MY REVIEW:So we all know that Amos is a small book of the Bible tucked into the back of the Old Testament, but only a few know anything about the man bearing the name. In this book - The Prophet - Francine Rivers mixes fiction with biblical fact to make a story that will hold your attention and have you turning pages as fast as you can. Or in this case siting on the edge of a chair waiting to put in the next audio CD.I appreciate the gentle balance in which Rivers uses to create a story that will bring this Bible character to life within your mind and heart. After listening or reading this story you will want to read the Bible book of Amos with great excitement.While some may not like to add a fictional element to biblical accounts, I highly recommend this book - and the other 4 in this series - because they draw out the humanness of the man in a way which makes you appreciate his life all the more. This book is great for young and old alike and makes a resource to listen to together as a family of older children and teens.BOOK OVERVIEW:Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. In The Prophet, the fourth audio in the Sons of Encouragement series, beloved author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Amos. Francine examines the life of Amos and his relationship to Israel during its prosperous years. Amos's message - and his relationship with God - made him unpopular. But his challenge to those who were enjoying the blessings of prosperity was crucial then and is strikingly timely today as well.* * * * *This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio. The thoughts expressed are my own.
This fourth book in the five book series follows Amos, a Judean who is sent to prophesy to Israel about their destruction. It is based mainly on the book of Amos and the author also introduces a couple of contemporary prophets that were speaking along with Amos at that time. Amos' profession as a sheep herder gave him unique insights and perceptions of Israel as sheep wandering off without a shepherd and how God felt when his sheep do such things.The author took significant artistic license in describing the culture of Judah, how people lived, and what their lives were like; and I say this because we don't know very much about Amos. The author made everything flow together and wrapped everything up along with an epilogue and then a short study guide at the back.I glanced through the study guide, which if this one is any indication, the format is the Bible passage that the author wants to focus on, questions about the Bible passage, and then how the Bible passage might apply to the reader's life.
I'm going to be honest, I've never really read the whole book of Amos from the Bible. This book gave me a good look into his life. What I most got out of Amos is that Jesus, The Good Shepard, never said my life would be easy if I follow and obey Him, but the reward at the end of my life will be worth it. My favorite quote is when Amos said, “I’m not a professional prophet,and I was never trained to be one. I’m just a shepherd,and I take care of sycamore-fig trees." God doesn't always call the wisest, most talented, or popular person to lead his people, most of the time its the shepherds or average Joes, that God molds into a masterpiece.
—Jessi Bayly
The Prophet: Amos is the fourth in the Sons of Encouragement series by Christian author Francine Rivers. In this novel (as well as the others in the series), Ms. Rivers uses excerpts from the Book of Amos as a foundation for the novel. Her fictionalization of the life of this prophet is quite exceptional and engaging. The reader is able to see the beginning and development of the faith of Amos,the shepherd of his family. Amos vies the sheep as members of his family and compare their personalities and actions to human with whom he has interacted. The difficulties and hardships that he endured in his perseverance in taking God's word to the people of Israel is the focal point of this novel. It was quite a enjoyable read.
—Wanda
Brought a difficult Bible text to life. Many additions to the Biblical text but states right in the introduction: "This book is also a work of historical fiction. The outline of the story is provided by the Bible...Building on that foundation, I have created action, dialogue, internal motivations, and in some cases, additional characters that I feel are consistent with the biblical record." Can be challenging to distinguish history from fiction. Bible study in back of the book is one of the best I have found on Amos.
—Lauren Rev
