Loading ...The Book of the Shepherd by Joann Davis
I remember the feeling I had when I printed out the CD-ROM I received in the mail four years ago. It was a novel by a brand-new author, published by a brand-new publishing house set up just for its publication. Having been a freelance editor and publicist for several years, I wasn’t too beholden to ‘spiritual fiction,’ most of it not worth the paper it’s printed on in my opinion (sorry – just being honest). But this book seemed different. Somehow I knew the story it contained would have extensive impact, far beyond what it ‘should’ have. That novel was The Shack. Turns out I was right! I’m getting that feeling again – this time about The Book of the Shepherd by Joann Davis.
The difference between Paul Young and Joann Davis is that Davis is a publishing veteran – but she’s signed with HarperStudio, a new publishing imprint of the Harper family that is no less innovative than Young’s publisher. They’re built on the principles of experimentation, new media friendliness, and cutting their authors in 50/50 with profit-sharing (royalties begone!). It’s befitting that this unusual (and quite successful) new publisher is releasing a quite unusual parable as their first overt entree into spirituality titles. The Book of the Shepherd will resonate with anyone who doesn’t care much for schmaltzy Christian fiction but who enjoys Jesus of Nazareth or Francis of Assisi – and perhaps the Joshua series by Joseph Girzone.
The tale opens in a graceless world: Stone the builder who erects a house that falls on its occupants. Sever the hands of the criminal who pilfers livestock or grain or another’s garment. Whip the child who defies an elder. For such is the law and the law must be obeyed.
For generations, these ironclad rules had governed the people. Nobody questioned whether it was right to humiliate a child or execute a murderer. An eye for an eye was the way of the world.
But was there another way?
When an antiquarian book is discovered in the disheveled study of an old Vermont farmhouse, the house’s new owner has the volume translated. The result is The Book of the Shepherd, an enigmatic story full of implications for us all.
Set in a mythical time, in an unnamed land, The Book of the Shepherd tells the tale of a shepherd, Joshua, who is troubled by the harsh code of “an eye for an eye” that governs his world. Called by a dream, the shepherd sets off on a journey to find “the new way.”
Accompanied by Elizabeth, a former slave who is kind and generous, and David, a boy who must learn to walk in new shoes, the shepherd knows that “an age of miracles” will come when the new way is found.
But the journey is not without incident. En route to a cave near the Great Inland Sea, the travelers meet a cast of extraordinary characters, including the Storyteller, the Apothecary, the Blind Man, and the Stranger. Each imparts an important lesson that pushes the travelers toward their destiny. At the cave, Joshua must see if he can bring forth secrets long buried. But he, Elizabeth, and David will also discover that sometimes what we have been searching for has been inside us all along.
What others are saying
“A beautiful demonstration of the ‘Power of One,’ offering readers important lessons of Truth many are searching for today.”
- Kathryn Adams Shapiro, author of Wisdom’s Choice
“A simple and profound parable that engages the heart. A delightful story that even children can enjoy and yet full of deeper meaning and direction for all truth seekers. The Book of the Shepherd should become a classic in every home.”
- Hyrum Smith, Co-founder of FranklinCovey, Founder of Galileo Initiative
“A scribe writes the story. A reader takes it to heart. The world, upon hearing it, is changed forever. The Book of the Shepherd is more than just a poignant and lovely story. It is truth.”
- Lynne Hinton, author of The Arms of God and The Friendship Cake
“From time to time, great teachers have used parables to instruct the human heart. The Book of the Shepherd is such a tale – a luminous book full of revelations of love and forgiveness. I’m going to buy a case for friends and family!”
- Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., author of Minding the Body, Mending the Mind
“The Book of the Shepherd, a timeless story about one man who is seeking “the new way,” is an inspiring and moving fable.”
- Paulo Coelho, author of The Alchemist
“In The Book of the Shepherd, Joann Davis presents us with an insightful tale that cuts through the noise and truly inspires. At a time when many people write about changing the world, she offers a simple journey that vividly demonstrates the importance of every act. An energizing read.”
