Steven James has an extensive background as an author with fifteen books, drama, and comedy skits, professional workshops, and keynote addresses. In “Story,” James writes from the perspective of biblical characters. Each chapter is one piece of the overall story from creation to resurrection. James’ method of using the first person storytelling makes the novel exceedingly fascinating. James depicts each scene very vividly, bringing the individual stories to life. There are 30 short chapters that can easily be read as a daily devotion.

My favorite chapters include “Blood,” the story of Cain and Able from the perspective of Cain, and second “Venom,” where James reminds us that Satan is real. I have to agree with the author that some of the Bibles hard-to-take stories have been whitewashed. James explains this in the press materials, “so much of what’s written and said about Jesus today tries to make him easily digestible and understandable. But the story of God is full of incomprehensible mystery and wonder.” Lastly, I think he sums up the motivation behind the book when he explains, “At its heart, Christianity isn’t really a religion, but an invitation to enter the story of God for yourself.”

I highly recommend this book and I can honestly say several of the chapters have helped me to recapture the mystery, or more so the desire to know God more deeply. Steven James has a website where you can find more information on this book and more.

- Ken W.

http://www.experiencestory.com

http://www.stevenjames.net