Master

by Toni Sorenson

My name will mean nothing to you, but my story is a re-telling of the greatest story ever told and should mean everything to everyone. If you interpret my words as fiction and fiction only, you will miss out on truths that are both historical and spiritual. Search the scriptures. There you will find evidence of my existence recorded in ancient sacred writ, overlooked for millennia. My story comes forth now because now is the promised day when satanic doubt spreads like black ink, Threatening to blot out His very name, to reduce Him to nothing more than a teacher, to erase the eternal truths He taught and lived. That cannot happen. Jesus was who He said He was. I know because I was there in the shadows of His holy footsteps. His miracles were real. I know because I am one of those miracles. Almon

Genres: Historical Fiction, Lds Fiction, Lds, Religion, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction

486 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[~Marty Qualls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became closer to Jesus by reading this wonderful book. What a great experience the author gives to the reader. Thank you Toni Sorenson for allowing us the opportunity to walk with Jesus and live with him and his wonderful family who taught, loved and protected him. Not only did we see Jesus turn to his Heavenly Father in prayer and guidance, we also see Jesus as the Son of Man because of the love His mortal parents raised him with. Joseph was a person I didn't know until I read this book and I can now see Joseph as a great man and teacher and a person who was instrumental in the way in which Jesus preached and taught. Through the book I was able to see why Mary was chosen to be Jesus mother and love her for her faith. The personalities of the disciples, and the narrator of the book, Almon, were perfectly drawn together to show how they needed Jesus and how He needed them to carry out his earthly mission. I would recommend this book to those who would like to draw closer to Jesus by becoming more intimately involved in his life before the scripture account of his life began. Master is a masterpiece.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was impressed with the author's research into the life of Christ and into the culture of Judaism at the time of Christ. The book gave me a sequential view of the events in the Savior's ministry. I liked the author's imagining of Jesus's childhood and family. I also loved the focus on Christ's teaching to fear not. I thought that the main character Almon's struggle to forgive himself was poignant.

I rated it three stars because I felt like I was being told the story rather than being shown. The pacing of the novel was off. The author gave extensive details about some events and then scant details about others. The author misses many opportunities for emotional impact with Almon's story; much of his story and personal growth was anti-climatic. I never felt immersed in the novel.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought peace and understanding to my thoughts about Jesus Christ.

Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, our leaders often recommend that we get to know Christ and his life to bring us closer to Him personally. This book did just that for me.

I was glad that I knew the factual stories, but equally glad that I learned about other events too. It was a wonderful experience to imagine Christ's life with family, friends, apostles and with his Heavenly Father.

I loved that the story showed the great love that Joseph and Mary had for him, small insights into the personalities of the apostles, and the tragedy of Judas. Even though he was perfect, he dealt with the challenges of everyday life and relationships that we do, but he ALWAYS handled them with compassion and love.

I learned the important lesson that he taught repeatedly, Be not afraid ... but believing.

The final several chapters are heartbreaking and difficult to read. They also told of the love Jesus had to have for each of us to endure what he did and finish his mission here on earth.

Need a spiritual lift? Read this book.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is seriously one of the best books I have ever "read" I listened to it on CD. It is a long book, but doing it over time in my car worked for me. It is fiction, but it has so much fact in it that I'm sure it was inspired. It tells of a servant of Josephs...and then of Jesus. What he observed and felt and everything. From when Jesus was little to the resurrection. It made me think so much of Christ and made me really feel like I know him better. Such a great feeling...great read for any Christian or anyone interested in learning more about Jesus Christ.

[Barbara McKown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful telling of the life of Christ from the viewpoint of someone who grew up with him and followed him.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over Easter weekend I read Master by Toni Sorenson. The timing may have colored my perspective of this retelling of the incredible events documented in the four gospels of the New Testament. To those who have read the New Testament and attended Sunday School classes, there is nothing new found in this story of Christ's life and teachings.


