I try to buy some of my favorite books when my budget allows, but I also get a lot of the books I read from my local library. I really enjoy reading about antiquity and different cultures. I’m a “history nerd” as my daughter would say.
I have read many of the books in the library by authors Kathleen O’Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear, and I have read all of the books by them that are on my library shelves, but there are a few more that remain. could get from other libraries further afield. For weeks I watched one of Gear’s books titled “The Betrayal: The Lost Life of Jesus” but it seemed totally different to me than his other books, many of which are from a series of historical novels based on the Anasazi Villages, which were old Pueblo Peoples that I fell deeply in love with. I have great respect and sincere admiration for the ancient people of this land, who are unfortunately almost forgotten, and their way of life, beliefs and traditions are only kept “alive” thanks to authors like the Gears, whom I obviously love and admire. much. these towns I for one appreciate the fact that they put so much time and effort into researching their books, and I must say that it is definitely worth it.
Anyway, I finally decided to check out “The Betrayal: The Lost Life of Jesus” about a month ago in the library, and I’m so glad I did. I was honored to learn that Gears researched the material for this book for over 30 years, and it only took me a few days to read it because I couldn’t put it down. I read it during every spare moment available. It truly has become one of the most captivating, captivating, and utterly wonderful books I have ever read. Imagining Jesus as described in the novel actually made me happy, even though his death is always a new wound. Of course, I fell in love with brother Barnabas and with each of his “accomplices”. His bravery and selflessness brought tears to my eyes, and his belief in what had become his purpose in life, to find the holiest place on earth, was very moving for me.
Yes, the book is fiction, but the book’s footnotes were so painstakingly researched from existing documentation that it must have been a definite challenge to locate. Religion, like politics, is a touchy subject for most people, and I suppose many would find this wonderful and lovingly written book profane and disrespectful. For me, this book will always be very special and sometimes I dream of what could have been thousands of years ago. I would have liked very much to meet this Jesus.
I think the Gears believe in their art and love to write compelling and moving stories that captivate the soul and touch the heart. They make one wonder and appreciate the fact that there are authors like them, who make each book they write come alive for their readers. They don’t know it, but I’m one of their biggest fans.
