This was a very subjective take on the way people in different cultures have viewed the mother of Jesus. It is written from the author's theological view of the topic, so do not expect a warm, fuzzy devotional read. I think I have only thrown away two books in my life, and this was one of the two. Honestly, I did not even finish reading it. The author, though well respected by some other readers and theologians that I know, was not able to gain my confidence. Two stars is a generous rating. There may be something here for those who want to pick through the chapters to find his sources to use for other research.