I was intrigued by the cover of this book right from the start and was delighted to be chosen to review Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer by Peggy Consolver - Author.
Before reading a new book, I like to study a little bit about the author.
Peggy Consolver is not only an author. She is a wife, mother, and teacher of God's Word. She enjoys instructing others how to dig deeper into the Bible. Her experience from visiting lands mentioned in the Bible and being involved in an archeological dig gives her the knowledge she needed to help us visualize the setting of this book. She isn't just describing an area that she has never visited. The little details make the book come to life.
The story is about a young shepherd boy from Gibeon named Keshub whose family are potters. It is set back in the days when the Hebrews were just coming out of the wilderness and beginning to conquer the lands that God had given to them. The family of Keshub fears that their land is next and begin spying on the Hebrews. They believe they need to find a way for their land and family to be spared.
While this book is fiction, there is history weaved throughout it. We see Biblical stories shine through as we read the adventures of Keshub's family and friends. I enjoyed seeing the faith that grew in the "Star Namer". This is the name they gave to the God of the Hebrews. This family saw the many ways He was helping the Israelites, and were amazed. They had heard many stories passed down from their ancestors and thought the God they were hearing about, may be the very one from these accounts.
If you love to read the Old Testament, you will enjoy this book. It takes you on an adventure that is unlike any I have read before. Peggy's writing is so detailed. You feel like you are right there. I can't really describe how well she brings you into a period of history that is rarely illustrated in this way. I love books that capture your imagination and explain scenes in vivid details that you can easily picture in your mind.
In my opinion, this book is best suited for high school students and adults. It is 375 pages and requires a high level of comprehension. In the back of the book, there is a group of discussion questions that can be used for personal use or for a small group. These questions allow you to internalize the lessons found in the book. You can compare what Keshub went through to what you go through today.
The book also has a companion study guide called Digging Deeper Into HIStory. Along with the study guide, Peggy has listed a few wonderful research links and maps of sites where the book took place. These links are very informative and I suggest you take a few moments to look them over as you consider buying this book.
If you would like more information about this wonderful book you can go to their Facebook page, Peggy Consolver or visit their website Digging Deeper with Peggy. We also have some more great reviews for you to read over on the Homeschool Review Crew site.
Have a blessed day!
The details she brought out where just marvellous weren't they? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the time and effort you invested in reading and reviewing my book. I pray many will be blessed by reading it and will be motivated to read the scriptures themselves.
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