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The Way
HAILED BY O, THE OPRAH MAGAZINE, AS “A TITLE TO PICK UP NOW!”
In Kristen Wolf’s audacious and timely fiction debut, an unusual girl in the heart of ancient Palestine escapes her life of oppression—undertakes an epic and dangerous journey—and struggles to accept her remarkable calling as a great spiritual leader.
Deeply emotional, provocative and edge-of-your-seat suspenseful, THE WAY transports readers to an exotic world brimming with mystery, betrayal, passion, unforgettable characters and jaw-dropping plot twists.
“Wow, is all I can say. This novel blew me away!”
—Book Pleasures
“I don’t think I could rave anymore about this book … truly one of a kind.”
—Chick Lit Plus
“THE WAY is a magical, evocative first novel that I plan to buy a carton of to give to my family and friends. 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
"I was surprised in more ways than I ever could have imagined.”
—Javier Sierra, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Supper
"A bold and powerful story...needs to make its way to the reading lists of women everywhere."
—Rainbow Reader
Anna is a young girl with a big spirit living in ancient Palestine where a daughter is a disappointment. As if this were not painful enough, her striking but androgynous appearance provokes ridicule from the people around her and seeds doubt within her own heart. While struggling to find her place in the world, an unexpected tragedy strikes her family and Anna's father—dressing her as a boy—sells his daughter to a band of shepherds.
Abandoned and armed with only bravery and wits, Anna must learn to survive the harsh desert and unruly men. Yet just when she masters her life of disguise, she stumbles upon a den of mysterious caves and is captured by the secret band of women living inside. Tempted at first to escape, she soon discovers that the sisterhood’s mystical teachings and healing abilities have forced her to question everything she’s been told to believe and—to her amazement—unleashed an astonishing power within her.
But when violent enemies opposed to the women's ways threaten to destroy them, Anna vows to save her friends and preserve their priceless wisdom. Forced again to leave her home and loved ones behind, a transformed Anna returns to the world of men—as only she can—determined to unfold a daring and dangerous quest: One that will put everything she's become to the test. Will she succeed…or be condemned?
Gorgeously written, cinematic in scope and utterly captivating, Anna’s bold journey of courage—and its startling revelations—will thrill and inspire readers everywhere.
PRAISE FOR THE WAY:
"This imaginative novel may make you a believer."
—O, The Oprah Magazine
“THE WAY is a daring and passionate debut from an author to watch in the future.”
—Historical Novel Society
“Respelendent writing.”
—Minding Spot
“…page turning and utterly creative.”
—Maria’s Space
"Highly descriptive settings, imaginative plot, and flowing script abound.”
—Literary R & R
“THE WAY challenges you to think beyond what you have learned…to expand your vision."
—Library Girl Reads
“…sure to be a book-club darling.”
—Booklist
“A remarkable story, beautifully told.
—Mary Johnson, NYT bestselling author of An Unquenchable Thirst: A Memoir
In Kristen Wolf’s audacious and timely fiction debut, an unusual girl in the heart of ancient Palestine escapes her life of oppression—undertakes an epic and dangerous journey—and struggles to accept her remarkable calling as a great spiritual leader.
Deeply emotional, provocative and edge-of-your-seat suspenseful, THE WAY transports readers to an exotic world brimming with mystery, betrayal, passion, unforgettable characters and jaw-dropping plot twists.
“Wow, is all I can say. This novel blew me away!”
—Book Pleasures
“I don’t think I could rave anymore about this book … truly one of a kind.”
—Chick Lit Plus
“THE WAY is a magical, evocative first novel that I plan to buy a carton of to give to my family and friends. 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
"I was surprised in more ways than I ever could have imagined.”
—Javier Sierra, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Supper
"A bold and powerful story...needs to make its way to the reading lists of women everywhere."
—Rainbow Reader
Anna is a young girl with a big spirit living in ancient Palestine where a daughter is a disappointment. As if this were not painful enough, her striking but androgynous appearance provokes ridicule from the people around her and seeds doubt within her own heart. While struggling to find her place in the world, an unexpected tragedy strikes her family and Anna's father—dressing her as a boy—sells his daughter to a band of shepherds.
Abandoned and armed with only bravery and wits, Anna must learn to survive the harsh desert and unruly men. Yet just when she masters her life of disguise, she stumbles upon a den of mysterious caves and is captured by the secret band of women living inside. Tempted at first to escape, she soon discovers that the sisterhood’s mystical teachings and healing abilities have forced her to question everything she’s been told to believe and—to her amazement—unleashed an astonishing power within her.
But when violent enemies opposed to the women's ways threaten to destroy them, Anna vows to save her friends and preserve their priceless wisdom. Forced again to leave her home and loved ones behind, a transformed Anna returns to the world of men—as only she can—determined to unfold a daring and dangerous quest: One that will put everything she's become to the test. Will she succeed…or be condemned?
Gorgeously written, cinematic in scope and utterly captivating, Anna’s bold journey of courage—and its startling revelations—will thrill and inspire readers everywhere.
PRAISE FOR THE WAY:
"This imaginative novel may make you a believer."
—O, The Oprah Magazine
“THE WAY is a daring and passionate debut from an author to watch in the future.”
—Historical Novel Society
“Respelendent writing.”
—Minding Spot
“…page turning and utterly creative.”
—Maria’s Space
"Highly descriptive settings, imaginative plot, and flowing script abound.”
