This book is part historical nonfiction, part devotional. Ann Spangler, the author, begins her book with an Introduction about what the book is about. Then she spreads her actual content in thirty chapters and 345 pages. Each chapter begins with a cover page and an applicable Bible verse which is relevant to the chapter. Some pages have notes in sidebars. Each chapter ends with The Takeaway, a set of questions meant for prayerful reflection. The author ends her book with Acknowledgements and Notes for sources consulted for each chapter.
This book is what I expected. Ann Spangler brings these characters to life. She makes it easier to relate their experiences to our lives. The questions at the end of each chapter encourage us to relate to their lives. They are from another culture and another time. And so reading about them and their experiences can be challenging. Spangler has managed to make even the worst characters seem almost sympathetic. I would like to see her write a whole book like this about the historical Jesus in the Gospels and the people around him. This is my first experience of reading Ann Spangler. This is a good read and it points the reader to Jesus. Of course, it is up to each of us, the reader, to decide what to do with these embedded lessons in each chapter.
I recommend this book for Christians at all stages of spiritual growth. It may interest those who may be interested in God or Jesus or are searching for something better than what they are experiencing in life. Those like pastors and other Christian or church leaders may find this good teaching or discussion material for Bible study groups.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange my my honest review of it. I was not required to give a favorable review of this book.
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