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Blog Tour: The Way by Kristen Wolf
The Way
written by Kristen Wolf
published by Crown Publishing Group
find it here: Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Goodreads
Why did I pick this book: I am participating in the blog tour for The Way through CLP Blog Tours. (I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. I read it every free chance I had. I found it to be thought provoking and an interesting way to see things and rethink familiar teachings and stories.
The characters were wonderfully written. Anna, Jesus, Peter, Ruth, Judas, Tabitha…all of them were fantastic. Peter – so confused and hurt. Judas – the conflict he must have had throughout the whole story. Ruth and Tabitha – such love and strength are found in these two women. Anna – finding her place in her world. Jesus – trying to find his place in the world. The scenery and landscaping were written such that I could see it in my mind’s eye.
There are parts of this book that I disagreed with, but I kept reminding myself that this is a work of fiction that wants the reader to ask “what if?”. This work will give people something else to think about. Even still, some parts really bothered me. I’m not going to spoil this book with this review. I was with everything up until the last 60+ pages. That is when it really struck a nerve and bothered me. Part of me wishes it didn’t go where it went. However, it fit with where the direction of the book went.
But, all-in-all, a good book. Well worth the time to read.
Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book with the caveat that you definitely need an open mind when reading The Way. Book groups will love it because it will spark debate and conversation.
Will I read it again: I will not unless it comes up as a book group selection.
About the book – from Goodreads: Anna is a fiery tomboy living in ancient Palestine whose androgynous appearance provokes ridicule from the people around her and doubt within her own heart. When tragedy strikes her family, and Anna’s father—disguising her as a boy—sells her to a band of shepherds, she is captured by a mystical and secret society of women hiding in the desert. At first Anna is tempted to escape, but she soon finds that the sisterhood’s teachings and healing abilities, wrapped in an ancient philosophy they call “The Way,” have unleashed an unexpected power within her.
When danger befalls the caves in which the sisters have made their home, Anna embarks on a hazardous mission to preserve the wisdom of her mentors by proclaiming it among ordinary people. Her daring quest and newfound destiny reveal, at last, the full truth of her identity—a shocking revelation that will spark as much controversy as it does celebration.
About the Author: Kristen Wolf, 43, is a mother and writer living in the Rocky Mountains. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Georgetown University and holds an M.A. in creative writing and film from Hollins College where she was awarded a full scholarship.
As a child, Wolf grew up in a heavily forested suburb outside New York City with her parents, a younger brother, and an ever-changing menagerie of pet animals.
Both Wolf’s parents and grandparents passed onto her an avid love and respect for nature which explains the photos of Wolf posing with an ever-widening array of pets, including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, mice, quail, two raccoons, chickens, even a squirrel that lived in her bedroom! Needless to say, hers wasn’t the average American family.
Later, Wolf’s family purchased land in upstate New York and on weekends and summers lived like a regular Swiss Family Robinson, clearing the land, building fences, barns and, eventually, raising and tending cattle, horses, pigs, goats, chickens etc. This led to a very unique life for Wolf and her brother as they lived like farmers on the weekends and students in a suburban public school during the week.
Wolf credits her unique childhood for providing her with keen powers of observation, a passion for living things, unlimited curiosity, and a strong independent streak.
As an adult, Wolf has worked primarily as filmmaker and writer.
The Way is her first novel.
Come back on Thursday for an excerpt from The Way
and a guest post by the author, Kristen Wolf!
Happy reading wherever you are and whenever you get a free chance!!!
2 Comments
by Samantha
Thanks for the review!
by The Every Free Chance Reader
No problem!