—Literary R & R
“THE WAY challenges you to think beyond what you have learned…to expand your vision."
—Library Girl Reads
“…sure to be a book-club darling.”
—Booklist
“A remarkable story, beautifully told.
—Mary Johnson, NYT bestselling author of An Unquenchable Thirst: A Memoir
528 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2011
2594 people are currently reading
2161 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Wolf
4 books50 followersKristen Wolf is an award-winning author, filmmaker and producer.
Working across diverse media, she’s committed to telling the stories of daring outsiders whose lives spark change.
Wolf’s first novel, THE WAY: A Girl Who Dared to Rise, was hailed by O, The Oprah Magazine as, “A title to pick up now!” Her second novel, ESCAPEMENT: An Exquisite Tale of Love and Passion earned critical acclaim and multiple awards including the IPPY, IAN, NIEA, BIBA, LesFic Bard Award, IndieReader Discovery Award and the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award.
Wolf’s short documentary, CLUB Q: The Legendary Dance Party for Women, premiered at the Director’s Guild of America and went on to screen at festivals worldwide.
Her latest short film, SPARKLE, tells the story of a non-binary child struggling to find the perfect Father’s Day gift for their disapproving dad. The film is currently screening at festivals and was awarded Best LGBTQ+ Directed Short Film at the Phoenix Film Festival 2023.
Wolf’s producing credits include NASRIN (dir: Jeff Kaufman), I WAS BORN THIS WAY (dir: Daniel Junge, Sam Pollard), SUBJECT TO CHANGE (dir: Daniel Peddle, the 25-year follow up to the groundbreaking doc, THE AGGRESSIVES) and the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway hit, A STRANGE LOOP.
Currently, she’s in pre-production on a new short film and preparing to direct her first feature, THE ADAGIO, a passionate queer love story adapted from her second novel.
Wolf serves proudly on Gamechanger Films’ NonProfit, driven by the mission to advance equity and authenticity in the entertainment industry and co-founded Women Have Wings, a grant-making organization that honors and supports courageous women activists around the globe.
Working across diverse media, she’s committed to telling the stories of daring outsiders whose lives spark change.
Wolf’s first novel, THE WAY: A Girl Who Dared to Rise, was hailed by O, The Oprah Magazine as, “A title to pick up now!” Her second novel, ESCAPEMENT: An Exquisite Tale of Love and Passion earned critical acclaim and multiple awards including the IPPY, IAN, NIEA, BIBA, LesFic Bard Award, IndieReader Discovery Award and the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award.
Wolf’s short documentary, CLUB Q: The Legendary Dance Party for Women, premiered at the Director’s Guild of America and went on to screen at festivals worldwide.
Her latest short film, SPARKLE, tells the story of a non-binary child struggling to find the perfect Father’s Day gift for their disapproving dad. The film is currently screening at festivals and was awarded Best LGBTQ+ Directed Short Film at the Phoenix Film Festival 2023.
Wolf’s producing credits include NASRIN (dir: Jeff Kaufman), I WAS BORN THIS WAY (dir: Daniel Junge, Sam Pollard), SUBJECT TO CHANGE (dir: Daniel Peddle, the 25-year follow up to the groundbreaking doc, THE AGGRESSIVES) and the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway hit, A STRANGE LOOP.
Currently, she’s in pre-production on a new short film and preparing to direct her first feature, THE ADAGIO, a passionate queer love story adapted from her second novel.
Wolf serves proudly on Gamechanger Films’ NonProfit, driven by the mission to advance equity and authenticity in the entertainment industry and co-founded Women Have Wings, a grant-making organization that honors and supports courageous women activists around the globe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
October 17, 2012
I think this is the most powerful piece of literature I've ever read. And the most daring. It will not be everyone. The thoughts it evokes will offend many. It is not for the extremely devout. That said, please respect the following thoughts are part of a review and what this book made me think as I read it.
Think on this for a moment: from the moment you are born, you are told this is the way and there is no other way. You never see proof of this. You are simply told over and over again. You are given books written by men that say this is the way. You accept it as you are never allowed to really think for yourself. But what if it wasn't the way?
This book...just wow. Where to start?
Imagine if Jesus had been a woman named Anna. She lives in a society ruled by the Old Testament. Women are inferior and treated as such. They are dirty, imbeciles, told they are products of men and made to wait on men hand and foot. But the world hadn't always been that way. People forgot, greedy men made them forget through threats, intimidation, and outnumbering, that man came from woman. Does not a woman give birth to all?
It takes finding a special group of "pagan" like women in The Narrows (the desert) for Anna to realize the way is not necessarily the way she was taught. With these women, she becomes someone special. She determines to spread the way around the world. And she has been blessed with male like features... so what better way to reach the wolves than to dress as wolf despite the fact she is a sheep?
Full review on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2012/...
Think on this for a moment: from the moment you are born, you are told this is the way and there is no other way. You never see proof of this. You are simply told over and over again. You are given books written by men that say this is the way. You accept it as you are never allowed to really think for yourself. But what if it wasn't the way?
This book...just wow. Where to start?
Imagine if Jesus had been a woman named Anna. She lives in a society ruled by the Old Testament. Women are inferior and treated as such. They are dirty, imbeciles, told they are products of men and made to wait on men hand and foot. But the world hadn't always been that way. People forgot, greedy men made them forget through threats, intimidation, and outnumbering, that man came from woman. Does not a woman give birth to all?
