A beautiful meditation upon the everyday details and context of first-century Palestine that adds adjectives and adverbs to the Gospels' action and dialogue. A thoughtful and thought-provoking piece that is faithful to what is written in the Scriptures, and celebrates the gift of imagination, as well. Bravo!

Virginia Owens is not only a knowledgeable Bibical scholar, but an entertaining writer, as well. Not only did she adress my miriad doubts and questions about Jesus and the Bible, but she actually made sense of seemingly nonsensical parables. By explaining the sociology of the era and the reasons for the choices Jesus made, she brought understanding and enlightenment to my weary soul. Her practical and lighthearted style make this an easy and irresistible read. I wholeheartedly recommend the book, especially for those whose concept of Jesus has outgrown a childlish belief.

This book could easily be read as a daily devotional, each chapter being short in words, but full of thought-provoking material. This book helps one push pass the stereotypical and well-known portrayals of Jesus and takes the reader to a level with Christ that far too few Christian writers have been able to accomplish.

I have read numerous books about Jesus Christ and this book brought to life once again my intrigue and passion for him. More than a historical review, each chapter looks at cultural, social, and spiritual meanings often overlooked in the Gospels. For those really Looking for Jesus, especially those who have already met him, but would like to know him, this book is a must read.

I PICKED UP THE STUDY GUIDE BY CHANCE AND THOUGHT IT LOOKED INTERESTING. THAT'S AN UNDERSTATEMENT! SINCE I'VE HAD THIS I HAVE BEEN IN A MAD SEARCH FOR THE BOOK. THE FIRST EXERPT IS ABOUT MARY THE MOTHER OF JESUS, IT LITERALLY GRABBED MY HEART I NEVER THOUGHT OF MARY WITH SUCH HUMAN EMOTIONS. YES, SHE IS THE MOTHER OF JESUS BUT MY YOUNG MIND COULDN'T GRASP THAT SHE HADE THE SAME THOUGHTS AS ME! SINCE THEN I HAVN'T PUT THE BOOK DOWN. I'M ALMOST FINISHED WITH STUDY GUIDE BUT I WILL PROBABLY READ IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN. PRAISE BE TO GOD FOR THIS AUTHOR'S UNIGUE SENCE OF RELAYING GOD'S MESSEGE THAT WE ARE NOT ALONE. MANY WOMEN HAVE BEEN WERE WE ARE TODAY. WHAT HOPE WE HAVE IN THE PROMISES OF GOD. I PRAY THAT EVERYONE WHO READS THIS BOOK IS TOUCHED THE WAY I HAVE BEEN.

THANK YOU , LORI GARBARINO

Used to books about Biblical characters, and especially those about Biblical women, being exercises in undisciplined and often anachronistic reading in of filler to what are usually Biblical accounts of sparse detail, I found myself again and again amazed at this book. The author has obviously lived with these women's stories in the Bible for a long time, listening to the flow of the Bible's overall narrative as well as patiently attending to every little detail its writers have given about these fascinating women and the men in their lives.

The author is also an uncommonly gifted story teller in her own right, and while those familiar with the Biblical accounts may think she's not understood this or that woman quite rightly, I suspect most will find her generally persuasive, and challenging even where not convincing on every point.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone, but especially to Christians longing to understand what a life lived in faith in God can be like. Would that someone could produce a book about the Bible's men to match it.

Having met Mrs. Owens, I was suprised that she wrote a book about such dark things, but I enjoyed this book. She really captured the spirit of the people and the situation. Knowing some of the people the characters are based on, I could picture them in that situation. Although it's sad, dealing with the death of two children, it's a great book. I plan to read more of her books soon. Don't miss this one. It's great!

A Feast of Families is not a self-help book of platitudes and simplistic advice. Instead, author Virginia Stem Owens treats the reader to a rich banquet meal of cultural history, personal family anecdotes, and biblical commentary. This insightful book caused me to think about our modern concept of "family" and to reflect on what is enduring in that concept, what is evolving, and what this change may mean for us.

This book is a wonder not only because of its subject matter but also because Owen's writing is filled with rich detail and honest emotion. Owens once again proves that that which is most specific is also most universal. What a wonderful book!

I have just finished Living Next Door to the Death House and really appreciated the good writing. The book was excellent! It has been very helpful to me in my work as a Methodist pastor; during Advent I did a series of lectures on "tough issues" and thought that Homosexuality or separation of Church and State/Prayer in our schools would be the most passionate subjects, but I was amazed in that the Death Penalty was, by far, the most passionate and difficult for many. I have learned that I can talk about why I am against the Death Penalty, but I have not had a loved one murdered...... the stories I have heard from my members have humbled me and I continue to learn that this whole subject is very complex. This book takes so many of the sides and I found it to be very helpful. I will suggest it to my people here that are struggling. Again, I commend the Owenses for their excellent book.

With all the recent attention given to the Texas prison system and executions, I found this book, as well as the other two in this series, full of interesting background details about crimes in small Texas towns. You meet both the "bad guys" and the "good guys" -- and girls. The author seems interested in what motivates both types, as well as the communities that produce them. If you like the taste of small towns with a Texas flavor, you'll love these. The writing is easy to read but not boring. A good read.

I picked up this book by happenstance on a sale table and was drawn to the title and the cover, which illustrates a beautiful sunset in the Southwest. Within, I was interested to revisit some of the societal issues of the 1970's, including the rebellion against middle-class values and life styles on the part of idealists, people who wish to try out their ideals in a communal living situation. While the communal experience, as related by Owens, is in many places unsatisfying to the reader for its many frustrations, disappointments, and its ultimate failure, she makes no secret from the very beginning of the outcome of the venture. Owens' description and commentary on male/female relationships challenges the notion that we have grown beyond the traditional expectations and modes of behavior. Owens' realistic look at the disappointments of human behavior reinforce what any thoughtful person has found in trying to get along with others.

Overall, the book is valuable to remind us of efforts to create ideal societies. It is less satisfying in its somewhat pat conclusions about the answers to these efforts in a traditional Christian theology. However, Owens is real enough not to force the theology and to show that even those of faith have periods of despair and confusion.

the author and her husband, along with 2 childrenhelped start a commune in New Mexico in the early1970's. this new edition of her book, written shortly after the commune's demise in 1975, maps out the problems she had there, starting at day one. Alas, the book never really answers the questions it claims to explore, and the final fate of her and her family was unsatisfying. Above average writing, and some probing insights, but ultimately a bleak history lacking in much revelation.