Reviews

The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

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megn317's review against another edition

4.0

I loved this fictitious portrayal of what Jesus’ wife would be like. I have often wondered about the women in Jesus’ time and don’t love that in those years their stories have been lost or never told. Sometimes I think our view of Jesus as a man would be different if we knew their side of the story…so this was an interesting read. I’ll admit that some parts dragged on and prevented me from giving it 5 stars but it was a good story.

carlsnan's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I had a hard time getting into the book. I’m sure it’s just me right now. My interest increased dramatically for the last 200 or so pages.

lissir's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This had a slow start for me, however I quickly grew to resonate with the main character. My inner history and religious studies nerd was re-awakened too.

I suspect the character of Ana will speak to many women who have been or are still active in a Christian religious practice. Particularly an environment that places women in a tight box of guidelines and morals they should follow, even if boxes exist to keep women in line versus in touch with their own being and callings.

This is a story of following your calling and being true to yourself. A story of friendship and trust. A story of honoring the calling of those you love. Finally, a story of bearing witness and ensuring all stories have a voice.

raycheeze's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

fiction jesus had me feeling some kinda way

jinglehui's review against another edition

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5.0

And despite all that Jesus had just said, all his prevarication and provisos, the most curious feeling came over me, that I was always meant to arrive at this moment. I said, "I will have you."

It's always a marvel when one's pain doesn't settle into bitterness, but brings forth kindness instead.

He heard the quake that lived at my center, and he didn't seek to silence it.

I'd held the world too close and it had slipped from my arms

When I tell you all shall be well, I don't mean that life won't bring you tragedy. Life will be life. I only mean you will be well in spite of it. All shall be well, no matter what

allibug26's review against another edition

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5.0

What an absolutely beautiful, strong, empowering, bold story. There is such a freedom in seeing more of Jesus’ humanity and his journey to ministry. I delighted in Ana’s story- her strength, resilience, her passion for writing. It was so interesting to imagine the life Jesus had before he started his ministry and to see how Ana’s life unfolded as well. As someone who was raised in Christianity and has also deconstructed and changed much of my faith, it was so captivating and encouraging to view Jesus through this story.