McNarie's book has done what "The Last Temptation of Christ" could not do. He has explored the human side of Jesus Christ without being profane or blasphemous. The book, which was written from the point of view of "Doubting Thomas" and based on the apochryphal book "The Gospel of St. Thomas," shows Christ through the eyes of a reluctant follower. Thomas is a former slave who chooses to call Jesus his master as a slave, not as a religious follower. His regimen is even more ascetic than that of Christ. Thomas belives it is possible that he himself is the messiah and therefore is slow to deify his chosen master. McNarie's descriptive sense is marvelous. Getting lost in his words is a delight to the senses and he uses language to appeal to all five. Reading about Jerusalem's open marketplace, one is almost ready to buy some of that roasted lamb whose aroma is wafting into the consciousness. The subject matter, the lack of sensationalism surrounding it, and the fact that the book is printed by a small publishing house (Pushcart) have effectively kept "Yeshua" from becoming a moderate seller, let alone a best-seller. It is still an incredible first effort for a young poet-novelist from Missouri who now calls Hawaii home. "Yeshua" is insightful without being insensitive, revealing without being religious, and occasionally scathing without being sacriligeous. I look forward to more novels from McNarie, and hope that he will find commercial success and thus make this novel more accessible to the larger audience it deserves.

Yeshua..is a wonderful first novel, dark and thought provoking, and finally full of hope. It transports the reader to ancient times and places...I was struck by the oddest feeling of recognition. The author treats the subject with respect and humility, without the bombast or pomposity of a religious fanatic. I highly recommend this book for the serious reader interested in the historical aspect of biblical times enhanced by the freedom of the fictional framework.

I could not put this book down! It felt as if I were there and kept my interest all the way through. You feel for each one of the "characters" and can identify with them and actually "see why they actually act the way they do or feel the way do". You get emotionally involved in this story and feel as if you know Thomas and and I actually wish this book would've had a Part 2....or it is one of those you wish would just keep on going" I highly HIGHLY recommend it....for a feel of the times in which Yeshua lived and to get an overview of his "TWIN" theory!