Son of Man: Retelling the Stories of Jesus

by Charles Martin

Experience the Bible come to life before your eyes as New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin uses his storyteller's imagination to present the life of Jesus in a way that will engage your faith in new ways. This collection of more than twenty short stories, compiled from Martin's books What If It's True? and They Turned the World Upside Down , draws you into a deeper understanding and love for the Savior. Son of Man presents key moments from the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and explores the lives of His followers in descriptive, novelistic words. This unique Son of Man is perfect for someone who loves Christian fiction. Known for his beloved lyrical style, in this paperback edition Martin illuminates key moments from Scripture with stories such as "Where the Father's Love Found Him," "Betrayed," and "The Borrowed Tomb." Martin's writing offers a way to see how Jesus' life and the lives of His disciples revealed an unwavering confidence in the power and presence of God.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Faith, Christian, Theology, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2023

About the author

Charles Martin is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, FL. Learn more at charlesmartinbooks.com; Instagram: @storiedcareer; X: @storiedcareer; Facebook: @Author.Charles.Martin

Reviews

[Mesu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read several of Charles Martin’s novels and enjoy his writing style and storytelling immensely. I once heard him speak at a writers’ awards ceremony and found his humility to be both genuine and compelling. So, when I discovered through a YouTube video that he’d written—what I thought to be—a story about Jesus and His last days on this earth, I couldn’t wait to listen. (I “read” this book on Audible.) It was an experience I’ll never forget.
Because I write biblical fiction, I tend to be a tough critic on the genre. Son of Man is NOT biblical fiction, yet it’s not a Bible Study or Christian Living or any other labeled non-fiction in your local bookstore. Son of Man is perhaps best described by the title of Jerry McGuire’s infamous memo-turned-mission-statement that turned his life upside down: “The Things We Think and Do Not Say.”
As with Charles Martin’s novels, I found myself pondering deep-water emotions that I’d never before considered and had most certainly never voiced. But instead of topics like marriage, friendship, and earthly concerns, Martin brought me face-to-face, toe-to-toe, and heart-to-heart with the Jesus of the Gospels. In this relatively short book, he begins and ends at the Cross. Throughout the narrative, we see ourselves as a filthy-but-redeemed child of the Great King whose Son, the Prince, has paid our debts with His own life.
It’s a stunning, gut-check view of the One who saved every soul that accepts His once-and-for-all free gift. Connilyn Cossette and I are considering doing a joint reader tour to Israel in February 2025, and I think this book will be required reading! Recommended reading for everyone who draws breath!

[Christine Indorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Charles Martin book!! Can you believe it!!?? I’ve been the Christian fiction book scene for over 3 years and here I am reading my 1st book from this amazing author. I picked this book up at my local Books a Million and so glad I did. This book was about the story of Jesus from his birth to his death and resurrection. Told only by Charles Martin and his view on Jesus life. The book was fabulous and quickly read through it!! Things I never thought of that Jesus went through especially during when he hung in the cross! I throughly enjoyed this boon and felt so close to our Lord while reading this book. As soon as I finished I picked up another Charles Martin book!! I think he will soon become one of my favorite authors!! Highly recommend this exceptional book!!

[Clarissa Unruh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Martin tells the story of Jesus in his incredible writing that I love.
‘God, who made you, me, the Milky Way, and the hippopotamus, sent His only, perfect, and beloved Son on a rescue mission, a prisoner swap, Him for us. … Why? …. The reason for Jesus is to return us to the arms of the Father so that we might be loved by him.’

I would love to read this at Easter every year…

[Lisa Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great retelling to help those understand Jesus’ life. I highly recommend it to those that aren’t able to understand the Bible to read this.

[Anna Bolton · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can it not be good its literally a narrative about jesus - could have finished in one sitting if I wasn’t reading with my small group🫶🏼

Charles Martin fan club unite ❤️❤️

[Lauren Scharmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Charles Martin and this was a sweet read for me - a good chance to enter into the stories of Jesus and imaginative prayer.

[Stephanie Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and makes an excellent choice for a Lent and/or Easter read.

*Thanks to netgalley and publisher for the ARC.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, can I just say ... that cover!?! I love it!

Secondly--this is a really good book. It reminded me a fair bit of _The Chosen_ TV series, bringing stories I've read loads of times to life in a new and different way.