- James Redfield, #1 International bestselling author of The Celestine Prophecy
“[This book] carries readers to a place too rarely visited in this hard world, a place where love and forgiveness triumph over our worst instincts. We are better people for becoming our own guides on this journey. Read The Book of the Shepherd and discover an untraveled highway.”
- Meredith Vieira, co-host of the Today Show and Richard M. Cohen, author of Strong at the Broken Places
About Joann
Joann Davis, a publishing veteran, is married to the historian Kenneth C. Davis. They have two grown children, Jenny and Colin, and live in New York City and Dorset, Vermont.
darien
The Book of the Shepherd is a fairy tale-like story of a shepherd on an adventure to discover the “New way.” Living in a harsh world of laws where an “eye for an eye” is the status quo, there is an extreme lack of grace and mercy. Not able to put his finger on what’s wrong, he sets out to find out for in his gut he knows there should and could be more.
His picks up companions for his journey. Elizabeth, the young maiden, and the boy David, who the shepherd helps, make delightful traveling companions. Each has a story that is sad in parts but not without hope. They swap their stories with those they meet along the way, picking up valuable advice and wisdom in the process.
With the help of Elizabeth’s map, they are able to plumb the mysteries of the cave (where the “New way” will be found according to their map from Elizabeth’s grandfather) that none have yet to return from. Overcoming great odds, they discover the treasure that is the “New law”: The law of substitution, where love is substituted for hate, hope for dispair and so on.
We later learn where much of the wisdom in the story comes from: an eclectic mix of writings from Charlotte’s Webb to the Gnostic Gospels to The Golden Compass.
Curiously, while there are many thoughts that find their origin in the Bible, never is that mentioned or given credit even in the “Resources” section. Perhaps this causal attitude toward the Bible is where it’s greatest weakness lies.
While I have no qualms with the essence of the law of substitution (actually comes from “The Simple Prayer” or the Prayer of St. Fancis”), there is a bit of confusioin in the story as a result. Much of it rings true but some parts left me puzzled.
For example: “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you.” Well, that all depends on what’s in you, does it not. If you follow the truth of the Bible, you would want to know if they were following the old nature or new nature from within. And does this mean that you can save yourself or that God in you saves you? And if he’s in you, are you not already saved?
I admit a bias to believing that the Bible is truth. This is why I struggled with some of what was written. Other questionable influences include Native American practice and The Golden Compass (A book that is openly hostile to the God of the Bible).
I tried to envision reading this book to children. I think it reads well that way as the chapters are short, they move crisply and there are lots of stories with lots of dialogue. By and large I liked the stories and lessons they taught. I believe a biblically grounded person could navigate this book of teaching opportunities well. But I call for caution to the lesson informed.
One must remember that it is a story of stories. Fiction gets more latitude than non-fiction. However, lessons, truths and moral impressions are clearly taught through fiction and that’s why I would exercise caution here. The mixture of contrary religious influences could do more harm than good if consumed to an extreme or without the influence of other stronger literature (like the Bible for starters).
In the end, I probably wouldn’t recommend picking up this book with so many other better options out there. That said, I wouldn’t lose a lot of sleep if you did either. I will probably read it to my 10-year old and use it as an opportunity to test her ability to discern.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me to read and review by Viralbloggers.com.
Jan 22nd, 2010
kadams720
The Book of the Shepherd by Joann Davis is the first book I have received from Harper Collins / HarperStudio to review for viralbloggers.com. I have been looking forward to it. I was surprised by the initial appearance of the book. It was smaller than I imagined. It was printed on rough edged paper, with simple illustrations. Add the illustrated dust jacket and it had the appearance of an antiquarian book. It all fits with the back story that Joann had found this book in the muddle of papers and other effects of a eccentric professor who left a note the day he died about having it translated from the original Middle English/Dutch in which it was written.
