Three Days: A Mother's Story

by Melody Carlson

Being a mom is tough enough - but raising God's own Son? This novella imagines Mary's rich, complex experiences as Jesus' mother.

Genres: Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Biblical Fiction

173 pages, Hardcover

First published February 10, 2012

About the author

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

Reviews

[Josephine (Jo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fictionalised story of Mary the mother of Jesus I had expected the events of the life of Mary to be a little bit more padded out.

The story is basically exactly what we already know from what is related about Mary in the bible. The whole book is set during those three dreadful and amazing days from the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday to His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Whilst a grieving Mary waits in a room with the other Apostles and disciples she remembers the significant events that have brought them all to this dreadful time when her beloved Son has been crucified by the Romans, all the miracles and sermons. We hear of the resurrection and ascension of Our Lord and experience the joy of all His followers at the end of the book. The only departure from scripture is the naming of Mary’s siblings and also the mention of Jesus’ brothers and sisters who are given names. I believe that Mary did not have other children and it was sad that the were pictured as not very loving towards Jesus maybe even jealous and that they did not in the main believe in his divinity.

As a religious life of Mary it was a lovely book but I would have liked a little more speculation on her childhood and what happened to her after the ascension. There are numerous possibilities when writing a fictional biography, this book was very nearly factual and I already knew all of the stories from the bible. Maybe this would be a good book for those who do not know the story of Mary.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining look at the life of the mother of Jesus.

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just wasn't feeling this one. Mary's voice didn't seem quite right and it's really slow. These particular events are really interesting but you'd never know it from this book. Given what has happened when the story begins, it's understandable that Mary would be upset, but it was too much depression and basically no hope and no faith. And I get that it's from Mary's perspective, but it was too much focus on her and her feelings and essentially no focus on Jesus. Jesus is the entire reason we care about Mary and this series of events, so He needs to be central to a book like this. If you swapped out the names of those involved, this book might have been about anyone who lost a son.
There was too much inner rambling and not enough dialogue and things actually happening to hold my interest. I got to chapter 7 (I think) and planned to skim the rest, but I just wasn't interested enough to even do that.

[Anne Afshar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A contemplative book to read before Easter; from the heart of Mary, Mother of Jesus describing the despair, loss she felt as her Son was crucified and died, then the hope she experienced on the third day as He rose from the dead. Memories flash back and forth and she relates her conflicts with her family.
A good meditative read at the time of year. For my book club meeting this month.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it's difficult to remember that Jesus had a mother and half siblings, a family. And, that they had human emotions and thoughts. "A Mothers Story" brings that into reality, and makes you realize that yes, Mary was a human woman and even though Jesus is our Lord and Savior, He was also her baby, her child, and that she had mothered Him. She witnessed the horrible treatment of her son, and His murder. What could that have possibly been like for her? How would it feel if it was your very own child?
Even though we don't read this in the Bible and Mary is often forgotten, this story of how it possibly was for the mother of the Lord, has made me take another approach during my study of the Bible, remembering to feel what those who loved Jesus must have felt, what it must have been like to be in His presence, to be His mother, aunt or half sibling, even a friend and disciple, someone who was touched and healed by Him, to feel His awesome love. And then to be at the foot of His Cross....

[Donna Snelling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say, I was a little disappointed in this title. I am not sure if it is the theologian in me, the mom in me, or just how it kept bouncing everywhere. There were one or two good moments (mustard seed reference, garden reference) that were nice and a few scriptures quoted but I just did not the feel the anger of Mary losing her child and questioning why. But, I am sure everyone imagines how she felt differently. It is an ok read. Definitely different than her other books.

[Mary Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A emotional read about Mary the Mother of Jesus. I can’t imagine how she must have felt watching her Son nailed to a cross and dying.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved reading books based on Women in the Bible.

[Gina Shupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

A emotional book aboutJesus life and the women who was his mother. This was a good read.