It takes finding a special group of "pagan" like women in The Narrows (the desert) for Anna to realize the way is not necessarily the way she was taught. With these women, she becomes someone special. She determines to spread the way around the world. And she has been blessed with male like features... so what better way to reach the wolves than to dress as wolf despite the fact she is a sheep?
Full review on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2012/...
July 26, 2011
Wow. I'm new to Goodreads (but not to loving books!)... The friend who turned me onto THE WAY also turned me onto this community and I'm excited to be here. THE WAY is a magnificent, timely, and important book. For me it was Middlesex meets The Red Tent. Despite its high concept, it is beautifully written. The characters are compelling and painfully human, the setting is alive and cinematic -- I was tasting dates and olives and feeling the desert's heat as I read. The book provokes one to rethink their spirituality -- or at least to question it. This is, I suspect, why some people gave the book a low rating -- because they do not want to question or be challenged. The support the status quo. Believe me, a low rating could have nothing to do with the quality of the story itself as it is artfully written and beyond compelling. I read it in three days and couldn't put it down! THE WAY is an important book for today -- not just for women -- but for eveyrone who seeks peace and a better world. My guess is it will become a runaway bestseller. Time will tell. Meanwhile i'm going to give copies to eveyrone I know, including my mother. Thanks.
July 25, 2018
The twist that reveals what this book is really about comes early in chapter 2, and it blew me right out of my chair. I jumped to my feet and yelled "Holy sh*t!" I love this book so much. I'm at 70% and only put it down now because I have grandkids here, and I want to finish it when I can give it my full attention. It's that good. A woman-centric, feminist alternate history novel of drama, emotion, love, and courage that's as poignant as it is meaningful. If you're female, you should read this book by Kristen Wolf. She's one to watch.
July 26, 2011
I just turned the last page on this book and Whoa! it is DEFINITELY going to stir things up! First off, it is a gripping read. I got so engrossed i forgot to feed my cats. And that NEVER happens. People are either going to love it or hate it. But as a someone raised in a very rigid religious tradition (Catholic) this book was like medicine. And expressed things I always believed but could never put words to. Bravo to the author for taking this on and for offering new hope to all those who seek.
September 26, 2018
The Way
This book left me breathless every night as I savored page after page, wanting to make it last for many nights to come. The writing is gorgeous and the storytelling, masterful. It's a rare read. As the story unfolds I find myself right there with the characters, reliving and seeming to remember each event as if they were memories being unearthed deep within my soul. A tidal wave of relief washed through me in the HUGE truth finally being told in this book, it was like a burden had been lifted and the power of this truth was now free to disperse itself throughout every atom on earth. This is a soulful read with powerful allegories for today's world.
This book left me breathless every night as I savored page after page, wanting to make it last for many nights to come. The writing is gorgeous and the storytelling, masterful. It's a rare read. As the story unfolds I find myself right there with the characters, reliving and seeming to remember each event as if they were memories being unearthed deep within my soul. A tidal wave of relief washed through me in the HUGE truth finally being told in this book, it was like a burden had been lifted and the power of this truth was now free to disperse itself throughout every atom on earth. This is a soulful read with powerful allegories for today's world.
July 25, 2011
It was the strangest book. A mix of real Biblical references but with a feminist agenda. I kept reading to see if somehow it could redeeem itself. Set immediately in AD it led me to believe that somehow it would be about the people who considered themselves to be part of "the Way" but instead was just a feminist twist of what really happened. When "Jesus" came back to life at the end - it was just too much. More a form of blasphemy than a work of actual fiction. I would steer everyone I know from wasting their time reading this book.
August 3, 2011
"The Way" is part biblical parable, part discourse on gender theory, part feminist power tale, part Star Wars esque saga (The Force/The Way is strong with this one)and part Da Vinci code prequel,. It all mixes together to make a really wonderful story, portrayed with dignity and heart.
Anna is a young girl living a hard existence in a village in ancient Palestine. Her father, who is a religious zealot and a drunk, wants nothing more than to have son. Her mother, Mari, is from a country and a people far away, and she secretly keeps to the "old ways" when her husband isn't looking or listening. Anna's only friend is Zahra, the village healer who publicly espouses pagan worship of "The Great Mother" and believes Anna has a destiny that reaches far beyond her village. Anna is universally scorned (by everyone except Zahra and Mari) for her androgynous appearance, her mother tells her she is "half and half", possessing the qualities of both male and female, and extols her handsome face. Her father sees only perversion and corruption. After an act of terrible violence rips open Anna's world, her father sells her to a wandering band of shepherds, telling them that Anna is really his son. Anna, to keep her disguise and protect her new identity, takes on the name Jesus, which was the name her father had planned to give to the son he never had. And the shepherds, led by Solomon, the man with the mysterious past, set out from Anna's village, the little piss poor town of Nazareth, into the desert. Jesus. Nazareth. Stop me if you've heard this one.
But you've never heard the Greatest Story Ever Told told quite like this. Jesus doesn't wander in the desert all his days. Solomon is leading him to a purpose, to a place of refuge hidden from the waves of hatred and zealotry that are sweeping violently across the land. He brings Jesus to the sisters of the Narrows, a community of women who live in seclusion to practice and preserve the old ways, known to them simply as The Way. The Way espouses respect and equality for both sexes, with special reverence for women as the living symbols of The Great Mother, who brings forth life and sustains the Earth. The Way teaches respect for the circle of life and death, for learning and for healing using the fruits of the Earth, and for kindness, generosity, non-violence, nonpossession, and communion with nature. The practicioners of The Way have been waiting a long time for the one who will be the greatest of them, who will restore balance to The Way and return the wandering people of Earth to its practice. They think that Anna may be the one they've been waiting for.