It did have the feel of such a book from a far off time and land. It is a land where cruelty is law, It is the story of Joshua, a shepherd, and his companions David, an abused, discarded boy and Elizabeth, a former slave girl as they seek a “new way”. This “new way” we find out was practiced by an outlaw group of monks who sought to make kindness and forgiveness a way of life. As their way is banished they hide their secret law, the “law of substitution”, in a secret and dangerous cave.
As the trio travel we learn of their own stories and the stories of those they meet along the way. Others have sought this “new way” in the past, but have never returned. Guided by dreams, a grandfather’s map, and what they learn from kind people along the way they get to the cave. It takes the gifts that each provide to acquire the secret.
I enjoyed reading it. It is a simple parable. It held few few surprises, but engaged the heart. The Book of the Shepherd inspires you to believe that small communities of people practicing kindness could produce great changes in the larger community. And that one can make the difference. This is one reason why I like this book. I believe this to be true.
Jan 26th, 2010
staucody
Joann Davis has constructed a classic fairytale in The Book of the Shepherd. The story is set in a “mythical” time and place, where the law demands an eye for an eye and cruelty meted out in equal measure to a person’s offense.
It is in this context that we meet Joshua, a gentle, strong, compassionate shepherd who believes that there has to be a better way. And he sets out to find it.
Before he sets out, he is joined in his quest by a young boy, David, disowned by his father, and Elizabeth, a freed slave girl who cares for David. On their journey, they come across a cast of characters including a storyteller, an apothecary, and a scribe who all impart wisdom needed for their journey.
I won’t ruin the ending for you- it’s a quick, delightful read that’s perfect to share as a family. I will say that the book has a powerful message within it’s simple structure and fairytale setting, and is rich in meaning from beginning to end.
Jan 28th, 2010
Kyle Kirkley
“Fable is more historical than fact, because fact tells us about one man and fable tells us about a million men” –G.K. Chesterton
Is it my own callous and jaded outlook that makes me look askance at Joann Davis’s allegorical fable? Here is a story so familiar that to call it cliche would be misleading. It is closer to Uncle Merv’s story about the time he forgot to replace the gasoline pump hose and drove away with the nozzle. Everyone in the family has heard the story. Everyone knows where the story is going. But it’s still somehow irresistable. This is, perhaps, because the Fable as a form is really a story about the readers.
There are no surprises in The Book of the Shepherd. Any veteran of fairy tales, fables, and allegories can see each familiar element: the compassionate hero, the duplicitous villain, the quest, the ancient mystery, the secondary characters whoembody various aspects of wisdom and guidance. Even the cave and the snake are familiar allegorical symbols. But there is something encouraging and something pure about the simple way The Book of the Shepherd connects readers to the simple truths that compassion, love, and hope can overcome cruelty, selfishness, and despair.
If there are no surprises of plot or metaphor in The Book of the Shepherd, Davis can be forgiven: it is the genre within which she writes that has determined this. The payoff this fable comes with knowing that here lies a story about the reader. I am a character in The Book of the Shepherd and so are you. We see ourselves more clearly in the action of this fable because the Davis has cleared away the detritus of the superficial trappings with which people cover themselves. Each character is all soul and very little else. The compassionate woman is all compassion. The wise blind man is all wisdom. The brave shepherd is all valour. Although the genre determines that these are, of course, simplifications, Davis does shows us ourselves through them. The scary thing is to figure out which ones we are. Or, since this is really a fable of the soul, which character is victorious in me?
Jan 28th, 2010
lantzhoward
The Book of the Shepherd by Joann Davis is a short easy fable to read packed with bits of truth that we all need to be reminded of to help keep us focused.
The journey leads the reader down a road less traveled. A road of simplicity and connection.
Simplicity that our journey is made easier when are seeking the One. Simplicity that this journey does not require the weight of extra bags that slows us down.
