Agnes' Gift


Book Review
AGNES' GIFT
A HEARTWARMING STORY ABOUT THE POWER OF THE ROSARY
By Kristelle Angelli



Since we are now entering the month of May, which is the month of our Blessed Mother Mary, I was looking for a book that would be somewhat appropriate to honor her.  The rosary of course was the first thing that came to my mind.  I didn’t want a “How To” book on the rosary, there are so many.  The book that got my attention was “Agnes’ Gift” a story about a young girl trying to make sense of the events going on in her life.  Her story is not so much about how to pray the rosary, it is more about how the power of praying the rosary can be a strength for all of us.

About the Author:
Kristelle Angelli has worked in young adult ministry since 2000. She is currently the Catholic Campus Minister at Emerson College, Boston, and Framingham State University. Kristelle holds a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from St. John's Seminary, Brighton, MA, and a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism from St. Michael's College, Winooski, VT.

When she is not working, Kristelle enjoys Taekwon-do, or can be found kayaking or snowshoeing near her home in Andover, MA.

Book Summary:
The story is about a young girl’s journey into rediscovering (or perhaps for the first time) what it can mean to pray the rosary.  Jenna is a young girl whose life is less than what we might consider to be perfect.  She is facing challenges in her life, the divorce of her parents, moving into a new school and more.  The setting is Christmas Eve and Jenna is hesitant to open a gift that her friend Agnes has left her.  She is then greeted by her guardian angel who explains that they will be going on a journey.  Her angel places a hand on her shoulder, she closes her eyes and in an instant Jenna is present in the moment of the first Joyful Mystery, the Annunciation.  Along the way visiting each Mystery, Jenna will experience emotions that will impact her in a way she didn’t expect.

Kristelle has a simple way of writing.  Her description of the guardian angel and Jenna’s acceptance of what she is experiencing is something that the reader can easily follow.  Perhaps even give the reader a new way of experiencing and praying the rosary.

Sharing my thoughts:
Have you ever read a book where the topic is something that you feel comfortable with?  Where the story feels familiar in some small way, that when you are finished, you want to read it again?  Read again just in case there was something you may have missed or want to remember?  That is what this story did for me.
As I was reading, I would image being Jenna and the gift she was given of actually seeing and being able to speak with her guardian angel.  How awesome would that be! 

The gentle way her angel described each mystery was very reassuring for me.  Just reading the way the angel would guide and explain to Jenna each moment in history, which is really what the mysteries of the rosary are, gave me pause.   Can you imagine actually being present when the angel Gabriel told Mary of God’s plan?  Of being there to witness the wedding at Cana and seeing Jesus having a good time?  Or being in the upper room at the Last Supper before Jesus was arrested?

Personally, what I felt while reading this story, is that I need to take more time when I pray the rosary.  To pray each mystery and focus on what it would have been like to witness it all in person.  To see how each mystery might help me relate to and get through what is going on in my life today.  Obviously I can’t go back in time, but I can imagine….and be thankful that Mary said ‘yes” and that Jesus loves me so.

I found it interesting that when I did mention the title to a few people, their reaction was pretty much the same.  “Oh, I’ve heard of that book” (with a smile on their face).  When I asked if they had read it, the answer was “Well no, but I heard it was good!”  I would recommend “Agnes’ Gift” as a story for all ages, especially young teens who might relate to some of Jenna’s questions.  This is a good, easy read.

Once again, these are my thoughts that I share and appreciate you taking the time to read.  You of course will have your own special connection if you choose to read this book. 

I would like to finish with a prayer for you: that you feel the presence of your guardian angel by your side, that our Blessed Mother will comfort you in the days ahead, and that our Lord Jesus Christ keeps you safe and healthy.  Amen

God bless you all,

 

Gloria Wheeler 
(Glory Bee)

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