But there are other forces stirring in the land, seeking dominance over the people and dominion for their own God. They plan to stop at nothing to destroy The Way and all who know or practice it. Jesus (and Anna) could be their greatest threat. Or, if properly handled, perhaps their best ally. After all, a single story can be told many ways, and even a narrative that seems completely opposing, could be twisted to your benefit, couldn't it?
The Way is a great story that will resonate best with people who have at least a passing familiarity with the New Testament, though if you've read the Da Vinci code, that may suffice. Unlike the Da Vinci Code however, Kristin Cole can really write, and she crafts a story that is gently moving and well told. Taking a familiar divine figure and making her (and him) truly human, she weaves an intelligent tale that does not exactly negate the message of love and forgiveness that many Christians are familiar with, but more adjusts it to show how it could perhaps have happened not in the way we think, and for the perpetuation of completely different plans than we might assume.
Anna is a young girl living a hard existence in a village in ancient Palestine. Her father, who is a religious zealot and a drunk, wants nothing more than to have son. Her mother, Mari, is from a country and a people far away, and she secretly keeps to the "old ways" when her husband isn't looking or listening. Anna's only friend is Zahra, the village healer who publicly espouses pagan worship of "The Great Mother" and believes Anna has a destiny that reaches far beyond her village. Anna is universally scorned (by everyone except Zahra and Mari) for her androgynous appearance, her mother tells her she is "half and half", possessing the qualities of both male and female, and extols her handsome face. Her father sees only perversion and corruption. After an act of terrible violence rips open Anna's world, her father sells her to a wandering band of shepherds, telling them that Anna is really his son. Anna, to keep her disguise and protect her new identity, takes on the name Jesus, which was the name her father had planned to give to the son he never had. And the shepherds, led by Solomon, the man with the mysterious past, set out from Anna's village, the little piss poor town of Nazareth, into the desert. Jesus. Nazareth. Stop me if you've heard this one.
But you've never heard the Greatest Story Ever Told told quite like this. Jesus doesn't wander in the desert all his days. Solomon is leading him to a purpose, to a place of refuge hidden from the waves of hatred and zealotry that are sweeping violently across the land. He brings Jesus to the sisters of the Narrows, a community of women who live in seclusion to practice and preserve the old ways, known to them simply as The Way. The Way espouses respect and equality for both sexes, with special reverence for women as the living symbols of The Great Mother, who brings forth life and sustains the Earth. The Way teaches respect for the circle of life and death, for learning and for healing using the fruits of the Earth, and for kindness, generosity, non-violence, nonpossession, and communion with nature. The practicioners of The Way have been waiting a long time for the one who will be the greatest of them, who will restore balance to The Way and return the wandering people of Earth to its practice. They think that Anna may be the one they've been waiting for.
But there are other forces stirring in the land, seeking dominance over the people and dominion for their own God. They plan to stop at nothing to destroy The Way and all who know or practice it. Jesus (and Anna) could be their greatest threat. Or, if properly handled, perhaps their best ally. After all, a single story can be told many ways, and even a narrative that seems completely opposing, could be twisted to your benefit, couldn't it?
The Way is a great story that will resonate best with people who have at least a passing familiarity with the New Testament, though if you've read the Da Vinci code, that may suffice. Unlike the Da Vinci Code however, Kristin Cole can really write, and she crafts a story that is gently moving and well told. Taking a familiar divine figure and making her (and him) truly human, she weaves an intelligent tale that does not exactly negate the message of love and forgiveness that many Christians are familiar with, but more adjusts it to show how it could perhaps have happened not in the way we think, and for the perpetuation of completely different plans than we might assume.
April 14, 2019
The Way is a very thought provoking religious historical fiction story set in 1st Century Palestine at the same time setting as the Biblical Jesus in Christianity. Anna who is also called Jesus is the main character. The is the story of Anna and all women who struggle within a male dominated culture to be themselves... to be who they really are... to be treated with respect and dignity. Anna is forced to assume the identity of a male when sold to shepherd by her father. She takes the name of Jesus, her infant brother who died. Eventually taken in by The Way, a society of females who keep alive the ancient philosophy of the divine feminine.
The Way is likely to offend many Christians but in reality it is a beautiful story of our search for spirituality and the need to see all as equals in the eyes of the Divine God.
The Way is likely to offend many Christians but in reality it is a beautiful story of our search for spirituality and the need to see all as equals in the eyes of the Divine God.
August 31, 2011
Kristen Wolf has used her imagination to re-tell one of the greatest stories of all time, that of Jesus. What drew me to the book was the ancient philosophy they call 'The Way' when the Mother was revered as the source of life and so all life was sacred. The Way taught how to be in communion with everything to really know it. To this end, the character of Jesus actually starts out as the character Anna, whose adrogenous appearance provokes ridicule from the people around her, a village on the outskirts of ancient Palestine in 7A.D. If the author would have created a story around the loss of this feminine Way, the novel would probably be more interesting. As it is, everyone knows how the story of Jesus unfolds, so the suspense was missing to some degree. Also, Kristen's style of writing is lacking in rich imagery and word play which makes a novel truly enjoyable. But for an alternative depiction of events on this famous story this is the book for you.