The reminder of connection is both external and internal. The importance of having relational connections with others on this journey. And the reminder that we must continually examine our connection to the One and the way of simplicity.
This could be a good book to read to children with the guidance of their parents. This would make a good book for those who like to be reminded of simple truth that we forget to often. This is not a book of theology nor is it intended to be a book of theology. It is a fable weaved with remnants and teaching about following “the Way.”
Jan 29th, 2010
Bipolar Bear
This was the second book that I received from Viral Bloggers…The Book of the Shepherd is a quick read and that is good, because while the message was indeed simple and noble as a ‘new way’ to live our lives, it is marketed to the wrong audience. It should be marketed to children along with other fables. There is nothing inherently wrong with the book that I could see although the sources of inspiration I found puzzling. Certainly it is not a Christian book although it does espouse solid Christian life fundamentals. It is one I will pass along to a friend with young children as it will make a good bedtime story for them.
Jan 29th, 2010
adamkosar45
As reviewed at supermetz.blogspot.com
I received a book in the mail to review for The OOZE. I didn’t know anything about the book beforehand, so I read free of predilection. The Book of the Shepherd is actually a short, poignant fairy tale/fable telling of a shepherd whom the reader follows on the journey for a better way.
I found the story to be compelling, though not overwhelmingly complicated – it is, however, a parable. The story is engaging enough to draw the reader in from the beginning, and the story reads quickly enough that I read in one sitting.
I read another reviewer who suggested the story is best suited for an audience of children. I think teenagers may especially find the shepherd’s tale inspiring. It is a fable encouraging the reader to challenge the moors dominant in society, to go against the flow, and to, well, seek a better way.
I appreciate the author’s and publisher’s efforts in cover design, book design, and chapter design to maintain the fable or storybook feel. I did have a strange Oprah Winfrey feel when I was done reading it. I thought, “Oprah Winfrey would really like this book.” I’m not saying that’s good or bad . . . I guess it just depends on how you feel about Oprah (perhaps I was jaded that way since one of the “Extraordinary Advance Praise” for the book on the back cover came from Meredith Vieira cohost of the Today Show).
Overall, The Shepherd’s Tale is a unique story relaying a timeless and oft-told message that is refreshing to hear in a unique way.
Feb 1st, 2010
SGill4613
Sometimes in our lives, we need to be reminded that Christ came into the world proclaiming that the Kingdom could only be understood by children. “The Book of the Shepherd” is written for all those who are young at heart. Who chose not to live in a world dominated by cruelty, hatred, or malice. It is for people who seek the way.
For many, the way is no secret. Yet, just because it is not a secret does not mean it is simple. To master it, one must be like a child, open to only goodness, forgiveness, grace, and mercy.
This book takes an ancient prayer and makes it fresh and relevant. To do this is no simple task, and this book is a wonderful example of how it can be done.
Feb 2nd, 2010
TgotK
The Book of the Shepherd is a 183 page “fable” written by Joann Davis, the wife of historian Kenneth C. Davis (I Don’t Know Much About… series). The story serves as a allegory for discovering “the new way.” It’s written very much like childrens’ literature–very linear story, simple characters, clear breaks and transitions. The tells the story of an orphaned boy, a shepherd, and a freed servant woman, all on their way to a cave to discover “the new way.”
The old way was what a Dispensationalist would call the way of the Old Testament–an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth kind of philosophy. The three journeyers all know better somewhere in their heart and so they go on a quest to a cave they’ve heard about to find out what the better way is. It ends up being the St. Francis prayer, “Make me a channel of your peace/Where there is hatred, let me sow love…” etc. This new way is called “The Law of Substitution.”
Now all this seems nice and fits well into a (not very well thought out) Christian worldview. But there are problems and these problems insure I would never would this fable to my children.
