In the Land of Blue Burqas by Kate McCord
The author of this book has a pseudonym to protect herself and the experiences that she relates. She worked at an NGO in Afghanistan, providing service to poor Afghan women. She was there for five years.
As I read this book, I felt like I was visiting Afghanistan with the detailed descriptions of a village and homes. The author shared conversations that she had with Muslim women. I learned about Mohammed, the rules and practice of Islam. I was most interested in the conversations that led to stories about Jesus Christ.
Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream
Although I have seen Shannon Bream’s book at Hobby Lobby and have heard it promoted on Fox, I had no plans to pick it up. Then a friend passed it along to me and I scanned the list of chapters. The first chapter is about Jochebed and Miriam, and I started to read.
Bream has included passages of scripture, while commenting on the action of the two women. I was reminded of the faith and courage of Jochebed and Miriam.
I read on. The beginning chapters are about mothers and daughters, then mothers and sons. The chapter on Bathsheba offers thought provoking insights. The final chapters are about daughters and fathers.
Rebel Daughter by Lori Banov Kaufmann
This novel is set in a village outside of Jerusalem in the years 65 to 70 C.E. Tensions between the Jews and Romans are high. The events in the book lead up to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.
The main character, Esther, is Jewish. During escalating violence, Esther’s husband and brother are killed. Esther is devoted to her remaining family members and fights for their survival. I was drawn into her story.
The author has detailed her research in the author’s note and in the historical note. Kaufmann has written a captivating novel about a period in Israel’s history.
Sharing this post with Sweet Tea and Friends and with Grace and Truth .