March 19, 2012
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.
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.
March 25, 2014
At first, I was a little distracted by some of the writing, particularly some clunky descriptions, usually about people's gazes, like when someone grips someone else's eyes or when a character's eyes hug the floor, and so I did some irritated eyerolls at what appeared to be metaphors intended for floweriness but lacking real accuracy. And there really is a whole lot of description of people looking at things and each other. But. Halfway through, I got veeeeeery interested. And then about three-quarters of the way in, I didn't want to put it down. There was gasping, some mouthgaping, several "Nuh-uh"s uttered aloud as I read. And the whole thing, well, I'll just say that it made a lot of sense. I will be mulling this over for quite some time, I'm sure. Very compelling.
April 1, 2012
The Way envisions a new beginning for Christianity through the portrayal of Jesus as a woman. Anna's masculine appearance as a child causes her no end of hurt as the other children make fun of her and her father despairs that he has no son. The loss of an infant son and then the death of his wife lead Anna's father to disguise her as a boy and sell her to shepherds so he will be rid of her. For Anna this is the beginning of an unimaginable journey as she must first hide her femaleness and then learn to embrace it when she reaches what she thinks is her final destination. Her time as a shepherd and her time among the Sisters learning The Way prepare her for a larger role in the spiritual conflict taking place outside the caves she thinks of as home.
Sometimes you are looking for a book that will just take you away from your life. A book that lets your imagination run wild and entertains or relaxes you. The Way is not one of those books. The Way challenges you to think beyond what you have learned of Christianity. To expand your vision beyond yourself and your family and to remember how all things in the world are connected. Wolf takes some of the traditional Bible stories of Jesus and gives them new life as she shares them in a different context. The Way does not diminish Christianity but instead adds another layer of thought that expands it to include both Mother and Father in nourishing roles for all people.
Wolf writes in a straightforward manner that is both stark and beautiful at the same time. She matches her writing to each scene with scenes of the desert and scenes of the caves flowing just a bit differently. This enhances the reading experience as I was able to get a great sense of what Anna was feeling and experiencing through the changes in the writing. The shifts in name from Anna to Jesus and back again were so complete that it was possible in sections of the story to forget that the character is actually female. Anna must completely abandon herself into her male role and Wolf writes this absolutely convincingly and with total conviction.
It is incredibly important to remember when reading The Way that it is a work of fiction. While Wolf did research lesser known aspects of Christianity for background, this is her story and her vision. I think Wolf took a great risk in writing a story that could be so controversial for her first novel but she pulls it off wonderfully. I can see The Way being discussed in college religion courses with the potential for strong opinions on all sides of a debate. The Way does not allow you to read with complacency but forces you to think beyond the traditional Bible stories you may have learned as a child.
Sometimes you are looking for a book that will just take you away from your life. A book that lets your imagination run wild and entertains or relaxes you. The Way is not one of those books. The Way challenges you to think beyond what you have learned of Christianity. To expand your vision beyond yourself and your family and to remember how all things in the world are connected. Wolf takes some of the traditional Bible stories of Jesus and gives them new life as she shares them in a different context. The Way does not diminish Christianity but instead adds another layer of thought that expands it to include both Mother and Father in nourishing roles for all people.
Wolf writes in a straightforward manner that is both stark and beautiful at the same time. She matches her writing to each scene with scenes of the desert and scenes of the caves flowing just a bit differently. This enhances the reading experience as I was able to get a great sense of what Anna was feeling and experiencing through the changes in the writing. The shifts in name from Anna to Jesus and back again were so complete that it was possible in sections of the story to forget that the character is actually female. Anna must completely abandon herself into her male role and Wolf writes this absolutely convincingly and with total conviction.
It is incredibly important to remember when reading The Way that it is a work of fiction. While Wolf did research lesser known aspects of Christianity for background, this is her story and her vision. I think Wolf took a great risk in writing a story that could be so controversial for her first novel but she pulls it off wonderfully. I can see The Way being discussed in college religion courses with the potential for strong opinions on all sides of a debate. The Way does not allow you to read with complacency but forces you to think beyond the traditional Bible stories you may have learned as a child.
February 29, 2012
Anna is a young girl living in ancient Palestine in a male-dominated world. Her mother, Mari, and her father, Yosef, try to be good parents, but they both have their own beliefs. Yosef feels like he is less of a man until his wife gives him a son. Mari, a quiet woman, tries to adhere to his ways and ensure that their daughter is taught as well, so she may survive. Mari secretly though, plans an escape for young Anna.
Anna is an inquisitive yet quiet child. Her mother calls her handsome, but she has the mannerisms of a male, a square jaw and a thick brow, wide shoulders, but her sex deems her a female. When her mother dies and her father sells her to a shepherd, Anna is taken from everything she has ever known and tries to find her way.
In a camp of shepherds, whom are all male, Anna knows the only way she will survive is if she can pass as a male. She takes the name of Jesus, and becomes a grand shepherd. The leader of her band of shepherds, Samson, knows that Jesus is special and tries to come up with a way to get him to where he needs to be. There is a hidden society of women hiding in the mountains and they teach and learn what is called, “The Way”. They have unique healing abilities and have a higher calling.