I've not read Charles Martin before, and thought this a good intro to his works and writing style. This book does combine two of his others (What If It's True?: A Storyteller’s Journey with Jesus and They Turned the World Upside Down); if I'd picked up on that earlier, I might have just started with those as the full editions, but again, it has its perks as an intro to both Martin and the topic.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. #sponsored

[Michael Ann Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a hugh Charles Martin fan and have read most of his books. I think this one is simple to read and understand. I good story. It would be a good book to give to anyone who is a new believer. This one is for any one who can read with simple words for understanding. It may make someone want to dig deeper which would be great! I think it is a simple version of, They Turned the World Upside Down and What If It Is Trun which I hightly recommend.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done telling of Biblical events in easy to understand language. I caught it off my library's mystery shelf strangely enough and have never tried one of Martin's books before. I probably thought the thought - why reword the scriptures? Well, Martin does a find job of it helping people who may not be comfortable with any of the versions available.
Appropriate reading for Easter season for sure.

Library Loan

[Lynnette Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing

I loved everything written in this book. I listened to the audio as well. I always search for books narrated by the authors. They are so much more enjoyable.. This is a book I will continue rereading. It is that good. It is that important. I have read almost all of Charles Martin's books. He never disappoints. Thank you Charles Martin for writing the best books out there in the publishing world. You are the champion of all authors.

[Caitlyn Crissone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the beginning of this book it had me in tears! So so good! Martin overall is an excellent writer but this book is truly his best work and I have read almost all of his books.
I love everything about this book! I read the intro, loved so much already, that I got my sister to order it too. It truly is a must read!
This would be a great book for a new believer as well.
If I could give this book 100 stars I would!

[Julie Kearbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever ever read any of Charles Martin’s books, you know they will not disappoint. I was leery of this one as all I have read is his fictional books, but I knew his faith from those. This book made Jesus and his followers become so alive to me as I could envision everything that happened.. It will hold your attention and it will pull you into the life of Christ and those that were with him. It is a perfect reminder of the price that was paid for us. Highly recommend.

[Jonathan Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A powerful retelling that offers a clearer, more accessible way to understand the life of Jesus. For readers who struggle to connect with or interpret the Bible, this provides a meaningful and approachable alternative. While I didn’t always love the writing style—it felt a bit difficult at times—the heart and intent of the book shine through. Overall, it’s a thoughtful and worthwhile read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding in a more narrative, relatable way.

[Leanne Bondhus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t decide if I should keep reading and never stop, or read slowly and ponder the amazing way the life of Jesus is retold in such clear, thoughtful, beautiful, insightful words. I love that the author included his thoughts in the middle of the telling of this wonderful and true story. I wish there was a way to give this book at least 7 stars!

[Peggy Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Martin takes the reader into the deep point of view of the people who surrounded Jesus in the last day of His time on earth. The Son of Man spans emotions of joy, grief, fear, elation, and amazing love to pull the reader into the clouds of eternity.

It took me a chapter to realize what an exceptional book, The Son of Man, truly is.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Martin's writing is God given. He gives his view of Jesus' life that is fictionalized, yes, but true to the gospel accounts.
Wonderfully written, and perfect to finish the Holy Easter weekend.
..

[Jan Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of author Charles Martin since my first book of his. Son of Man has taken his storytelling to the next level. Martin brings the story of Christ and the gospel to life with his attention to detail in compassion and emotion.

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Charles Martin and I have read several of his books, both fiction and Christianity books. This one I found his stories almost sacrilegious in his retelling of bible stories.
But if you don't mind his storytelling in a religious vein you would probably enjoy this book.

[Jennifer Rucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5stars. Audibook. I think I would’ve enjoyed this in the printed version better. The narrator kind of grated on my nerves. This book has some really beautiful parts, but I felt like there was also some repetition.

[Jane Coward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and easy read-

Interesting, informative and a fresh look at very familiar scripture. Charles Martin never disappoints. Good book for book club or Bible study group. Highly recommend.

[Olivia Mudrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so fun (if fun is the right word) but Martin's passion like really came through and it was such a cool way to digest the Bible. Great little read for advent. I listened to it on audiobook and would recommend

[Shane Fritz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this quite moving in two spots, uncomfortably strange in a couple, and just okay in others.

[Susan Dant Woodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. Charles Martin bring the words of the Bible alive in a way I’ve never seen before.

[Abigail Chek · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautifully descriptive! Charles Martin is a gifted author and it’s beautiful the way he shines Jesus in his writings!

[Bethany Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such beautiful, fictional accounts of the stories of Jesus’s life. I would suggest having a box of tissue nearby as you read this!

[Cynthia Feenstra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish this book added a little insight as opposed to simply retelling the biblical narratives.

[Jenny Beason Morrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Martin tells the story of Jesus like I've never considered it before. It's a beautiful thought provoking read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of stories of the events of Jesus’s life, often from the viewpoint of those who experienced them. Love this book.

[Karin · Rating 2 out of 5]

3rd try of a book by him and it's official - I don't prefer his writing style... I'll leave it at that