This book is amazing! Especially as Lenten reading to deepen my knowledge and appreciation of Our Blessed Mother. So many great quotes in this book too. One of my favorites, and a great response to anyone who thinks devotion to Mary somehow takes away from devotion to Jesus (it is actually the exact opposite), "If the only charge Our Lord has against us on Judgment day is that we loved His Mother then we shall be very happy!"

This is the first book by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen I've read. There are others that I've thought about reading but never committed to it. I found this one and let me say I was absolutely blown away by it. I've seen old episodes of his television show from the 50s and 60s (I'm not so old that I was around when it was on air) so I know how he thinks and speaks-very eloquent with a flair for the dramatic (at least on TV). The book is written so anyone can understand it. He gives great examples to compare Mary and the love she had for Jesus and the world. I learned so much from this book! I think I'm going to have to reread it to get everything out of it and to pick out the great comparisons and imagery he put throughout the book. Anyone who is interested in theology, Marian theology (which is much deeper than I originally thought) and Catholic Christianity will absolutely love this book. 5 stars isn't enough to rate this book.

Always enjoy the way Fulton Sheen has of explaining things to make them understandable.

“The World’s First Love” is a collection of Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s writings on the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this book, as on his television programs, the Archbishop Sheen weaves together scripture, theology and human experience with his own unique insights. His chapters deal with Love, that begins as a dream, the relationship of love and freedom , the origins of belief in the virgin birth, Mary as compared to all mothers, the marriage of Mary and Joseph, the role of the Marriage Feast at Cana in the advancement of Jesus’ ministry and on from there.

“The World’s First Love” offers the reader guidance in the contemplation of the mystery of the Mother of God. Although it is old, it is definitely worth the time to read and meditate.

This book succeeds where others have failed!

This was the best book I have read on Mary - in that the book deepened my spirituality to the Mother of God and because Sheen so thoroughly delves into how devotion to Mary is rooted in Scripture and follows the devotion Christ had for His Mother. Sheen also writes beautifully about motherhood so that a person can better relate to Mary through her humanity. One quote I especially liked - Sheen quotes National Hawthorne - "I have always envied the Catholics that sweet, sacred Virgin Mother who stands between them and the Deity, intercepting somewhat His awful splendor, but permitting His love to stream on the worshipper more intelligibly to human comprehension through the medium of a woman's tenderness."

Woah! I don’t even know where to begin. My daughter recommended this book to me about six weeks ago and I slowly ploughing through it. It’s a deep, intellectual and spiritual read that will change the way I revere Mary, the Mother of God, for the rest of my life. Fulton Sheen introduces parts of Mary’s life and suffering I never before considered and likewise aspects of the feminine existence I never considered. This is a book I will recommend to Catholic friends and will read again myself.

So much harder to read than I thought it would be! I have seen a single excerpt of an episode of his TV show and it was so easy to follow. I figured his writing would be the same

One of my favourite books!! So much richness so much beauty and truth about the nature of man, woman, marriage, suffering, motherhood, sorrow, love. Mind-blowing. Thought-provoking. Poetic. A must-read!

I need to read this!

This is a good one to read slowly, chewing on each chapter. Lots of good insights about Jesus, the Church, and Mary.

I recently started listening to Bishop Sheen's broadcasts and was drawn to his written work. This is certainly a masterpiece. I took my time to read and digest it. Bishop Sheen isn't only one of the best public speakers of our times but he is certainly an incredible writer. This is a book that everyone should read, specially those who love and venerate Our Lady.