The Way by Kristen Wolf An Oprah Pick!

The Way
By Kristen Wolf
Published by Crown Publishers
Hardcover: 304 pages
July 12, 2011; $25.00 US/$28.95 CAN; 978-0307717696

Description
What if one of the world's greatest spiritual healers was not who we thought he was?

Anna is a fiery tomboy living in ancient Palestine whose androgynous appearance provokes ridicule from the people around her and doubt within her own heart. When tragedy strikes her family, and Anna's father -- disguising her as a boy -- sells her to a band of shepherds, she is captured by a mystical and secret society of women hiding in the desert. At first Anna is tempted to escape, but she soon finds that the sisterhood's teachings and healing abilities, wrapped in an ancient philosophy they call "The Way," have unleashed an unexpected power within her.

When danger befalls the caves in which the sisters have made their home, Anna embarks on a hazardous mission to preserve the wisdom of her mentors by proclaiming it among ordinary people. Her daring quest and newfound destiny reveal, at last, the full truth of her identity -- a shocking revelation that will spark as much controversy as it does celebration.

Anna's story is one of transformation, betrayal, love, loss, deception, and above all, redemption. Readers will cheer for this unforgettable protagonist -- and for debut novelist Kristen Wolf, whose beautifully written book both provokes and inspires. A compelling mix of history, myth, and fantasy, The Way is a fascinating exploration of the foundations and possibilities of human spirituality.

Author Bio
Kristen Wolf, author of The Way, is a mother, writer, and filmmaker living in the Rocky Mountains. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Georgetwon University and holds an M.A. in creative writing from Hollins University. This is her first novel.

For more information please visit http://www.kristenwolf.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter

Reviews

"Sure to be a book club darling."
-- Booklist
"This book took me on a journey back to the days of Jesus. I was surprised in more ways than I ever could have imagined. The Way is one of those rare novels that makes you think."

-- Javier Sierra, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Supper
"The Way is a unique and ambitious debut novel, certain to provoke passionate discussions."

-- John Shors, bestselling author of Beneath a Marble Sky
"Wolf's voice, vision, and verve combine to make The Way an emotional and action-packed debut."

-- Alice Peck, author of Bread, Body, Spirit: Finding the Sacred in Food and Next to Godliness: Finding the Sacred in Housekeeping
"The Way is a magical, evocative first novel that I plan to buy a carton of to give to my family and friends. Kristen Wolf's rich imagery transports the reader into ancient Palestine where harmony and balance -- the feminine Way -- have been lost in the worship of a vengeful male deity. The tension between how the world is and how it might be if people followed The Way is as vital a question today as it was in ancient times. This message of compas­sion, healing, and respect for women could indeed transform our world."


-- Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., author of A Woman's Journey to God
"The point [Wolf] makes in this book is one I deeply believe in: we begin with the mother and then we lose our way -- all of us."

-- Kavita N. Ramdas, the Global Fund for Women

The 411 by Maria:

The Way is beautifully written from the first page. It is about Anna, a girl in Palestine who losses her mother, Mari after the birth of her stillborn baby brother. Her father eventually disguises her as a boy and sells her to passing shepherds. To survive Anna takes the name that was to be her brother's (Jesus).

Jesus becomes a great shepherd.  Eventually Jesus is hurt and wakes in a society of woman who practice The Way. The followers of The Way, honor and worship the Mother and creation instead of God so they are in hiding from those who believe they are evil.

I found the book to be very interesting. When Anna became Jesus the Shepherd I figured where the book was going although I was a little late. Her mother is Mari and her father Yosef so I am sure many readers got it.

Kristen Wolf's take on the bible was indeed page turning and utterly creative. Completely understand why Oprah took notice.

BTW...the book trailer is truly beautiful.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review.