“So, what you reading, Maria Johnson?”

What happens when the Virgin Mary appears in your living room?

[Aleteia loves books but recognizes that a world busy with social media doesn’t afford many prompts to that old conversation-starter, “Read any good books lately?” So, we’re asking it in this space. Here, frequent Aleteia contributor Maria Johnson shares what she’s got on her bedside table at the moment. – Ed.]

“I’m currently reading Our Lady of the Lost and Found: A Novel of Mary, Faith and Friendship by Diane Schoemperlen,” says Maria. “It was a gift from dear friends who thought I’d enjoy the quirky concept: middle-aged writer who one day discovers the Blessed Virgin Mary in her living room, wanting to take a week off and hang around with the writer. The idea amused me and I stuck it on that ‘hopeful’ shelf — you know, the one piled high with things you intend to read. I’m sorry I didn’t get to it sooner!”

What does Maria like about the book?

“I had a few reservations about how the Blessed Mother would be treated in this book, but to be honest, I think she’s portrayed lovingly, as a friend. I wish I’d get such a visit! It does send me off on some ponderings.”