If, like me, you have a preference for reading scriptural stories straight from the scriptures instead of receiving them filtered through the eyes of a novelist, you may feel hesitant to read this book, but let me assure you this one avoids the pitfalls so often associated with this kind of book. Sorenson does not attempt to get inside the mind of the Savior to make up thoughts or dialog. Jesus' words are the words faithfully recorded in the scriptures. The fiction portion of the novel is confined to the viewpoint of Almon.

From the beautiful art on the dust jacket by Liz Lemon Swindle to the final words of this incredibly well-crafted story, “Jesus was ... He is ... and will always be ... my Master, ” reading this book is a spiritually satisfying adventure. Almon is a well developed, complex character whose growth adds depth and insight to the story. The well known characters from the New Testament are fleshed out enough to feel real, but not so much as to make the reader feel they have become made up people.

Deborah is the one character I would have liked to see developed a little more fully. There are a small number of annoying typos or copy errors, but they are few and far between, certainly not an unusual amount for a book of this length.

[Traci Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a read I will forever remember and hope to read it more times than just this once. Although the book is fiction it is based off so much fact that you can truly imagine what it was like for the Savior, the Son of God to live his life upon this earth. I have thought about His life numerous times but I have never compared it to my own and the experiences I have on a daily basis and after reading this book I realized that the Savior lived his life here upon the earth experiencing things as we do...the rise and fall of the sun every day, the rude comments and kind comments of others, happy and sad moments, etc, etc, etc. This book gave me a much stronger appreciation for the knowledge the Savior gained of who He was and what His purpose was on this earth. It gave me an appreciation of what forgiveness and love truly meant from the eyes of the Savior.
There is a part in the book that I will always cherish...it was a moment where children were mocking Jesus and the fact that He was perfect and didn't make mistakes and Jesus was sad and began to weep but it continued on by saying...but before His tears were dry...He had already forgiven the boys for what they had said to Him. I know that by reading this book it has given me a better desire and understanding of what it truly means to be a disciple of God. We are not perfect but this book and continuing to read the scriptures gives me a desire to strive to have a hopeful, faithful, loving, and forgiving heart...that I will follow my Savior!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really hoping to love this book, but the writing style was hard for me to get through. I was bothered by the short chapters that seemed to end too dramatically. Parts of the story were told in so many details; others were lacking. The author seemed to want to make sure to include all of the Biblical aspects of the story, but I think the fictional parts could have been expanded upon to add to the true, moving story of Christ.

That being said, I loved Almon, and I thought his story proved the perfect eyes into the Savior's life and ministry. I particularly enjoyed his observations of Christ as a child, and found the Savior's personality very believable. I empathized with Almon's struggle to forgive himself and ask forgiveness of the Lord, as I'm sure many did, and I loved that in his worry or despair, Christ always told him, "Fear not." Unfortunately, though, the details of Almon's life after Christ's death were told in mere paragraphs, and his story had a rather anti-climactic ending.

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for more of an enlightening read, but found this to be way more fictional than fact.
I was disappointed in the author's attempt to "fill in the blanks" with information that we know nothing about like Jesus's brothers and sisters and information about the apostles.
I was confused and had a hard time believing the character Almon. He seemed to be all knowing at times, then only knowing what he was witnessing, and then struggling with his own past issues. I wish the author would have picked one perspective and went with it. I felt the author was trying to make sure she hit all the points of Jesus's life without regard to building a strong character and how he grew from knowing his "Master".

[Ann Baxter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I reread this having no memory of having read it in 09. I gave it 4 stars then, but need to downgrade it to 3 if I’m being honest. I picked it up because I wanted to read about Jesus Christ. What I got was a second hand account given by a fictional character. I didn’t learn anything new about Christ. No insights beyond what we can all read in the scriptures. I felt like at the end, the author was tired of telling the story, and rushed to wrap things up once He was dead, forgetting that His greatest miracle was His Resurrection and all He taught after that.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This book got me into reading alot of the New Testament with it. I bought it at the Atlanta Temple bookstore.
I need to read it again to give it a better review. It has been a few years since I have read it so I wouldn't do it justice. The author did a beautiful job. WOW!!

