The Bronze Bow

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I thought The Bronze Bow was a great book! It might take a few pages to get into the story and writing, but after that, I could not put it down! I stayed up late one night because I kept wanting to read 'just one more chapter' and see what was going to happen next.

The book was very historically accurate, and I could picture everything in my mind as I was reading. The characters are fantastic; all unique and 3-dimensional, instead of the cardboard stereotypes that often pop up in historical fiction. The author also vividly caught the emotion and spirit of the times. You could feel Daniel's burning hatred of the Romans, as well as his struggle to treat his sister gently, so different from the rough way he was used to from living on the mountain. His varying--and sometimes grudging--forms of friendship with Joel, Thacia, Simon, Samson, were all as interesting to read about as the exciting adventures of the band of young Zealots. I also thought that Jesus was protrayed very realistically and accurately.

I'd say that this book is well worth reading, especially for the wonderful, hopeful ending.

Rating:
Summary: Elizabeth George Speare Amazing as Usual!
Review: Elizabeth George Speare only wrote four books that I'm aware of, and all but one were awarded a Newbery Award. (And the one that did not win an award, "Calico Captive," is one of my favorite books of all time!) Ms. Speare was quite simply a fantastic writer of historical fiction. Her books are written in a style suitable for young readers, but anybody who loves historical fiction will love her work regardless of age! It's such a shame that she did not write more books.

I admit that I had my reservations about "The Bronze Bow," since its setting in 1st century Judea seemed incongrous with Ms. Speare's other books which are all set in colonial New England. Also, although I'm a practicing Catholic, I was not keen on reading a fictional book with Jesus as a character fearing some very dry, preachy version of the most famous man in history would ruin the believability of the story. But my reservations were completly unfounded. Ms. Speare describes life in Roman occupied Judea with the same wonderful detail as she did colonial America. She ably describes the political/historical situation with great skill while weaving it into her fictional story of a young man deciding which path he will choose in life.

Daniel, the protagonist, is as three dimensional and believable as Kit Tyler in "The Witch of Blackbird Pond." In fact, all the characters are memorably brought to life especially Daniel's emotionally devastated, younger sister, Leah. However, the major surprise is Ms. Speare's portrayal of Jesus of Nazareth- what a wonderful depiction of that itinerate preacher. Jesus is a supporting but crucial character in the narrative, but Ms. Speare does not use him to preach to the reader. Instead, the reader, like Daniel, is left to decide who Jesus is- just a kind-hearted teacher? A miracle worker? Someone unwilling to take sides? The messiah? Daniel is puzzled by these questions because the Jesus he sees is just a human being and not a resurrected savior in glowing robes.

"The Bronze Bow" is arguably Ms. Speare's strongest novel, and that says alot considering her other work. It's historical fiction at its finest, and anyone who passes on it because of fears of it being "too religious" or "too preachy" are doing themselves a disservice. A great work of fiction is a great work fiction regardless if one of the characters happens to be Jesus of Nazareth.

Rating:
Summary: The Bronze Bow
Review: I read a book called The Bronze Bow. It was a really good book. It is set when the Romans were ruling Isreal. It is about a boy named Danial. His parents were killed by the Romans. He ran away from home and found a person who is trying to build up and army to drive the Romans out of Isreal. Danial joins that group and lives up in the mountains with that group until one of his friends from school comes up on the mountain. He leaves to go to his grandmother and sister's house. He sees all of his friends (including Joel who went up on the montain at first)and sees his grandwother and sister. They have very little money and are in very bad shape. After a while he goes back into the mountain because he does not want to live in his grandmothers old bad house. After a while he gets a note saying that his grandmother is dying so he goes back to see his grandmother. He stays there for a bit and then his grandmother dies. His friend leaves and bestows his house and his job to Danial. Then Joel moves but not very far away. Danial and Joel start up a little army of kids to help Rosh. Then Danial and Joel see Jesus. Joel gets captured and Danial goes to Rosh for help but Rosh won't help because he doesn't think Joel is important.

Rating:
Summary: I liked this book alot
Review: I was assigned to read this is in 6th grade and was assigned again this year. I was immediately sucked into the story of headstrong Daniel, scholarly Joel, kind Thacia and fearful Leah. Daniel's thoughts and personality are described so convincingly and desriptively that even in his most foolish moments you find yourself pitying and understanding him. The story takes place around 31 A.D., while Jesus is preaching. A boy sworn to war and vengence finds himself drawn to the gentle teacher and soon reluctantly becomes the lone provider for his sister, Leah. She hasn't left the house in the last ten years and screams and cowers at the sight of neighbors. This story is excellent, it has adventure, action, betrayal, friendship,and even some faint hints of romance. If you haven't read this book, read it!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent read for kids or adults
Review: I first read this book when I was in grade school, after reading and loving The Witch of Blackbird Pond by the same author, and it is still one of my favorites! The story of Daniel's struggle between his hatred of the Romans for what they did to his family and his attraction to Jesus and his teachings of love is beautifully told. The struggle is not an easy one; it is not obvious which side is going to win. Characters in this book are interesting and alive. A very engaging story.