When Samson’s trick to get Jesus in the mountains is successful, Jesus is confused. Why would his friend play such a trick on him? He wants to leave immediately, but the women urge Jesus to become whom she really is and before long, she can’t help but answer the call. But someone is hunting for the secret society and won’t stop until they are all annihilated. Can help come before it’s too late? Or will Anna take it their lives into her own hands, along with her own destiny?
The Way is a page-turning and compelling story that will bring many questions to the reader. Is this a new twist on the story of Jesus? Is it a story of a young girl finding her own way in ancient Palestine? That answer is unique to each reader in my opinion. Wolfe has done a sensational job of portraying the ancient times as well as painting the details to bring the old world to life. With exotic and compelling characters and resplendent writing, The Way is a magnificent read that will stay with you days after you’ve read the last page. I highly recommend it!
Anna is an inquisitive yet quiet child. Her mother calls her handsome, but she has the mannerisms of a male, a square jaw and a thick brow, wide shoulders, but her sex deems her a female. When her mother dies and her father sells her to a shepherd, Anna is taken from everything she has ever known and tries to find her way.
In a camp of shepherds, whom are all male, Anna knows the only way she will survive is if she can pass as a male. She takes the name of Jesus, and becomes a grand shepherd. The leader of her band of shepherds, Samson, knows that Jesus is special and tries to come up with a way to get him to where he needs to be. There is a hidden society of women hiding in the mountains and they teach and learn what is called, “The Way”. They have unique healing abilities and have a higher calling.
When Samson’s trick to get Jesus in the mountains is successful, Jesus is confused. Why would his friend play such a trick on him? He wants to leave immediately, but the women urge Jesus to become whom she really is and before long, she can’t help but answer the call. But someone is hunting for the secret society and won’t stop until they are all annihilated. Can help come before it’s too late? Or will Anna take it their lives into her own hands, along with her own destiny?
The Way is a page-turning and compelling story that will bring many questions to the reader. Is this a new twist on the story of Jesus? Is it a story of a young girl finding her own way in ancient Palestine? That answer is unique to each reader in my opinion. Wolfe has done a sensational job of portraying the ancient times as well as painting the details to bring the old world to life. With exotic and compelling characters and resplendent writing, The Way is a magnificent read that will stay with you days after you’ve read the last page. I highly recommend it!
April 1, 2012
The Earth is the Mother's and all that flows from there. Staying one with the Mother through meditation and respect for creation yields right relationships and blessings in the fruits of creation. These are some of the fundamental beliefs that the followers of the Way have followed for centuries, but now it is women who live these beliefs as the religion of men has grown in order to justify male domination. The latter is now determined to eradicate the Way and all of its followers by whatever means possible.
This is the world into which Anna is born. Her mother may have been a follower but is weakened by a domineering, abusive husband. After her mother bears a stillborn child and then dies herself, Anna's father sells her to traveling shepherds, but not before a wise woman protects Anna from worse. A mysterious necklace is all Anna has to remind her of a sacred, healing power existing somewhere in the world. Anna, one realizes is a girl but has the facial features of a boy for which she is despised and feared as an emanation of something evil.
After she has learned the work of shepherding, she hears more of this Way briefly but is more preoccupied with the male role she is constantly living and making friends with the leader and another man, Peter, who has secret feelings for this young boy now known as Jesus. The story gradually changes to the point where Jesus is sent on a mission to get supplies and comes upon those women living in a cave in the secret area known as "The Narrows." Here Jesus' real identity is uncovered and she gradually becomes trusted enough to learn of the Way and the troubles that threaten its very existence.
Jesus begins to travel and the story unravels to the point where events occur that defy most readers' expectations on their own religious upbringing and education. Surprises and agonizing attacks and more loom on every page.
The Way is quite simply an astonishing story that is both credible and incredible. It stretches the imagination, one's doubts, wonder, beliefs over and over again, leaving one with questions and answers galore! Fascinating fiction!
This is the world into which Anna is born. Her mother may have been a follower but is weakened by a domineering, abusive husband. After her mother bears a stillborn child and then dies herself, Anna's father sells her to traveling shepherds, but not before a wise woman protects Anna from worse. A mysterious necklace is all Anna has to remind her of a sacred, healing power existing somewhere in the world. Anna, one realizes is a girl but has the facial features of a boy for which she is despised and feared as an emanation of something evil.
After she has learned the work of shepherding, she hears more of this Way briefly but is more preoccupied with the male role she is constantly living and making friends with the leader and another man, Peter, who has secret feelings for this young boy now known as Jesus. The story gradually changes to the point where Jesus is sent on a mission to get supplies and comes upon those women living in a cave in the secret area known as "The Narrows." Here Jesus' real identity is uncovered and she gradually becomes trusted enough to learn of the Way and the troubles that threaten its very existence.
Jesus begins to travel and the story unravels to the point where events occur that defy most readers' expectations on their own religious upbringing and education. Surprises and agonizing attacks and more loom on every page.
The Way is quite simply an astonishing story that is both credible and incredible. It stretches the imagination, one's doubts, wonder, beliefs over and over again, leaving one with questions and answers galore! Fascinating fiction!
June 2, 2020
What a superb book with which to end my reading decade!
My father, and eminent statistician, was once asked, following a talk in which he revealed some very surprising and shocking facts on a topic of the day, if what he had said “was gospel.”
His response was, “No. It was the truth.”
The Way is an alternative version of the gospel stories as they appear in the first four books of the New Testament of The Bible. I believe that there are many other versions.