[Sharon Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

very moving.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody Carlson weaves together a fictional account of how Jesus’ mother Mary must have felt during the course of his life.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving account of Jesus’ death and resurrection from Mary’s, his mother’s, point of view. I like that Mira and parables were woven into the story.

[Samantha Norwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book!!! I love hearing Mary’s perspective! I just love Jesus! Books like this are just fantastic!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not entirely accurate from a Catholic perspective, as we believe Mary had no other biological children.
Good for exploring the possibilities, since we have no way of knowing the absolute truth.

[Sara Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mary, did you know? This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I AM?”

Mary Did You Know – Mark Lowry

During this holiday season we often are amazed by the story of Jesus’ birth and sometimes we may even consider Mary’s role, but often we view her simply as the “virgin Mary”. The girl who was “pure” and “chosen” by God. Yet, obviously, there must be so much more to Mary, Jesus’ earthly mother. This story, wonderfully told by my favorite Christian author (Melody Carlson), details what it could’ve been like for Mary. Melody Carlson clearly states in the opening that this is not fact, but that as a mother, she could imagine what Mary must’ve went through. The story is set after the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. Yet while it deals with Mary’s mourning, it also flashes back to Jesus’ birth and his ministry here on Earth.

Mary views herself as a plain, unworthy young woman. When God’s angel comes to her with news of her pregnancy and upcoming birth, she is frightened, yet has such a strong faith in the Lord Jehovah, that she is ready for what will come. Her mother doesn’t believe her, but the angel also came to her cousin, who although past child bearing age, is pregnant as well. We, of course know, that she is pregnant with John the Baptist. The author delves into the conflicting emotions of Mary as she mantains a strong faith in the Lord. It also deals with the loss Mary experiences as her son sets out on his own to begin his ministry. She watches him from afar and when she does go to visit him, Jesus dismisses her in a way, claiming that anyone who does the will of his Father in heaven is his “mother”. Mary is hurt by these words, but later she see’s a purpose in them.

Jesus’ death leaves Mary confused and searching for a reason; why would Jehovah God let His Son die? But there is hope, and Mary rests in the comfort of Jesus’ parables and Word.

This story touched my heart and allowed me to better understand the situation Mary was in, and how her life must’ve changed. As always, Melody makes it to where you can relate so well to the character’s involved. It is beautifully written, and I highly recommend it and any of her other books!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three Days is a story told from the point of view of Mary, Mother of Jesus. The author imagines what Mary was thinking and feeling during the miraculous and ordinary days of her life. I chose this book for two reasons: 1) I remembered reading Melody Carlson's book "My Son, the Savior" and finding it powerful a year or two ago. 2) With the title "Three Days," I thought the book would mainly be about Mary's experience during the passion of Christ and his resurrection. It seemed perfect for lent! While reading this book, I often had the feeling I'd read it before. It did not focus on just three days, but went from the Annunciation to Pentecost, before and after Jesus' life on earth. Although I enjoyed reading what Mary may have been feeling and thinking, I was bothered and distracted by the emphasis on siblings of Jesus (I believe Mary gave birth only to Jesus, no others)and how those siblings did not believe Jesus was the son of God. I liked the book, but didn't think it was nearly as good as "My Son, the Savior." So imagine my surprise when, after reading the last page, I got out both books to compare and found that they are identical except for the title! I feel I've been duped! I also find it interesting that I loved the book the first time (5 stars) and found fault with it the second time (3 stars) under a different title. I guess it's proof that life's experiences really do affect how you look at things. What a difference a year makes!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

She was just a young girl- a child really. I am sure she had her hopes and dreams of what life would be like once she married her betrothed Joseph. But in an instant she was a child with an adult size problem and her life would never be quite what she had anticipated. How could she possibly convince anyone that she was pregnant and yet still a virgin? After all, only she had the benefit of being told the news by an angel. What would happen to her in a culture where she could be stoned if considered unfaithful to her husband?

