story recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Drawing on Scripture, the saints, and the lives of people she has known personally or professionally as a nurse, Read shows how God is with us always—even in suffering, spiritual dryness, and depression. Although inspired by a mother's loving response to a daughter, this book will speak to any believer engaged in the bliss and the bewilderment of a relationship with God.

Genres: Catholic, Christianity, Theology

143 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2019

Reviews

[Bice · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written book. A mother eloquently speaking to her daughter, explaining truths via the Annunciation passages in Luke. I had not yet read her Atheist to Catholic conversion story: A Night’s Bright Darkness : a Modern Conversion Story, and did not know she is a poet. That may explain why there were many many times I had to reread a passage several times because the words were so beautiful , perceptive and moving. Highly recommend especially to those Catholics who may be struggling with their faith.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful writing by Sally Read. Beautifully written to her daughter regarding the Blessed Mother and faith. I highly recommend this to everyone.

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally knocking it out of the park yet again.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, thank you Sally Read. Your writing, your thoughts, are those of a mystic and a poet. This book was written "by a mother lovingly guiding a daughter", and I think, a Catholic sister lovingly guiding other sisters on our pilgrimage through this very brief life. Sally Read just took one single aspect of our faith, The Annunciation, and created a beautiful "teaching" of why and how we believe. In the Introduction, she says "The Annunciation holds that moment of a tipping point--the invitation and the response..." This is one I will read again and again.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was close to tears several times while reading this book. Partially this was because so many of the author’s experiences mirrored my own, but also from the sheer excellence of the writing. Sally Read stands higher than most other Catholic writers/apologists in that she come from a literary background and knows how to truly use language to evoke emotion and the essence of things. It’s a book to read again and be reminded of all that is good.

[Fr. Brisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful work of love

Sally Read has written a beautiful love letter to her daughter and a wonderful testament to her own faith journey. She deftly puts on display the beauty of the Catholic faith and the deep reasons why we need to pray and frequent the Sacraments. Her prose is gorgeous, as is to be expected from an accomplished poet.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written with several good points to ponder as you make the journey in your spiritual life.

[Alain Verheij]

Interview in 'De Nieuwe Koers' mei 2021

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the messages but I didn't care for the way the book was organized or how it was written. Written as a letter to her daughter makes it not really applicable for reading by males.

[Helen Schulte-Albrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

It spoke to my soul... loved it!

[Francisco Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agog..

I am almost at a loss for words. Sally Read has written a book, firstly for her daughter, but secondly for those of us who deeply love God, Jesus, Mary and the Catholic Church who despair that our children don't lose out on that love in their lives...to give us hope. Ms. Read's writing style is beyond prose, beyond poetry, it is like a prayer. Here is an example from early in the book:

"Remember that sometimes (often) true prayer has no words; that is, always remember that words help us, not him. No thought, no demand, no petition is necessary. In reality, all demands and anxieties vanish in God. Time vanishes in God. There is no time in deepest prayer because we are pressed towards him, and sense, if we can be still enough, eternity. And whatever we may feel, he is lifting us and holding us still so that we can look into his eyes."

Holding us still...just beautiful.

Thank you Sally...

[sally meaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take the time to read

A beautiful story of a mother's love for her child and for her child to know, feel, and love the God she discovered and knows deep in her heart, soul and being.
Told through the story of the Annunciation and Mary saying "yes" to God, which I am so thankful Mary did

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brief book is a gem - beautifully written and redolent of faith. What an amazing gift from a mother to her daughter! Makes me wish I had been able to receive the gift of faith from my own mother or shared it with my child. I'm so glad I own a copy so I can turn back to it in moments of doubt or fear. Looking forward to her first book, Night's Bright Darkness.