Rating:
Summary: The Bronze Bow
Review: Adventure, bloodshed, romance, love, and religion. The Award winning novel, The Bronze Bow, by Elizabeth George Speare, combines all of these components. The story, which is set in Galilee in the year 31 A.D., tells of a boy named Daniel who is caught between fighting the Romans, whom he hates, and following the teaching of love from Jesus. Daniel is forced to choose and his decision will affect the rest of his life. The combination of historical accounts, biblical accounts, and the author's diction, creates a vivid picture, and a new mystery is unfolded with each turning of the page.

Rating:
Summary: A 6th Grade Review of the Bronze Bow
Review: In The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George, a Newbery book, a young boy named Danniel is in a town conquered by Romans. He is in a group of people who are trying to build an army strong enough to drive the Romans out of Israel. He is on a mountain with a bunch of bandits when he meets two village children named Joel and Thace who become good friends.
He asks them to tell a man named Simon to come up to the mountain. When Simon comes he takes Danniel to church to see someone named Jesus who is a preacher. Eventually the children start a band of rebels. As the teacher Jesus becomes popular Simon joins him. Danniel meets Jesus a couple of times and Jesus says that only if he worships God will he be rid of the Romans.
As Danniel struggles to do what's right his sister falls ill. Thace finds Jesus and brings him to Danniel's house. Jesus heels Danniel's sister Leah. When Jesus heels Leah it convinces Danniel that hate is not the way to live. This relates to my theme of survival because of Danniel trying to survive in the Roman Empire.

Rating:
Summary: "Would You Love For Me To The End?"
Review: This was Jesus' gentle challenge to Daniel's outburst, "I will fight for you to the end!" By these words, Daniel realized that Jesus was not at all the person Daniel wanted Him to be. He was, as Daniel discovered later, Someone better than he ever hoped for.

In a very real sense, the Preacher turned Daniel's world upside down. Brimming with anger and burdened by responsibility, Daniel was looking for a messiah who would rid Israel of the Romans by whatever means and whatever cost. But, as he and his friends slowly learn, there's more to freedom than defeating your conquerors. Freedom also entailed letting go of the chains of hate, anger and pride that would devour you and leave you hollow if you let them.

I love The Bronze Bow for many, many reasons. I like the fact that Daniel's change of heart didn't happen overnight. It was like Daniel was beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel, but it was such an unexpected light that he felt he would rather stay in the tunnel. And this is true for a lot of us today. In a world of uncertainty, we would rather be scoffers than believers. We would rather dwell in despair than hold on to hope. Because belief is too risky, and hope all too easily dashed.

And this, I think, is what I love most about The Bronze Bow. It shows that following Jesus is an act of courage. Being His disciple would mean leaving the security of the world behind; it would mean turning your back on what you thought you knew and believing what you don't understand very well; it would mean taking up your own cross without knowing if you could carry it to the end.

Not a lot of people are this brave. Daniel was. And in the end, as he learned to let go of his anger and hate, love started to take root in his heart that was once stone. And he realized that his world was still beautiful, and life still worth living.

Rating:
Summary: A recommended book for homeschoolers....
Review: We included this title for our 6th grade son's home school reading for the ancient history time period. You can read from other reviews what the book is about. My review is targeted for those using the book for education vs. entertainment.

The book is an entertaining read. It held my attention and I have read so many books that a novel must be well-written for me to enjoy it. The flavor of the book reminded me a bit of Louis L'Amour's "The Walking Drum" - which was one of my favorite easy-read's for a long time.

The book does a good job showing the character development of it's principle character. He goes from being selfish to being responsible for others. We see him change as he really opens his eyes to the world & people around him.

One aspect I like about the book is that the author lets you "live" in the character's shoes. Kids will relate to the idealism, daring & comradery. As the main character grows emotionally & spiritually, we begin to see that life is much more dangerous, complex & frightening than a youth might appreciate. Your friends are not always your true friends and those who irritate you might be your salvation.

The book has a strong element of Christianity which will appeal to those who are of that faith. Christ plays a somewhat significant role in the book. While I didn't nec. agree with the description of "the piercing eyes" and all that jazz..the book was able to portray that "God's ways are not our ways" and "God's thoughts are not our thoughts." In the end, the young man is able to let go of his hatred & live for the first time in his life at peace with God & man.

I do recommend the book for it's readability & lessons, however I have it a 4 instead of a 5 because it is not heavy on history, not even as much as a Louis L'Amour novel is...or GA Henty.

Hope this helps

Rating:
Summary: The Bronze Bow
Review: After witnessing your father's death what would you do? This is the story of a boy who wants to avenge his father's death. He lives in Israel under roman rule and hates every single roman solider. He joins a band of Zealots that live on the mountain with their fearless leader Rosh. On the other side Jesus is teaching people another lesson of peace and love. Which path will Daniel choose the road of peace or to live by the sword?

In this book you will go through the cities of ancient Israel and the high mountains of Ketzah. You can feel the mountain breeze, taste the stolen food, and see the village down far below. You will be in the heart of every skirmish that Daniel encounters with the Romans. This book expresses the true hatred that one boy has toward the whole roman empire.

I loved this book when I read it I really enjoyed the style and setting. If you like a biblical setting than you will really enjoy this book. Even if you don't enjoy a biblical like me I still thought that it was a great book. I would recommend this book to anywhere from 11 to 16. On a 1 to 5 I would give this book a 5 out of 5. I thought that this book was great and if you read it I hope you do too.

-Alex Robinette