I received a review copy of Jason English's The Whole Thing: The Story of the Bible Through Six Images." I had decided that I would begin reading it early so that I had plenty of time to read and compose my thoughts on the book. I had no idea that I would be unable to put it down, nor that it would affect me as it did. This is a book about the story of God told in a beautifully poetic way.
English arranges the book in six "images" of the body to describe the story of God. These images are Finger, Hand, Heart, Face, Feet, Body and each uniquely informs the whole. This is a journey through poetic prose which evoked unexpected emotions within me and even a tear or two. Along the journey I learned a bit about Hebrew words and a plethora of additional resources. English mentions that the endnotes are important and they are also a part of the whole and he is correct. I love that he includes one of the geatest conversations on the Psalms by mentioning a conversation between Eugene Peterson and Bono of U2 which can be viewed on YouTube in the video Bone and Eugene Peterson | The Psalms.
I highly recommend picking this book up as it is a simple yet deep look at the whole stoy od God told in a beautiful and poetic way. English describes the book in its opening pages. "This book is my wholehearted, simplified explanation of the Bible. I want to explain what I think the whole thing is about. Where it’s coming from. Where it’s headed. And how the story isn’t about brokenness, but wholeness."
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.