1) Though the Bible is clear that Jesus set up a new covenant and that the Law would no longer be written on stone, but rather, on our hearts, it is clear that the same God who visited Mt. Sinai is the same God who visited Golgotha. Jesus fulfilled the Law, He did not abolish it. All humans at all times have been saved my grace through faith (even Abraham). This fable prevents God’s salvation as otherwise (or even worse, that the first thousands of years of human history were mistaken and God finally got it right on AD 29.)
2) The author presents this new way–The Law of Substitution–as a way of monks that got the kaboosh by “The Powers That Be.” How? She says that a document called “The Destruction and Overthrow of Falsely So-called Knowledge” barred these monks from having meetings and propagating their texts. Oh-so-not-ironically, “The Destruction and Overthrow…” is the title of a five-volume text by Irenaeus that argues against Gnostic thinking. It would seem that the author of this fable is a proponent of Gnostic thinking, proven by her malaligning the church father Irenaeus.
3) It is briefly mentioned that “The One” will be the person by which this new Law takes hold of the world. But then it is revealed that “The One” is each of us, each person who simply does the right thing and shows compassion. This sounds nice, but it is incredibly humanistic and ignores humanities need for a Redeemer. If each one of us could just follow the Law, then what need do we have for a Savior (particularly a risen one)? This seems to be Ms. Davis’s point. There is no “One”; it’s all of us.
For these reasons, I cannot suggest this book to anyone except as a academic study into how a modern day Gnostic (read: heretic) might think about salvation and redemption. In a word, its humanistic. Not to mention abiblical and illogical.
Feb 3rd, 2010
trooperdog
I just finished reading “The Book of the Shepherd” by Joann Davis. It is an odd little book…one that I have mixed feelings about. But even with my mixed feelings, I can say that there is much good to be learned from this book.
This book is written like a fable and is a very quick read. It may have over 180 pages but because of the way it is laid out, it can be read in 1-2 sittings. It chronicles the tale of a shepherd named Joshua. Joshua is troubled by the harsh code of “an eye for an eye” that governs his world. He has a dream in which he is called to find a “new way”, so he sets off on a journey to learn the new way. Along the way, Joshua picks up two others who travel with him and together they encounter an interesting cast of characters. With each encounter along the journey, they learn a valuable lesson. Finally, they reach the end of the journey, find the “new way” and take their changed lives back to their world.
This book is based on The Prayer of Saint Francis and the good learned from that prayer is worth the read. But, I will say that the story is quite simple and lacks a “fullness” that you find in most books. I wouldn’t pay the $19.99 list price…but used copies are now available on amazon.com for $2-3 and for that price, it is worth the read.
I am reviewing this book for The Ooze Viral Bloggers and give “The Book of the Shepherd” 3 stars out of 5.
Feb 7th, 2010
Mark
When Joshua the shepherd observes a man mercilessly beating his son, he is deeply troubled that the laws of their land permit such inhumanity.
Later than night, Joshua prayed to God. “Why didn’t you send help for that child?” God replied, “I did send help. I sent you.”
In this profound and heartwarming parable, we follow Joshua as he embarks on the quest for “the better way.”
Accompanied by his newfound friends, Elizabeth (a former slave) and David (the castaway child), Joshua searches for an ancient text that has been hidden in a distant cave near the Great Inland Sea
Along their journey to uncover long buried secrets, they meet an unusual assortment of characters — The Storyteller, The Apothecary, The Bind Man, and the Stranger, who teach them valuable lessons to aid them in the pilgrimage.
This little book, written by JoAnn Davis, is like a blend of Pilgrim’s Progress, Aesop’s Fables, The Shack, and The Hobbit.
It’s packed with pithy, thought-provoking statements. Here are a couple of my favorites:
“Speak the truth in love and love the truth in each, saying strong things gently and gentle things strongly.”
“Each morning, when you awaken, promise the dawn that you’ll keep your heart as light as a feather.”
Feb 8th, 2010
Mark
One quick correction — I certainly don’t classify this tale in the same realm of literature as Pilgrim’s Progress, Aesop’s Fables, The Shack and The Hobbit.
