Monday, July 22, 2013

ARTFUL READERS CLUB 
July 26, 2013
Welcome back! July has flown by, as do all the months lately...must be part of the aging process  :)  I hope you're well and enjoying your month! I'm beginning my return from blogging haitus with another book review for Darcy's Art and Sole Blog: The Artful Readers Club.

Can you imagine a world where all religions have the same basis...a common source? Jeffrey Small's debut novel is written with this premise in mind. Believe it or not, THE BREATH OF GOD is a page turner! Similar to Dan Brown's "DaVinci Code," it's a thriller that combines religion, mystery, history, travel and current times... I found it absolutely unputdownable!!
The book spins its plot around one of the great mysteries of the Bible...the missing 18 years in the life of one Jesus of Nazareth. A mystery first "uncovered" through ancient texts found by Russian journalist, Nicholas Notovich in 1887...was discredited in later years with the evidence of his "findings," (the texts,) mysteriously vanishing.
Fast forward a century later when Grant Matthews, a graduate student, pursues the truth about Notovich's "discovery," through the Himalayan Mountain countries and  their  monasteries, unaware of the mortal dangers that await him. He travels with his love interest (who's a photographer,) to the world's greatest Islamic landmark, the most sacred Hindu city and the birthplace of Buddhism...all in an effort to understand the origins of Christianity... an understanding  that,  if brought to light, could change the face of religion and our understanding of divinity forever.
Jeffrey Small creates an exciting thriller while delving into some deep social issues. I was impressed with his ability to tackle touchy topics without attacking any one religion or faith. This is a must read for anyone who doesn't blindly follow religious doctrine, but instead studies and questions in search of a personal truth...the light inside all of us- the breath of God.


To see reviews of other books, check out Darcy's Art and Sole Blog under ARTFUL READERS CLUB.

Thanks for stopping by. I'll be talking about a recent trip back to Ethiopia where I visited with my families in their village as well as some marvelous game viewing in Kenya in the next couple of postings ...please do check back!

Big Hugs,
abbyj


12 comments:

  1. Sounds like an interesting book. I look forward to reading (and seeing pictures) about your trip.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just running by on the last day to read last months entries but I think this one is for July already...
    I'm adding this one to my list! I ♥ the Da Vinci Code!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is the first book of all the books any ARC member has offered that I have actually heard of. I haven't read it, but am aware it is based on true findings. Now I believe this is a must read for me, especially since you compare Jeffery Small to Dan Brown.

    As always, I love your art. Your depiction of prayer flags was superb. A really lovely work of art.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This book sounds absolutely fascinating! I love your review of it. It's incredible, isn't it, the power or religion and questions about belief still to create a gripping read! I loved your artwork too! Full of life! Julie Ann x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Now this sounds like my kind of book! I am ever frustrated by the number of separate religious groups and their refusal to accept that they are all from the same source, and constantly squabble like unruly siblings. Love your postcard :D XXX

    ReplyDelete
  6. This sounds like a really good book, right up my street, I must check it out. And your digi art is divine! (see what I did there??? :D), those prayer flags fluttering in the wind and that eagle soaring especially.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your enthusiasm for the book shows clearly in your interesting review, I enjoyed reading it. Decades ago (and I do mean decades) I read a book covering this type of 'one source' thesis although it was more of a PhD thesis book, most interesting and well written. IfvI can remember the name soon I'll let you know. It amazed me at the time how many concepts, like virgin birth, sacrifice, re-birth, etc, were common elements of various religions.
    Your collage is beautiful, and expressive, though I remember your artwork and photos always are lovely. Thanks for the interesting review.

    ReplyDelete
  8. not a fan of religious books, but i did like the Dan Brown -type books that came out, so I would possibly enjoy this one. Love those flags, the contrast of the bright ones in front and the muted ones behind.

    ReplyDelete
  9. As someone who can't understand how so many religious people seem to fail to notice the similarity of all religions, this book sounds rather interesting. I've read the blurb before, and put it aside after a few people told me that it is very similar to Dan Brown's work in the theme. Your review is making me wonder...

    Love the postcard!

    ReplyDelete
  10. This sounds like a most interesting book. I love your postcard, can almost hear the wind blowing the prayer sheets.

    Janet xx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lovely postcard. Interesting sounding book.
    Jen x

    ReplyDelete