It is a story about a boy who grew up near Jesus Christ. The boy of course is fiction, but Christ's story isn't. I think just about everything that Christ says in the book are in the scriptures. He portrays Mary and Joseph beautifully along with the other characters. I enjoyed it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this has easily become one of my absolute favorite books. It builds my testimony of the Savior each and every time that I read it. It helps me imagine what it would have been like to live in the Savior’s shadow and be a part of His life. It’s just so...real. The reality of it even brings tears, especially the part describing the end of His life. But it also invites us to renew our commitment to follow the Savior. Thank you Toni for writing this story. It has changed my life forever, as the Man it’s about did.

[Maleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very touching. We know hardly anything about the Savior's childhood, and I enjoyed a rendition that seems correct in the feeling, although not in the details. The main character Almon expresses emotions that many of us share. We worry about past transgressions, and whether we can change and become better. I love his devotion to Jesus and his never wavering testimony of Jesus' divinity.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was conflicted about this book. On the one hand I appreciated bringing the day to day life of Jesus to a more personal level. However, I felt like it was too sacred a story to take liberties with. It felt somehow sacrilegious. The author was respectful, but I did not enjoy it in the way I thought I would.

[Freeman Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was so great. Toni Sorenson has a beautiful way of writing. She leads the reader on a path through the life of Christ. After reading this book I have a different perspective on the life of Christ. I think everyone should read this book

[Clint · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite book ever. I absolutely loved the kind of insight into the daily life of a jew at the time of Jesus and very much made his life come alive to me. For that, if for nothing else, I am grateful to this author. I would reccomend to anyone that it is worth reading.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book draws you right into the life and times of Jesus Christ. It's told from the point of view of a mute household servant. The historical details are amazing. This is the best book yet from my dear friend Toni.

[Crista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the descriptions she gave of Christ as a child....the story line is touching and very believable, as if it is very possible that these very things could have happened as Jesus grew....I loved it and it made me feel closer to Him by reading it.

[June Guymon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Know That My Redeemer Lives - a great read!

[Wendy Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Bettie Kunz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave me insight to the happenings during Christ's time, life, family and friends. I have a much deeper love for our Savior.

Merged review:

Excellent Reading

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book and entertaining (in a mental, spiritual, and story-telling kind of way) to read. I listened to the audiobook.

This is very much a "you're there" kind of book, so you do feel like you're listening to the story of a witness who grew up with Jesus, intermingled with His family, etc. Kinda cool. But also, it's a little bit "Forrest Gump"-ish too, in that this boy, who is just a few years older than Jesus, ends up being a "predictor" and "catalyst" sometimes for things that happened. During those moments is when I felt this book was a bit "cheesy", and it brought me right back to reality, remembering "oh yeah, this is just fiction."

It IS fiction - but there is enough true and factual history about Christ and his day that I'd call it historical fiction - one of my favorite genres.

The story starts out with this boy and his father being "tradesmen" in the Arabian dessert, when they are attacked, and the boy blacks out from a beating, and next thing he knows, these people in a caravan of sorts pick him up, clean him up, feed him, and care for him. It's a man named Joseph, his wife, Mary, and their baby boy, Jesus, who are traveling from Egypt to Jerusalem. And the story continues from there, till after Christ's Resurrection.

You meet aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, parents, all related to Jesus. The presentation of Jesus is a bit "The Chosen"-ish as well. He is presented as very much like us. Human, with cares, worries, exhaustion, concern, etc. So it keeps it "real".

I really enjoyed reading it. I do not give it 4 or 5 stars only because (as a reminder) I rarely give 5 stars, those are reserved for books that are so far-out good that I want to read them 10 more times; and the 4 stars are reserved for the Wow! books that are really really awesome.

This book is a close 4-star book. But I went with 3 to keep it real. I did not feel "Wow!" after reading it. Almost, but not.

