Eclectic is the only way to describe my choice in reading. I love a good novel, whether it be historical or contemporary, romance or suspense, secular or Christian. You will discover this if you follow Rebecca’s Reviews for long! On Wednesdays I will be reviewing books that influenced me over the years. I would like to begin with a group of four books that I read first as a teenager and young adult. The stories that impacted me so very much and I revisit from time to time: THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD, by Fulton Oursler, THE ROBE, by Lloyd C. Douglas, THE SILVER CHALICE, by Thomas C. Costain, and THE STORY BIBLE, by Pearl S. Buck.
I do believe that God our Father is the author of the universe, the author of the beginning and end – the author of the only book we truly need: THE BIBLE. I accepted Christ into my life at the age of thirteen and though I understood the importance of reading the Bible, I admit I struggled. Then, at age sixteen, I picked up THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD, an artful blend of the first four gospels written in fictional form. It was like milk to this babe in Christ. I immersed myself in it, delighted in it and turned back to Scripture to find the facts first hand.
That same year I read THE ROBE. This powerful novel tells the story of a young Marcellus who wins the robe of Christ and seeks to understand the man who wore it. The man they crucified. A beautiful story on many levels, Douglas drops the reader immediately into the ancient world of the Roman Empire and weaves a story filled with romance, intrigue and sheer entertainment. I recommend this for believers and non-believers alike. It won’t disappoint.
My yearning for Biblical fiction led me to THE SILVER CHALICE that year I was sixteen. It is the fictional story of a young slave, Basil, whose freedom is purchased by the Apostle Luke. He is asked by Luke to create a silver chalice engraved with the prophets, to hold the cup of the Last Supper. Richly layered, this is a story that you will want to read more than once.
I first read THE STORY BIBLE in my early twenties, and delighted in Buck’s flowing presentation of both Old Testament and New Testament stories. It is a beautiful synopsis of the Bible, one that will enhance your Bible study, not replace it!
If you are a reader of Biblical fiction I highly recommend all four books. If you enjoy historical novels with hints of romance and intrigue, no matter your faith, I hope you will make room in your “must read” pile for these classics! Though writing styles have changed over the years, these are timeless novels that won’t disappoint you!
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” KJV Psalms 19:14