All religious scriptures, The Bible, The Qoran and many others, were scribed by men. Many of those books were written in order to gain political power. Some were written from the heart, head and spirit of the authors. Who is to say which parts of any of those great books are the truth?
Quote:
“After all, if you are forever referencing the same text, because someone tells you to, you shrink your spiritual experience of the world. Your senses are deadened to the bounty around them. Imposed or mindless reiteration, by its very nature, numbs the spirit and closes your heart to the world around you. And, unfortunately, when people are told what it is that they see, they can be easily misled.”
Until I read The Way, my favourite alternative gospel was Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore. These two, although very different in many ways, are now my joint favourites.
Lamb is very clever comedy and I loved it.
The Way is powerful and provocative. Like much historical fiction, perhaps it is closer to the true version of events of two thousand years ago than the accounts that millions prefer to believe. I dare not say.
I recommend this to everyone, although I would warn those who are entrenched in their own religious beliefs that it may offend them. It should be read with an open mind and marvelled at for its skilful writing.
My father, and eminent statistician, was once asked, following a talk in which he revealed some very surprising and shocking facts on a topic of the day, if what he had said “was gospel.”
His response was, “No. It was the truth.”
The Way is an alternative version of the gospel stories as they appear in the first four books of the New Testament of The Bible. I believe that there are many other versions.
All religious scriptures, The Bible, The Qoran and many others, were scribed by men. Many of those books were written in order to gain political power. Some were written from the heart, head and spirit of the authors. Who is to say which parts of any of those great books are the truth?
Quote:
“After all, if you are forever referencing the same text, because someone tells you to, you shrink your spiritual experience of the world. Your senses are deadened to the bounty around them. Imposed or mindless reiteration, by its very nature, numbs the spirit and closes your heart to the world around you. And, unfortunately, when people are told what it is that they see, they can be easily misled.”
Until I read The Way, my favourite alternative gospel was Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore. These two, although very different in many ways, are now my joint favourites.
Lamb is very clever comedy and I loved it.
The Way is powerful and provocative. Like much historical fiction, perhaps it is closer to the true version of events of two thousand years ago than the accounts that millions prefer to believe. I dare not say.
I recommend this to everyone, although I would warn those who are entrenched in their own religious beliefs that it may offend them. It should be read with an open mind and marvelled at for its skilful writing.
September 8, 2011
First, I want to say that I see a market for this book. I can understand why some people would really enjoy it. I had a difficult time deciding between a 2 or a 3 rating, finally settling on a 2 because I had to push myself to complete the book. I started to lose interest.
I liked that the description of the book did not give away WHO Anna really is. That was a huge surprise for me, and a great one, at that.
I like how accessible the book is to the general public. I am not and have never been a Christian, but I do think I caught most of the "fact behind the fiction" in this fiction Kristen Wolf created.
I disliked the often short sections/chapters. It was too bouncy for me. I felt that the writing was, at times, oversimplified to maintain the format Kristen Wolf had established.
I also felt characters were often too much of what they were (stubborn, wise, greedy, etc.) and felt that attempts to show degrees of traits or conflict were a bit forced, even with Anna.
All and all, I would carefully suggest this book to specific people. I know my step-mother, for instance, would love the writing style but be appalled by the content. On the other hand, I have many friends that would be intrigued by the story line, but find the presentation to be too shallow for them.
I liked that the description of the book did not give away WHO Anna really is. That was a huge surprise for me, and a great one, at that.
I like how accessible the book is to the general public. I am not and have never been a Christian, but I do think I caught most of the "fact behind the fiction" in this fiction Kristen Wolf created.
I disliked the often short sections/chapters. It was too bouncy for me. I felt that the writing was, at times, oversimplified to maintain the format Kristen Wolf had established.
I also felt characters were often too much of what they were (stubborn, wise, greedy, etc.) and felt that attempts to show degrees of traits or conflict were a bit forced, even with Anna.
All and all, I would carefully suggest this book to specific people. I know my step-mother, for instance, would love the writing style but be appalled by the content. On the other hand, I have many friends that would be intrigued by the story line, but find the presentation to be too shallow for them.
August 15, 2011
I won this from Goodreads, but recieved it more than a month after I won it (that's why it took me so long to review this!)
This book was very interesting. It imagines the life of Jesus from the time he was twelve to about his early thirties. It was interesting because the book takes on the stance of: what if Jesus was not who we think he really was? This book mixes history with pure fiction as it imagines that Jesus was really a woman disguising herself as a man, living first as a shepherd among men and later as a woman among a secret group that worships "the Mother" and creation, rather than a paternal God. I was not sure if I was going to like this before I started reading it. I thought it might be a little too "out there" for me, but I was surprised by how much I did like the story. It was well-written and flowed very easily. It's one of those books that makes you think, but was so easy to read.
This book was very interesting. It imagines the life of Jesus from the time he was twelve to about his early thirties. It was interesting because the book takes on the stance of: what if Jesus was not who we think he really was? This book mixes history with pure fiction as it imagines that Jesus was really a woman disguising herself as a man, living first as a shepherd among men and later as a woman among a secret group that worships "the Mother" and creation, rather than a paternal God. I was not sure if I was going to like this before I started reading it. I thought it might be a little too "out there" for me, but I was surprised by how much I did like the story. It was well-written and flowed very easily. It's one of those books that makes you think, but was so easy to read.
