Carrie Gress is a Fellow at The Ethics and Public Policy Center and a Scholar at The Institute for Human Ecology at Catholic University of America. She is a prolific writer and author of several books, including The Marian Option, The Anti-Mary Exposed, and Theology of Home. She and her husband, and five children, live in Virginia. She is also the editor of the online Catholic women's magazine, TheologyofHome.com.

"The Marian Option offers a brilliant treatment on why the Virgin Mary - the mother of Jesus and our spiritual mother - must be at the heart of any Christian effort to renew society. Providing powerful historical witnesses, concrete examples, and practical cultural remedies, Carrie Gress masterfully describes how in ages past it was only through the maternal intercession of the Queen of Heaven that fervent Catholic resurgences took place, and why our modern age must learn from this and once again turn to Mary. This book is compelling and convincing!" 

-- Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, Author, Champions of the Rosary: The History and Heroes of a Spiritual Weapon

"This book is provocative in its simplicity. Looking closely at the recent conversations surrounding the so-called 'Benedict Option, ' Carrie Gress uncovers something more fundamental to living a full, Christian life: the Marian Option. The call to personal holiness - given by Christ Himself - has no better exemplar over the centuries than our own Mother, Mary. St. Benedict would agree! And so would, I strongly suspect, those attracted to the Benedict Option. Marian devotion, lived through a deep devotion to Our Lady and a life of simple holiness changes the world, because it changes us." 

-- Chris Stefanick, Reallifecatholic.com

"How can we save civilization?" It's becoming a common question. As the world descends into chaos, Christians are thinking deeply about how to stem the tide. Many options have been presented to overcome Christian persecution and cultural decadence, but the The Marian Option is one that is already in motion...and has been for centuries. 

Dr. Carrie Gress provides a thoroughly researched account of the significant cultural and military events where Mary interceded on behalf us, her children. 

With a detective's eye, Gress uncovers the fascinating details of Mary's role in major geopolitical shifts, showing how instrumental Our Mother was in: 

• Freeing Spain from Islamic occupation
• Igniting the largest mass conversion to Catholicism in history
• Leading an unassuming priest to bring down the world's most powerful empire without firing a shot
• Stomping out heresies and false teachings from the Church

Beyond the battlefield, The Marian Option also highlights the link between Marian devotion and culture, showing how the arts flourish when devotion to her is strong. 

If we want to protect our children and our faith--if we want to restore civilization to Christ--Mary is the key. Not only is she keenly interested in assisting Christians, she has the ability to do so, even in the face of the gravest odds. We just have to ask. 

The Marian Option will leave you with a new perspective on the Blessed Mother, a renewed hope in the future of the Church and the world. 

INCLUDES AN APPENDIX WITH A ROAD MAP OF PRACTICAL ADVICE AND EXAMPLES FOR EVERY CATHOLIC (INCLUDING CHILDREN) TO LIVE OUT THE MARIAN OPTION!