Rating: 
Summary: good novelization of the Good Book!
Review: I didn't enjoy this book as much as the book Paul by Walter Wangerin. But I did enjoy it none-the-less. The author takes many of the key stories from the Bible and re-writes it as one chronological and unified story. Not every story or person from the Bible is in the book. It is based on historical and Biblical truth, but the author personalizes it by weaving in emotions, personality, and filling in the "blanks" in some of the lives of Biblical characters. Some of his "re-tellings" stay pretty close to the Biblical account, but others are much embellished.
I think someone unfamiliar with the Bible who wanted a "story like" reading of its basic stories and themes, would find this book helpful. It might be a non-threatening way to be introduced to the Bible. (But, of course, it isn't the Bible!) People already familiar with the Bible, might find this book gives them a fresh look at many Bible characters. It might give them a re-newed interest in getting out their Bible and reading it.
Rating: 
Summary: Wangerin could have dared more
Review: "The book of God" is not, as other reviewers have stated, the Bible as a novel. What Walter Wangerin did here was to re-tell some (not all) of the central stories depicted in the Bible, to transform it in an easier and more undersandable reading. The first three quarters of "The book of God" deal with the Old Testament, from Abraham to the Prophets. I liked this part because of the simplicity in which it was written; Wangerin did a good job, telling a nice, sequential story. But there are some problems. He kept using endless streams of seemingly unrelated family names, and at times he tries to create parts with biblical poetic resemblance, and that didn't work for me. That's the main problem with this book: it's too flat, to linear, it lacks an author's desire of creating a unique book. The final chapters deal with the life of Jesus. Wangerin only writes what we know it's in the Gospels. He almost doesn't extrapolate. I thought he could have dared more, writing things somewhat different from what we read in the Gospels without diverging from the story, but he didn't. Don't get me wrong, "The book of God" is not a bad book. But it's not what I expected it to be. It's not vibrant, and at times almost dull. Grade 6.8/10
Rating: 
Summary: Comes to life!
Review: As I began reading The Book of God, Walter Wangerin began to paint pictures before my very eyes. Before I knew it I had been transported to another land and another time. My heart trembled as I stood before Pharaoh with Moses. I felt the Jerusalem sun as I stood upon the palace roof with king David. I wept for Mary Magdelene whose love and devotion for her Lord was almost heartbreaking. As a minister, I was surprised at how very moved I was from cover to cover. I found mysel holding a deeper apreciation for scripture as a result of reading this book. The Book of God contains action, adventure triumph and defeat. There is the trajedy of murder and the joy of child bearing.What must be enphasized is Mr. Wangerin's unique ability to tell his story in a way that causes you to experience in real time exactly what he is conveying to you. Because it is such an easy read, I would recomend The book of God to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: The bible made accessible for interested agnostics.
Review: Christianity and the Bible itself have had a profound impact on Western society - on our language, on our values and on our approach to life. Unfortunately, the empurpled and twisted prose of the bible often renders it impregnable to the intelligent agnostic, preventing us from focusing on its core messages and stories. Wangerin's real achievement is to turn the bible into a novel, and it rates as a rollicking good story which educates the reader along the way. I know far more about the bible's teachings than ever before, and I really enjoyed the journey.
Rating:
Summary: A rewarding and useful retelling of the Bible story
Review: Christians and non-believers who just want to better understand the history of the Bible will find this a very useful addition to the many translations and paraphrases of the Bible. The author has taken what historians know about the lives of people in Biblical times and melded it with the historical books of the Bible to bring us a fascinating look at the people of the Old and New Testaments. Unfortunately, there are some sections of the Old Testament that are skipped over and the lives of Paul and the other apostles are not explored much beyond the Day of Pentecost. But I found this to be a very insightful and educational addition to my library and one I have recommended to many other students of the Bible
Rating:
Summary: A great book for Bible neophytes!
Review: Growing up Catholic, the Bible scriptures were usually read to us and in a random fashion. For years I gave up on tackling the task of figuring out the Bible. This book provided the chronological context for the Bible in such a wonderful way, that it's caused me to want to read the Bible differently and more consistently. I also read this book while visiting the Holy Land. Interestingly, Mr. Wangerin's story brings the places and events to life just like our tour guide did. It was awesome! That's why I'm now searching for more of his books to buy. I finally understand why so many people refer to the Bible as the "greatest book ever written." As far as I'm concerned, anyone who has the talent to get Bible neophytes like me interested and eager to read the Bible should continue to take risks and do more of it! Thanks Mr. Wangerin!
Rating:
Summary: The Bible Comes to Life
Review: I am no stranger to the Bible, the original, actual Book of God!
Having read the Bible through and through, I'm familiar with the message, the stories, the principles and God's surpassing love for us. In spite of this familiarity, the impact of Wangerin's "The Book of God" has been lasting, leaving me with a desire to go back to it time and again. The beauty and strength of this lyrical work which reflects the many facets of God echoes in my soul long after I've closed the cover. I stand with Abraham under the star filled sky and my faith in God's promises is renewed. As the Biblical history unfolds, the heart of God is revealed in full color, stretching across the expanse of Wangerin's pages, even as the stars filled that sky above Abraham's tent . I have made the choice to read this work once a year, that my God may stand bigger, my Lord more real.
Rating:
Summary: First time I have been able to read the Bible,
Review: I can't seem to put this book down. I am not an overly religious person. For years I have tried unsuccessfully to read the Bible. Since I began reading this book I find myself finding reasons to sit down during the day and read some more. It seems to be in more of a story format yet holds extremely true to the Bible. I highly recommend this book if you too have been unsuccessful in reading the Bible from start to finish.
Rating:
Summary: It's worth reading.
Review: I don't know about you, but I would get confused everytime I tried to read the bible since it was not in chronilogical order. I would flip around so I could read it, but then I would come across something else I did not know about to help in understanding a situation or even a person. This book helped. It also has a bible study guide with it. I am now ordering another copy because this was a friends and I have put some wear on it. I am also recommending this to another friend so we can bible study it together. This book is time consuming but definately worth reading and investing the time in learning the bible better.
Rating:
Summary: The Book of God
Review: I enjoy reading different versions of the Bible and different teachings of Jesus. Readers will find this book flows and is an enjoyable read. People who may not have been able to make it through the traditional Bible cover to cover will be able to finish this novel. The most important thing is the message is clear, concise and provides a path to salvation. God Bless!
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