November 6, 2011
Wow! A fascinating look at the life of Jesus and a plausible explanation for why Jesus was the way he was and the contradictions from different gospels. It was hard to read at points, because of the cruelty, but strangely, it gave me a deeper appreciation for the legacy that Jesus gave us, whether Christian or not.
I so, so, so wish this book had been around during my years at the Jesuit institution Creighton University. It would have rocked their world, if the book even made it on campus without bursting into flames.
The writing could have used a bit more polish and was slow in places - with an unclear timeline, despite the author's best efforts, but the message and the impact of this book will wiggle its way into your brain at the oddest times.
I so, so, so wish this book had been around during my years at the Jesuit institution Creighton University. It would have rocked their world, if the book even made it on campus without bursting into flames.
The writing could have used a bit more polish and was slow in places - with an unclear timeline, despite the author's best efforts, but the message and the impact of this book will wiggle its way into your brain at the oddest times.
September 14, 2011
I liked this book. Although the beginning was slow I was very drawn to Anna right from the start. After Anna's father, dressing her as a boy so he can sell her to the shepherd's, tells them her name is Jesus it becomes very clear where the story is taking you. From that point on the twists and turns the story takes kept surprising me and kept me very curious as to how the biblical story (I knew) would now fall into place with Anna in the role of Jesus. I was a little let down and disappointed with how the story ended, but all and all I was captivated with this book and with the imagination used to write it.
April 24, 2020
Kristen Wolf's writing is engaging and captivating. In a story form she addresses:
1)Divine feminine and masculine
2)Matriarchal honoring of the earth and people verses patriarchal Power and control over the earth and people
3) How we present ourselves to others through love or fear
4) Who is the source of our inner strength and guidance?
5) Do we hide in shame or share our intimate thoughts?
6) What is our process to resolve our dilemmas and choices?
The story is well done with lots of interesting twists jogging our memory of Bible stories and rearranging them in our head. Kristen Wolf is such a great writer I would read anything she wrote.
1)Divine feminine and masculine
2)Matriarchal honoring of the earth and people verses patriarchal Power and control over the earth and people
3) How we present ourselves to others through love or fear
4) Who is the source of our inner strength and guidance?
5) Do we hide in shame or share our intimate thoughts?
6) What is our process to resolve our dilemmas and choices?
The story is well done with lots of interesting twists jogging our memory of Bible stories and rearranging them in our head. Kristen Wolf is such a great writer I would read anything she wrote.
January 16, 2016
This is one of those books that you really need to take your time reading, absorbing every word, feeling every emotion, becoming part of every setting.
I couldn't get enough of this story.
It was like walking alongside Jesus, only while reading.
Very beautifully written, I sincerely want to read more from this author!
And lastly I will mention it is a Oprah Book Club selection, and after reading it, I get why.
I couldn't get enough of this story.
It was like walking alongside Jesus, only while reading.
Very beautifully written, I sincerely want to read more from this author!
And lastly I will mention it is a Oprah Book Club selection, and after reading it, I get why.
April 18, 2012
I loved reading about Anna/Jesus. Kristen Wolf's imaginative rendering of Jesus as a woman reminded me that all the images we have of Jesus today are constructed. This is a tale told with passion and skill, a story into which a reader is immediately immersed. The Way also gives a reader much to think about, a book group much to discuss. Recommended.
March 27, 2012
This is an excellent book. The story is compelling, the characters you feel close to, and the writing is so beautiful.
This is not a good choice if you are religious, as it tells stories from the Bible with a more... matriarchal twist. Very spiuritual.
This is not a good choice if you are religious, as it tells stories from the Bible with a more... matriarchal twist. Very spiuritual.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2018
NO STARS! ! ! ANGRY, AND DISAPPOINTED I EVEN FINISHED IT.😞
Sorry but Oprah really let me down. I found this book an insult to Christians and more importantly to Christ. Sorry, but I won't recommend it at all.😞
NO! DO NOT READ!😞
Sorry but Oprah really let me down. I found this book an insult to Christians and more importantly to Christ. Sorry, but I won't recommend it at all.😞
NO! DO NOT READ!😞
August 21, 2011
Perhaps the most fascinating and imaginative take on the Jesus story...and that's after reading Christopher Moore's LAMB. Be prepared to have your world rocked!
November 14, 2011
Bold, daring, jarring, unsettling.
March 16, 2012
In intriguing alternative to the dawn of Christianity.
January 23, 2021
WOW! I don't know where to begin. A young girl learns from an early age that being born a girl is being bullied by the village boys, a grandfather, and her father. And, her androgynous appearance is a handicap and a blessing. The conflict between faith belief cultures is violent and there is persecution and murder. I can't write anymore without spoiling the story. The story is still with me.
November 9, 2022
Mind blowing!!!!
I never would have imagined what this book was about. While reading it, it became one ahh moment after another, until all made sense. It has been a while since I have read something so good. It kept me up all night on more than one occasion.
This is a must read, because we need to remember to remember the Way.
I never would have imagined what this book was about. While reading it, it became one ahh moment after another, until all made sense. It has been a while since I have read something so good. It kept me up all night on more than one occasion.
This is a must read, because we need to remember to remember the Way.
December 13, 2019
A new interpretation of the New Testament. A fresh perspective of the events and characters. This book will stick with me. Being through with reading it, I miss the characters. Read it with an open mind. I loved it.
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