The Story of Ruth: Twelve Moments in Every Woman's Life

by Joan D. Chittister

In this beautiful book best-selling author Joan Chittister and celebrated artist John August Swanson together reclaim the ancient story of Ruth as a model for contemporary women seeking a fully spiritual life.

In concert with Swanson's rich and evocative art, Chittister's graceful prose explores, through this powerful biblical story, a series of twelve defining moments in every woman's life ― moments of loss, change, transformation, aging, independence, respect, recognition, insight, empowerment, selfdefinition, invisibility, and fulfillment.

A lovely blend of art and text, The Story of Ruth offers inspiration for women seeking wholeness and presents compelling devotional images for eyes and mind alike.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Womens, Spirituality, Christianity, Church, Feminism

104 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2007

About the author

Joan Daugherty Chittister, O.S.B., is an American Benedictine nun, theologian, author, and speaker. She has served as Benedictine prioress and Benedictine federation president, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women.

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It was a gift from a woman in my internship congregation. I read it with women in my third congregation in Florida. I have a bittersweet association with it now because I still miss the women I read it with. Highly recommended for a woman's book group.

[Leah Wyckoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful exploration of themes in the biblical book of Ruth, themes such as loss, aging, transformation, and more. These themes are woven throughout all our lives, not just women's, but Chittister explores how women today in Western societies experience these themes. John August Swanson's colorful artwork adds to the discussion of each theme. There is an online study guide with discussion questions available at http://theepiscopalcommunity.org/wp-c...

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This slim book examines the book of Ruth from the perspective of common experiences shared by women. As a feminist interpretation, it suggests that of all the characters, Naomi demonstrates the most agency, that perhaps Ruth demonstrates the most faith, and that while a good man, Boaz does nothing to change the system that benefits him and provides him with land (and Ruth in the bargain). I sometimes felt that the book was not as nuanced as the story, but found it thought-provoking.

[Jacqueline Hankinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Abandoned after 75 % Learned applications for the life of Ruth to town life eg self respect and value. Felt the author was redundantndwordy and too much personal opinions. Seemed more like a journalblogthan aprofessional writer. The artwork and illustrations were nice and colorful. Did give very detailed feelings and emotions about the characters. Naomi was a widow with a hardlifeafterwho husbandandsonsdied.

[Pat aka Tygyr · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the first book on my new book club's reading list. I really did not like it. At first I thought I must have the wrong book, it looks like a children's book with all the illustrations. Then I realized the strong feminist bend to the tale and I felt it overshadowed what could have been a very beautifully told story. I do not recommend this book.

[pianogal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like this book was originally begun b/c of the art work, but honestly, that was my least favorite part. Joan Chittister does a fabulous job in discussing this book of the Bible. Admittedly she gets a little more feministic than I would, but she still makes some valid points. If you love the book of Ruth, you should check this one out.

[Margaret R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is worth looking at for the art work of John August Swanson. It is amazing. It is a wonderful gift book. The writing is troubling, redundant but made me think. By the end I was convinced.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, thoughtful book based on the story of Ruth and Naomi in the Bible. The author, a very, very wise nun, lays out amazing thoughts, insights and ideas, calling for a world of justice and men and women living as whole people.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a hard read for me - so I didn't enjoy it that much :(

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premises, but the writing is redundant. The book could be half the size.

[Erin Nieves · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books to give as a gift to my women friends. This has the added blessing of the beautiful artwork of John August Swanson. Lovely!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book--I am re-reading it.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are amazing. The insights provocative and liberating. The personal journey challenging.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story from the Bible with how it's principles are applicable to modern day women. The last chapter seemed to over reach.

[Humbledaisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful medieval style artwork, nice commentary but not terribly original or different.

[Renita Weems · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended to anyone leading a women's bible study using the book of Ruth.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one in a sitting in preparation for an upcoming speaking engagement on the Book of Ruth. Ruth being one of my favourite Biblical accounts, I'm always intrigued by readings that give me new insights and food for thought on this story. Coming from a Christian feminist perspective, Chittister pulls no punches about the implications of the enduring constructs of patriarchy, both for the women and men at the core of this story and the reader today. Ruth and Naomi are both held up as women to be examined and emulated as gutsy co-operants in God's ongoing story of grace running wild through the middle of this human muck and mess. While Chittister does right in exploring Boaz's limitations as a man who adheres perhaps too tightly to prevailing systems (particularly in Chapter 4), she hopefully envisions how both the men and women of character in this story work together to foreshadow the grand reversal of early Genesis to which they are worthy ancestors of the salvation to come and the salvation that continues as an invitation to us today, even if the christological aspect is more implied than overtly stated. As Chittister writes, "Until we take life into our own hands, we are at best candidates for piety, not pursuers of sanctity. The pious participate in rituals designed to protect them from the world. The holy go beyond the rituals to wrestle with the angels of life."

[Karen P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books find you at the right time. I think this one did for me. I am currently in a small group studying Ruth. Are these women manipulative or are they using the only means they have to create a better situation for themselves? Is it mere circumstances or is God at work? As women how can we embolden the next generation of women?

[Larada Horner-Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe every woman needs to read this powerful treatment of the book of Ruth. Unless we respect the matriarchal influence of women, the patriarchal mindset misses the complete face of God! This is a must read!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book uses the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi to illustrate stages in many women's lives as we navigate a world that is often inclined to keep women powerless. Thoughtful and encouraging. I stumbled on this book from my public library's Hoopla subscription. I'm very glad I did.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. DNF at about 58%. The illustrations were pretty, though.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sr Joan Chittister always inspires in her books and she has done the same here. The accompanying art work is lovely.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this as part of the 2022 Read Harder Challenge. It was the book on my to-be read list the longest. Why I waited I have no idea. A must for all Christian or Jewish women!

[Brenna Bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, insightful book about the lives of women and these 2 women of the Holy Scriptures.