Customer Reviews

Jabez

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This novel is outstanding! The character
development is some of the best I've
read, especially in the unusual choice of
'the god who has no name' as a
character in the book. I wasn't a fan of
Wilkinson's The Prayer of Jabez, because
of its potential for abuse (e.g. quick! let's
pray this prayer, and get rich!); Lemmons'
novel is SO MUCH BETTER than that! I
strongly recommend that any Christian,
and any searcher for truth for that matter,
read this book.

Lemmons has a unique perception on Biblical fiction, and this is his most creative writing to date. Character development is believable, and the storyline is compelling to the very end. A few creative surprises along the way complete the picture. But better yet--it leaves the reader with the feeling that this little tale may have actually happened this way! If only he had written this before the commercially-tainted "prayer" book. This little novel probably has more truth in it.

Clearly the publisher is trying to ride a wave: not just a tiny little swell, either. This is the tidal wave of JABEZ. But this may be one of those rare times that a follow-up is better than the original!

Lemmons brings the same skills as a creative writer that he's shown in the past to this obscure man whose prayer is buried in the book of Chronicles. In telling the story, he's clearly done his backgrounds study.

Aside from the compelling story involving Jabez, Ehud (the Israelite judge), and Eglon (the Moabite king), Lemmons also gives a feel for what this period was like in the Ancient Near Eastern world. What difference did it make that iron weapons were being used by some? What relationship did the small tribes of Israel have with one another and with other nations around?

I highly recommend the book. It's a great example of what a good novel based upon a biblical character can be.

This book was AMAZING!! Travel with Jabez on his rollercoaster journey to find the MOST HIGH. On his journey he has many lessons he learns and with an open heart he cries out to God this little prayer..."Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that i may not cause pain!" And the greatest part is that..."God granted him that which he requested." This story was powerful and moving and makes on want to search for the Most High!

This book is really good. Thom Lemmons makes the times come alive. I really cared about the characters and could hardly wait to see what happened. Get this book for everyone on your gift list!

I have a master's degree in English and taught on the high school level for several years. I loved this book--period. Buy it, read it, and tell your friends to do the same.

I bought this book, knowing it was fiction, and the story would be someone's opinion. Well, I was elated when I finished the book. I read it in under 2 hours and could not put it down. Although the story is fiction, it is easy to imagine Jabez's life as the author describes. It's a wonderful story and gives you hope that good can come from bad. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fiction set in biblical times. It's well worth the time to read.

This novel made the Bible character of Jabez come to life. Jabez means pain. This is his life story. The narrative style pulls you into his life from page one and it is hard to put down until you have finished.

Though little is known of Jabez, and much of the book is speculation and fiction, there is little to convince me that Jabez became a true follower of Yahweh. He suddenly makes his famous prayer to Yahweh without seeming to understand the faith or why he should pray. Very weak book.

nice, short, little historical novel about an obscure biblical figure: jabez.

it was well-written (& almost gave me the feeling that i was reading a sword-&-sorcery-type fantasy while reading it), but it didn't give me the warm fuzzies, or make me cry, or any kind of special thing, which is why i only gave it 4 stars. (& i'm wondering now if a dramatized version might come across better? because there's nothing inherently wrong with the novel, or the writing, or anything, & so i'm thinking a dramatization might really bring it to life?)

i DO think it would be a good book for teens to read (homeschoolers, etc.), since historical novels have a way of breathing life into the study of ancient history that textbooks will never be able to compete with, & since this book does an excellent job of tying together all the different biblical figures -- setting them firmly in their ancient time & geographical area -- & since it makes you FEEL what it must have been like to live in the days when "the people of Israel forgot their God" & "every man did as he saw fit" ...