Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Book Review: I Am Ruth

Some titles come along in my reviewing life that are hard to review simply because I know I will never accurately convey how much I love the book.

I am Ruth: A Story of Loss, Love & Redemption is definitely in that category.  Written by Brenda Duff, with photography by Kenneth Berg, the bottom line is: everyone ought to get this one.

I was intrigued when I first read about the book.  The publisher says:
Let the scriptural account, the breathtaking photos, and the deeper insights help you look afresh at this enduring true story of love from tragic loss.
  • View the vivid, full-color images from within Israel and near the historic locale of Ruth's life.
  • Survey the social and cultural details that come alive to enhance your understanding of this profound story of loss, faith, loyalty, and love.
  • Better understand the important biblical and genealogical connections.
One of the most beloved and enduring accounts of the Bible, Ruth's story is one of tragedy. Here is the true account of a young widow who chooses to leave the land of her birth for the unknown lands of her mother-in-law, Naomi, who is returning home bitter and angry at God for the loss of her husband and two sons.
More than just a simple love story, I Am Ruth is about courageously facing life after loss, rediscovering faith, and fearlessly placing yourself and your future in God's loving hands. This text brings to light the full humanity found in the biblical account, and makes it personal for every reader who has suffered in life's shadows longing to see God's plan.
That doesn't remotely do justice to this title.

When this book arrived in my house, I opened it up, and within about 30 seconds I knew that I absolutely loved it.  The book contains the biblical text, but I can get that from my Bible.  It also contains photographs of authentic-looking people acting out the story more or less where the events took place.

And there is plenty of descriptive text too, which drew out aspects of the story that I had never really stopped to think about.  This isn't just about the events in the book of Ruth.  There is discussion about Abraham and Lot, or about Joshua and the spies in Jericho.  All kinds of background information about customs, places, and events is presented in a very readable narrative.

The photos though, wow.  They are incredible.  You can almost feel the emotion portrayed.  It's an awful lot like watching a movie.  Well, this would be a good point for you to watch the movie trailer:




I recommend this book to everyone.



You can go see what other Moms of Master Books have to say about I Am Ruth!



There is a Book and a Treat Facebook party coming up September 24 at 9 pm EDT where you could win cool prizes including (I assume) this title, something from Every Good Gift (the Treat sponsor) among other things -- and discuss the book too. 



Disclaimer:   I received this books for free from New Leaf Publishing Group as part of the Moms of Master Books program.  No other compensation was received.  The fact that I received complimentary products does not guarantee a favorable review.

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