It’s a small and simple book — but one that reminded me of some of the feeling I had when reading the works mentioned above.
Feb 8th, 2010
MC Wright
MC Wright
I was truly hoping to like this book. I am a fan of the business parable genre as well as using modern day parables to teach. The Book of the Shepherd sounded like it might deliver a parable that would affect the way we live.
I quickly glanced at the book and checked out the jacket credits and thought, “hmm.” Paulo Coelho, author of “The Alchemist” endorsed it as did James Redfield (author of The Celestine Prophecy) and even Meredith Vieira (co-host of the Today Show).
The jacket credits, interestingly enough, had no Christian endorsement. I am not a person who limits his reading, believing there is something I can learn from everyone, so I sat down and began reading the smallish book published by Harper Collins.
In a nutshell…an ancient book is discovered in the house of deceased Professor Orlando Roberts. The new owner of his house, Joan Davis, finds the ancient scroll and has it translated. The vellum describes a “New Way” of living, and the journey begins.
The story begins in a small village where three events transpire that set the book in motion. A young boy is abused by his father; a shepherd decides to intervene in the domestic situation, and the young boys sister becomes guardian and is removed from her home with her little brother. The set-up is a world without grace.
The book moves quickly through very short chapters as the three travelers are introduced to various people who have a truth to instill and directions for the next leg of their journey to help them find a scroll that will reveal this new way of life.
There was never a moment for me in this fabolic-quest book that I said, “Wow, that was powerful.” The character development was shallow at best and never really drew me into the story. At times I thought, “Okay, now maybe we will strike some gold, but alas, it was always fools gold.
With each new chapter there was hope for something profound to be spoken or said or revealed, but it never happened. I felt like the author was trying to write an Alchemistic-esk book, but fell far short of it on both the content, and the writing.
“The book has no teeth” was the phrase that keep going through my mind…and then I noted that most of the spiritual maxims that the author brought in were from Gnostic sources (The Gospel of Thomas), or other New Age writers. The author wove the Golden Rule (treating others the way you would want to be treated, reciprocity), with Gandhi’s, “Be the change you want to see”. With these tow thoughts combined, the author creates a “New Way” for us to journey on and calls this new way “The Law of Sacrifice.”
The Law of Sacrifice moves us from the mantra of the Old Testament: An eye for an eye: to the new path of loving our neighbor as our self. The author garners her concept for the new way by adapting St. Francis of Assisi’s’ “Peace Prayer” and calls that the Law of Substitution.
I love that prayer, my only wish is that the author would not have changed it, and then given Francis credit for writing it.
So, save your money. This is a weak book. Better yet, go and buy a book about St. Francis of Assisi and be challenged to live a life devoted to the betterment of each other…I’m sure that will have more teeth than this book!
~M.C Wright
http://www.montywright.com
http://www.plantechanger.com
http://www.remorph.wordpress.com
http://www.svaonline.org
Feb 8th, 2010
Carrie Bevell Partridge
THE BOOK OF THE SHEPHERD is a fable that, quite honestly, didn’t capture my attention or my heart. In fact, I was more interested in the story behind the story–that Joann Davis found an old book in a broken-down house that she had purchased after the former owner, an elderly professor, died sitting at his desk. He had left instructions that all contents of the house should go to the next homeowner. On the old book, he had made a note to have it translated one day.
So to fulfill the old professor’s dream, Joann Davis found a way to have the story translated and now published. I think that the message attempting to be delivered through this fable is a wonderful one–one of love and forgiveness and mercy. However, the synopsis on the book’s jacket is what helped me really understand what the story was about. Then again, I’ve never been a great lover of fables.
Feb 16th, 2010
gdeitz
I have to agree with many of the reviewers here and say that there is good in the book, but for me it was far from fulfilling of a read. I gave it a three star review because it was short, sweet and didn’t make me think all that much.
There is some good truths to the book, but they are what I consider to be surface level truths. They are things that many of us know to be true and probably believe, but that we do not always act out.