I do recommend it thought for anyone 12+. Good book and I wouldn't mind reading it again.

[Robyn Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It's a historical fiction of a man who grew up with Jesus, telling the story from his perspective. It seemed a bit long sometimes but was very interesting. One of the most unusual parts of it was the side story of Judas as he is shown as the vigilant "treasurer" for the 12 apostles. I had never really thought much of Judas and his life and his role in the Savior's betrayal and crucifixion. The main character, Almon writes this:

My name will mean nothing to you, but my story is a re-telling of the greatest story ever told and should mean everything to everyone. If you interpret my words as fiction and fiction only, you will miss out on truths that are both historical and spiritual. Search the scriptures. There you will find evidence of my existence recorded in ancient sacred writ, overlooked for millennia. My story comes forth now because now is the promised day when satanic doubt spreads like black ink, threatening to blot out His very name, to reduce Him to nothing more than a teacher, to erase the eternal truths He taught and lived. That cannot happen. Jesus was who He said He was. I know because I was there in the shadows of His holy footsteps. His miracles were real. I know because I am one of those miracles.

-Almon

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting and enjoyable historical fiction novel set in the time of Christ. The narrator is a fictional character named Almon who as a boy becomes part of the household of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus and follows his story through the childhood and youth of Jesus and then through his mortal ministry culminating in Jesus's death and resurrection. I could tell the author had done her research and made a significant effort to understand the culture, history, religious and political climate, etc of the time period. I appreciated those details. I also appreciated how she took certain small details from the Bible and imagined how things might have been with the people and situations that surrounded the New Testament accounts. It is also interesting trying to imagine and bring to life the scriptural accounts.

This novel is fast paced and I thought quite well written. I found it thought provoking and uplifting reading. I would recommend this book to my friends.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a fiction book to listen to, but I was trying to prep a talk for Easter and this was the perfect one (I listened off Deseret Book Plus). I loved the main character. It's a historical fiction based on Christ's life, written from the perspective of a servant. I thought the author did such a great job weaving a fictional story in with all the true events. I appreciated getting a better idea on timeline. I had heard all the stories from Christ's life but didn't always understand WHEN they happened. I don't know how accurate it is. I thought even the things that were assumed were tastefully written. There were only a few spots I disagreed on, but nothing dramatic, I can't even remember what they were now. Listening to it around Easter was perfect. I would love to listen to it again maybe in a few years.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took me a long time to finish. It was good but it was emotionally heavy. I never felt pulled to pick it back up.

I enjoyed it while I was reading, but already knowing how Jesus’s story ends, I was subconsciously avoiding having to read a fictional account.
Parts of it were beautiful and reverent, and the ending was sweet in a bittersweet way.

Overall it was taxing for me emotionally. I respect this book more than I love it. I’m glad I finished it, but it isn’t one I will eagerly return to.

[Christine Maynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. It is historical fiction from the New Testament about the life of Jesus through the eyes of a fictional character, Almon, the son of a thief. He becomes a servant for the house of Mary and Joseph and is charged as Jesus’ protector. He follows him through his life until the end. This is a very faith promoting book and definitely strengthened my faith. So beautifully written and inspiring.

[Crystal Lindeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I'm always hoping for a deeper understanding of the Savior and his life and this book took me there. I loved the book Ruth and Naomi by Toni Sorenson and I couldn't believe I loved The Master even more. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the life of Jesus Christ.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting way to read Christ's story. I was fascinated by the take of Christ's life from an added character who spent his life by Christ's side. I left with different insights and an increased love of The Savior. The story was occasionally hard to follow and would jump unexpectedly from one time to the next, or if I zoned out for a brief moment I felt like much was lost, but I did immensely enjoy reading this story.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Of course, you sort of know everything that's going to happen like in the bible. I liked their take on Judas. Makes you think. Reading this reminded me how important it is to forgive everyone. Even me. Enjoyed romance between Almon and Deborah.