Maria: My Own Story

Maria: My Own Story by Maria von Trapp

203 pages 

NonFiction - Memoir

Originally published in 1972. Fast and easy read! Maria von Trapp is one of the most colorful personalities of the Twentieth Century.

This book recounts her orphaned childhood and meeting Captain von Trapp. It lightly covers her Sound of Music story (told in detail in another book) and shares her adventures afterwards... running a lodge and gift shop, missionary work in New Guinea, befriending Bob Hope's family and meeting the President (LBJ), and finally encountering the charismatic movement. Yes, she interacted with the leaders of the charismatic movement towards the end of her life! She also mentions offhandedly that she became pregnant 8 times, but suffered 5 miscarriages. Wow! So many surprises in this book.

Maria was a profoundly Catholic woman, a gifted storyteller and led an almost unbelievable life. She is extremely personable and relatable - partially due to her vulnerability in candidly sharing her mistakes and her openness in sharing her personal faith. This was an engaging and pleasant book.

Recommended For: Sound of Music fans. Memoir Lovers. People looking for a fast and engaging book. Suitable for middle school and up.