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Using the power of imagery and the drama of narrative, Steven leads you through a journey into the mystery of faith. From creation to Christ's birth, from his first miracle to eternity and everything in between, you will see familiar scenes from the Bible like you never have before. They will wake you up spiritually. They will re-inspire your faith journey. They will jolt you into action.

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.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

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Reviewed by Christian Book Previews.com (San Jose, CA), February 10, 2006

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

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Author: Steven James
Submitted: October 15, 2005

    Tell us a little about yourself.  I'm a lot like you--stressed, overworked, hungry for mystery, amazed by sunsets, deeply human. I love chicken fajitas. I know I'm not all I should be. But I know God is a lot bigger than I've ever dreamed.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  I wanted to capture a feeling, the fragrance of the story of Jesus. I wanted a book I wouldn't be ashamed to give my unbelieving friends that would tell them the story in a way that they could really connect with.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  I hope that people will see the Christian story with new eyes, fresh eyes. That it will unfold before them and finally make sense not just to their heads, but to thier hearts.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  This book contains strains of thought from fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and scripture. I love to read the Christian mystics and their thought has woven its way into this book.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  I've written 19 books; if you're thinking of buying any of them, buy this one first. It's the best one so far.

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