Melody Carlson does a great job of taking us through the life of Mary and ultimately to the cross. She sticks to the story as we know it without adding to scripture. And it could be such a familiar story that we are tempted to blow this book off as boring, predictable, bland, or just not very exciting. But instead I think this is our opportunity to view history thru the eyes of a mother. A mother should not have to watch her son die – especially such a violent, painful death. To some He was just another criminal dying on a cross. To others, Jesus was acknowledged as their Savior. But to Mary, He was not only Lord but her first born baby boy. And thru Mary’s eyes, that makes this book a very powerful read any time of the year.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving story of how our Blessed Mother must have felt those days waiting for Jesus to rise from the dead as he had promised he would. It is hard to imagine the emotions that Mary must have felt. He was her child, at one time a little boy that she cared for and raised. He then grew into a man, who for the last three years of his life, spread the word of his Father. At times it must have been hard for her to separate the two, always knowing that she was chosen to carry and give birth to the Son of God, but him also being the boy she raised with Joseph. You can imagine how she must have felt watching her son be tortured and crucified. The confusion she must have felt wondering how God could let this happen to his Son. Reading how the Apostles and the women felt for Mary, bring about the strong faith I put in Mary and the special place she holds in my religion.

[Alsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really interesting reading about what Mary might've thought during the Gospel times of the Bible. It shows how much her life may of changed, being chosen to be the mother of the Son of God. It captures her emotions to Jesus's death and amazing resurrection quite well.
Although, the chapters tended to kinda jump around the place at different events - this was effective but confused me sometimes. It also didn't include anything on Jesus's death on the cross - just the aftermath and reaction and this was slightly disappointing.
Overall, it has really got me thinking more about the Bible and I feel I learnt a bit more as well.
I give it 4 stars.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply touching portrayal by Melody Carlson of how Mary would have acted and been thinking during the days after Jesus was crucified. The memories that Carlson develops for Mary about Jesus' growing up years were very realistic, and the mother's love and worship of her son/Lord were excellent presentations of how I feel Mary would have reacted. A wonderful read for this Easter season as Holy Week approaches.

[Kaylana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I found it an interesting perspective and made me think more of how Mary must have been feeling, I felt it lacked emotion and the real purpose of the Saviour's mission, which was His Atonement, there was no mention of it, only that he was killed. To me such a book could have been so profound, even though it is a work of fiction, but I felt that it fell short of inspiring. Also, it was hard to get past some differences in theology.

[Rose Lienau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a excellent book, specially to a mother, It tells the story of Ary mother of Jesus.Her feelings and how she copes. You even think of your own son your worries etc. I havve bought this book reread it give copies awy at Christmas .
It gives you the feeling you are present.
She did a lovely Job. Melody Carson, ACTUALLY ALL HER BOOKS ARE GOOD.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Looking for an homage to mothers everywhere, and thought this would be the perfect place to start. The fictional account of Mary, mother of Jesus.

Not a bad read, but nothing unexpected, and so much speculation. Expected a more emotional read.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a tender story with a great perspective.
Obviously no one knows exactly what Mary's role was after the resurrection of Jesus, however, this book gives great insight as to what might have been.
I enjoyed it!

[Carol Fedewa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this work of fiction telling what may have been the rest of Mary's story. It has biblically based accounts of Jesus' life and delves into a mother's heart. It is easy to read and the perfect book (other than the Bible!) to pick up to read during Holy Week.

[Denise Kruse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book could have gone terribly wrong but it didn’t. It is readable and respectful— very well done. The author takes familiar gospel stories and conveys them via an approachable and relatable Mary.

[Kay Dewitt]

Inspiring. I didn't agree with all the theology but still very mvoing

[Sue]

This would make a great play or movie.

[Vicki Krivak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The story allowed me to be better understand Mary and how her life must've changed. What it must have
been like to be Jesus's flesh and blood. I will probably read it again.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating look at Jesus' life from Mary's perspective.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect Christmas season read.