I wanted to like the book. I wanted it to be something that I could read with a group and start serious discussion with, and I believe that it could do that, I just do not think that it would lead to the sort of discussion the author intended.
I honestly think that the fact that the author wanted me to believe that this was some story that was found and recently translated, I immediately distrusted the tale itself. It allowed me to read it and feel that the author did not believe the very words that were penned.
All in all, I cannot say that I disliked the book, but it is hard to openly and honestly say that I enjoyed it as well.
Feb 24th, 2010
gieseguy
Recently read “The Book of the Shepherd” by author Joann Davis.
This small story of fiction exceeded my expectations. It’s very short, is set in times of antiquity and yet reveals marvelous nuggets of truth that are very relative in today’s world.
The tale begins with a small fellowship consisting of a young shepherd, a boy and a young servant girl. They have grown up in an abusive world where there is a religious fervor to uphold the letter of the law but little compassion for those caught in it’s web. They yearn for a new way one that they heard exists but have yet to see. On their journey they encounter many difficulties. The shepherd longs to see this new life of love and grace yet gets drafted in a carnal war. What seems tragic turns into an opportunity to demonstrate what loving your enemy may look like, loved it! Along the way there is the blind man that sees with his heart, and the storyteller that helps the characters share their story and discover who they really are. It really is a great read and one that you can read over and over and discover new truths and hope that is practical and encouraging.
Feb 25th, 2010
hamzabear
The Book of the Shepherd is “the story of one simple prayer, and how it changed the world,” as the book’s subtitle tells us. It’s a charming tale, written in the form of an extended fable, about a shepherd who goes searching for a “new way” to replace the violent code of “an eye for an eye” that he finds in the harsh world around him. Along the way, the shepherd meets others, some of whom join him on his journey.
Each person we encounter has a tale of his or her own, so the short novel becomes a series of interwoven stories, each with its own bit of wisdom to impart. The author of the book, Joann Davis (who “discovered” the manuscript “By the Scribe”), acknowledges in her Afterword the sources for the stories’ insights, which range from Elaine Pagels’ The Gnostic Gospels to M. Scott Peck and even Charlotte’s Web.
The “prayer that changed the world” is the classic Prayer of St. Francis, which in this story becomes the hidden treasure found by the shepherd and his companions on a parchment scroll in a dark and perilous cave. The prayer has been shortened and bowdlerized, perhaps to suit the “spiritual but not religious” audience to whom this book is being marketed. “Lord” and “O Divine Master” have been deleted (perhaps too “patriarchal” or “religious”?), so the prayer is addressed to no one in particular. But most annoyingly, a line has been added at the end of the prayer: “For this is the Law of Substitution.” This added line has the effect of making a beautiful prayer that has inspired millions over the centuries sound like a PowerPoint presentation at a Deepak Chopra seminar.
This short novel does not rise to the level of excellence found in Master of the Jinn by Irving Karchmar, which is (by far) the best book I’ve read in the “spiritual novel” genre. But The Book of the Shepherd also avoids the preachiness and wooden dialogue found in other “spiritual novels” like The Celestine Prophecy and The Way of the Peaceful Warrior. Apart from its tampering with the Prayer of St. Francis, The Book of the Shepherd is indeed “an inspiring and moving fable,” as the cover blurb from Paulo Coelho claims.
Feb 25th, 2010
rawhite2
I’m not sure why everyone is so excited about this book. It’s not the new “Shack.” I took The Book of the Shepherd along with me on a recent trip. I found the story line to be uninteresting and the analogy to be quite oblique. To be honest, I couldn’t finish it. While I found The Shack very difficult to put done, The Book of the Shepherd is gathering dust on my nightstand.
Sorry to be so negative, but I just didn’t get it.
