A few years ago I ordered a book called the Book of God. It was basically the bible written as a novel. I really liked how the storytelling flowed easily from one storyline to another and the author’s imagination was refreshingly funny at times.
Known as a master storyteller, Walter Wangerin has written a new novel based on the Gospels. I chose to read this book during the season of Lent. I highly recommend reading this book anytime of the year, but it especially took on a life of its own as Resurrection Sunday approaches. Wangerin chooses to tell the story of Jesus through the eyes of two people close to him, Mary, his mother and John, the beloved disciple.
Have you ever wondered how Mary felt as she watched her son, the Son of God, grow into a man? Probably from the time Jesus got left behind in the temple, Mary knew her relationship with her son would change. Wangerin focuses on Mary’s emotions as she watches her son’s ministry grow. Like any mother, she is hurt by his distance, but glowing in his role among the people as a savior. Becoming a follower herself, a witness to her son’s horrible suffering and then his glorious resurrection, we can only imagine the emotional roller coaster ride. Wangerin captures it eloquently.
We get a possible look at Jesus’ life on the road and his interaction with the twelve disciples through John’s eyes. Peter is described exactly how you would percieve him – larger than life and loud. If you ever wondered about Judas Iscariot, Wangerin sublty develops the story of a young man whose eagerness for change for the present day condition of Israel drives him to do the unthinkable – betray a dear friend. While reading John’s thoughts as described by Wangerin, you get a sense of who this disciple must have been for Jesus to entrust his mother to him.
If you need a faith boost or just want to refresh yourself, I think you will find Walter Wangerin’s novel an enjoyable read. He stays true to the bible and I like how he weaves the Gospels into a smooth, but eye-opening reading experience. I have found his books to be a motivational tool to read the bible as more than just a “history” book, but God’s Living Word – with very real people!
Reviewed by Tyora Moody
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