Story: Recapture the Mystery (Paperback)

by Steven James (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Nationally recognized storyteller James peels away the veneer of utilitarianism and law often associated with the Christian Bible to uncover the poetry and powerful imagery of its story. Using evocative language and his own poems, James retells the story of the Bible, beginning with Adam and Eve and ending with the resurrection of Jesus celebrated on Easter. Don't expect a textbook study of the Christian worldview; instead, come along for a journey full of wonder, tears, joy, despair and hope revealed through the eyes and heart of a storyteller. This is a change from the how-to lists, topical studies and exegesis so often associated with Christian nonfiction books, so readers may take a while to fall into James's language of image and emotion. It's worth the time, however, to come away with a new understanding of the powerful story revealed through the sacrifice of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Those seeking a new vision of the Easter story will find it here. "Easter has lots of lilies and spring hats and piles of fake, green, curly plastic grass stuff, but none of that has anything to do with the raw reality of a bloody cross and the final hope of the empty tomb," says James. (Feb.)
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Review
"James’ luxuriant writing is deeply perspective of the divinity, humanity, and mystery of Christ." -- Gary Hassig, Aspiring Retail

"Retells the Christian story in a way that is fresh and brings new life." -- Relevant Network

"Story is a book that will give you a new perspective on the intricately woven tales the Bible offers." -- Jim MacDonald, 1340mag.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Revell (February 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800731131
• ISBN-13: 978-0800731137
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #304,283 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book to savor and treasure, February 10, 2006

By	Christian Book Previews.com "Christian Book P... - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

The greatest story ever told-that of Jesus-is retold in this book, Story, by one of America's most brilliant young authors, Steven James. James retells the story from a postmodern perspective that gives it a new taste and makes the story come alive for the younger generation. James begins with the Garden of Eden and goes through to the eternal kingdom of heaven.

James has a Masters of Arts degree in storytelling. He has worked with youth at risk and has written twelve books with powerful messages for youth as well as the older generation. I have heard him speak and felt he had unusual perspectives and made a fascinating storyteller. He is a young man who loves God and is committed to following Him with his whole heart and leading others into that path also. This comes through in his writing as well.

James fills the chapters with his stories, retold Bible stories, plus free-verse poetry. His poetry, written in short lines with no caps, is lyrical and powerful-beautiful and often painful to read. For example, "the greatest scars/are not found in wounded hearts, / but in overlooked ones./there is no greater pain / than the ice of loneliness."

This book is difficult to describe. I start to say it is not a pretty book, but then I find it is a beautiful book. It is graphic in its descriptions. The poetry is stirring and disturbing, as all good poetry should be. Men will find it especially appealing because of the style of the author: he is definitely a rule breaker. As a result, the book is not in a typical layout or religious style. Parts are hard-strong and good-no sugar coating. I would not recommend it for young teens or as a gift. If you want a book to make you view Jesus and the story of the Bible from a whole different vantage point, to feel His pain and wonder of it again, this is that book to savor and treasure. - Elece Hollis, Christian Book Previews.com

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than a STORY, June 6, 2006

By	Vernon Fatima "Vernon Fatima" (Yorkville, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

To say that STORY is just a story is to say that the Louvre is just a storeroom for paintings.

I have had an extremely rewarding time reading what I can only describe as one man's love for God. Steven's writings are filled with many dichotomies: Pain & Joy, Guilt & Grace, Lies & Truth, Depression & Redemption, Loss & Reward, Darkness & Light, Poetry & Prose, Today & Tomorrow, and Lonely Places & Eternal life in God's Kingdom.

If you want to go below the surface and discover some of the depths you can go in your relationship with Christ, read this book. I challenge you not to find parts of yourself written into the STORY.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Story will change your life...for eternity, May 30, 2006

By	Sarah Leslie (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

Recently a book grabbed me and wouldn't let go. And it wasn't the Bible, yet... it WAS the Bible... seen through the heart of a storyteller. Story by Steven James is a fresh view of the Gospel that fills the soul with the realness of Christ and lets you experience the deepness of God. This book will meet you where you are on your walk with Christ and reveal the truth to you.

I highly recommend it for anyone who is searching for Christ or for those who desire a closer walk with him. Steven James has true God inspired insight into the scriptures and can present it like none other. I closely identify with his heartfelt longing, in every moment, in every breath, to fall deeper in love with the one who died in his place.

Story is a book for every shelf....but don't just let it sit there. Take it out, embrace the mystery and see yourself as you were meant to be seen, a deeply loved child of the God of the universe, who spilled his blood to save ours. This is a Story that will change your life...for eternity.

Steven James, thanks for this. It has touched my heart, opened my eyes and filled my soul with the reality of what Christ really did for me. God is truly using you to advance the kingdom. Please keep writing; I'll keep reading.

I also recommend Becoming Real: Christ's Call to Authentic Living by Steven James. Check out my review and see why.