Mar 17th, 2010
youthbear
This book, advocating grace instead of the law is well suited to me as I need extra grace for submitting this review approximately 2 months late. Moving past that introduction, I have to give this book mixed reviews. While a quick and easy read, the book was engaging at the start but then my interest began to wane as the book seemed to lose it way. I loved the stories of the different characters and the messages they conveyed, which kept me engaged and looking for the wisdom in each story. The plot then becomes simplistic with the main characters suddenly “falling in love” and promising themselves to each other after Joshua ventures into the cave, if Joshua returns safely. This is seemingly a quick infatuation without substance or story to substantiate the relationship. And the discovery of the treasure is relatively easy so that it leaves one wondering why it had not been found earlier. Surely overcoming the pit in the cave and knowing when to enter could have been figured out by any astute observer. The ‘great treasure” found, the parchment with the Law of Substitution, seems anti-climatic after the characters undertake such a journey culminated by entering the dangerous cave. The messages of the story are a bit confusing, mixing biblical principle references to those of everyone having power. The book states that everyone has the potential to be the “one” that can make the difference, when biblically there is only “One”. This story lacks the depth and truth to have the powerful impact that a book like “The Shack” had.
Mar 18th, 2010
nimblewill
The Book of the Shepherd was exactly the type of paraple that the world needs to hear. It seems that Ms. Davis has come to the same conclusion that many of us have: That cruel laws begat cruel people and cause us to create a cruel god in our own image. While I agree with the message of the book it did seem a little juvenile at times. It might be a book that I would read to my children but would hardly suggest that it be the centerpiece for a biblical study on grace. It seemed to wane toward the end as if the story had been told but has not yet ended. Maybe this was by design but lost a little of its power toward its conclusion. I would recommend it.
Apr 27th, 2010
travelersnote
Surreal. Dream-like. Inviting. These are three words sum up the experience that is ‘The Book of the Shepherd by Joann Davis’. The story arc follows the lives of three very distinct characters who’s lives intersect. They learn from each other. They grow in internal stature. Davis’ choice of prose feels like you are swimming in the ebb and flow of a seasoned poet. In some places, the conversations seems so simple, but as you peel away the words against the backdrop of three intertwining stories, the meanings get deeper. This book will also challenge you, and leave you with questions, a good place if you have become disillusioned in a society that only embraces answers. It will make you thirsty to chase after the lives of David, Joshua and Elizabeth long after you close the book for the last time. It’s a book that challenges the presupposition that what we’re looking for is what zings across our television, on the web or anything else we try to fill our lives with. The book is laced with treason. It quietly subverts many of our preconceived indoctrinated answers about why we’re here. It deals with the idea of personal transformation in metaphorical application. In short, this book might change your life. It is right that Paulo Coehlo endorsed this book, it has the same exact qualities. Get yourself a copy.
Apr 27th, 2010
onetyme18
“The Book of the Shepherd” is a well written fable by Joann Davis. From the get go, I was motivated and intrigued by the subtitle, “The Story of One Simple Prayer, and How Changed the World”. I was asking myself, “What kind of prayer changed the whole world?”. Of course, I already had a little list in my head of what that prayer could be. But I was curious to find out the secret of this particular book…
I was not disappointed, to say the least. The fable unfolds by weaving poignant messages with powerful character development in a seamless storyline. Each character has his/her own unique story within the bigger story, and learns more about him/herself and the world during their integrated journey together on a quest to find a timeless truth (i.e. the prayer that changed the world). I found myself going on the journey with them and pondering what self-discovery I was making, or how I could relate to each character. Slipping in and out of the story, I kept trying to figure out what I was going to figure out at the end of the book. I wish I hadn’t approached the book like this, it was not a good method. Reflecting back, I can now see that, as usual, its more about the story and the process of getting the answers than the actual end point itself.
I recommend this book if you need a break from didactical books, etc. It is entertaining. You will find yourself engaged in the characters and their stories and the bigger story that encompasses the entire fable. And in the end you will finally find out which prayer changed the whole world….
Apr 30th, 2010
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