captaincocanutty's review
4.0
I read this books a few months ago so forgive me if some of the details are fuzzy.
Overall I think the book is enjoyable to read. There aren't any parts where I was wishing she would hurry up or skip a certain part, it is very well paced.
The strongest and weakest point of the book was theology. When she does dive into it, for instance when she's discussing biblical interpretation with the Orthodox Jewish woman from Israel or the various Protestant preachers interpretations and why she disagrees are some of the most potent and intriguing parts of the novel.
A point she makes subtly and very convincingly is how the Bible is a 2,000 or so year old book, and does adapt to the society around us. For example when she took things rather literally and sat up on the roof for punishment or camped out in the yard, which are things 99% of Christians do not do, because those acts fit the society of hundreds of years ago instead of today. Instead the Bible functions as "more guidelines than actual rules", and are followed as it applies to individual circumstances, since the one-size-fits-all approach clearly does not work, or as some people wish to interpret it for others.
Overall I think the book is enjoyable to read. There aren't any parts where I was wishing she would hurry up or skip a certain part, it is very well paced.
The strongest and weakest point of the book was theology. When she does dive into it, for instance when she's discussing biblical interpretation with the Orthodox Jewish woman from Israel or the various Protestant preachers interpretations and why she disagrees are some of the most potent and intriguing parts of the novel.
A point she makes subtly and very convincingly is how the Bible is a 2,000 or so year old book, and does adapt to the society around us. For example when she took things rather literally and sat up on the roof for punishment or camped out in the yard, which are things 99% of Christians do not do, because those acts fit the society of hundreds of years ago instead of today. Instead the Bible functions as "more guidelines than actual rules", and are followed as it applies to individual circumstances, since the one-size-fits-all approach clearly does not work, or as some people wish to interpret it for others.
ob_ledbetter's review against another edition
3.0
This book came out of that weird time around 2012 when every author came out with a stunt book. I’ve got to say, I’m not a huge fan of them. They always have a great concept and drag halfway though. That said, I love Evans and found value in this one. She’s hilarious and so sharp in pointing out the many, many flaws of religious literalism. Glad I read this one.
elegancebythemile's review
5.0
I am so glad I read this book! Rachel's writing style is so easy to read yet she keeps you turning the page. I really didnt know what to expect from this experiment of hers but it was a rewarding journey to follow and I feel she and I both learned valuable lessons about the ambiguity of scripture and the grace and love of God. Every Christian, maybe even every person, should read this.
ashleytalksbooks's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
I’m no longer a Christian, but this book was an excellent opportunity to understand the Bible differently and with more historical context than I have in the past. It also helped with unpacking assumptions I had been holding onto.
ladyofthelake68's review against another edition
4.0
When I first picked up this book, I was pretty sure I would be disagreeing with the author the entire time. Her goals for each month sounded completely ridiculous. Evans tries to live out a year of biblical womanhood. The idea itself doesn't sound too bad, but many of the traditions and customs that women followed in biblical times are no longer applicable today. By the end of the book, however, I really appreciated the point that Evans was trying to make. So often women are told to do things because they are commandments given to women in the bible. However, the bible makes many of these same commandments to men, and others deal with certain situations.
This book made me realize many things about my faith as well as showed me how I need to be careful when interpreting the bible.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to discover what the bible says about women. Keep an open mind and consider what Evans is trying to prove by her experiment.
This book made me realize many things about my faith as well as showed me how I need to be careful when interpreting the bible.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to discover what the bible says about women. Keep an open mind and consider what Evans is trying to prove by her experiment.
risabella's review
3.0
I've no idea what I was expecting but it wasn't this. Grateful to have learned a lot vicariously through this experience. While I will not be addressing my husband as 'master', I will be taking on the challenge of discovering what a woman of valour means to me, and only me. And embodying that wholeheartedly.
kari13's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
melpen's review
4.0
Better than I expected. Very reminiscent of A.J. Jacobs' The Year of Living Biblically. I don't know that I agree with all of Evans theology, but I'm also not sure it's intended as a theological treatise as much as a social experiment. Stretching and trying new things that bring us closer to God. I truly appreciated her explanations and interpretations of Proverbs 31, as I too, have grown to dislike that woman.
shuelace's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5