He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley's eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we've never experienced before.
Barley's story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarver and his wife who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver's home and through the dangerous roads of Roman-occupied Judea.
On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told.
Ron Marasco is a professor in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His first book, "Notes to an Actor," was named by the American Library Association an Outstanding Book of 2008. His second book, "About Grief," has been translated into multiple languages, and he is currently completing a book on Shakespeare's sonnets. He has acted extensively on TV-from "Lost" to "West Wing" to "Entourage" to originating the role of Mr. Casper on "Freaks and Geeks"-and appeared opposite screen legend Kirk Douglas in the movie "Illusion," for which he also wrote the screenplay. Most recently, he has played the recurring role of Judge Grove on "Major Crimes." He has a BA from Fordham at Lincoln Center and an MA and Ph. D. from UCLA.
Find out more about Ron at http://www.thomasnelson.com/the-dog-who-was-there.
MY REVIEW:
I thought this was so interesting and unusual. I really enjoyed reading it.
This book is unlike any other book I've read in that it's from the perspective of a sweet little dog named, Barley. His story is during the time of Jesus' ministry and we are given a totally different look at how Christ affected those around Him.
Little Barley has been through a lot. He has been loved well but he has also been mistreated. It's those parts of the book that really tugged at my heart and I had to actually put the book down for a bit. It was a realistic look at how animals were treated during that time and sometimes life can be difficult. That's the thing that I was so impressed with - like Barley, our lives can be difficult and yet there is hope in Jesus and that's what we see throughout this book.
I especially loved the major transformations we see when people accept Christ. The story comes full circle in that we are introduced to people in the beginning on the book and we see how their lives end up at the end.
To see Jesus through the eyes of this sweet little dog was so fun and Barley was almost child-like in how he viewed others around him and the faith he always had himself. I love that he still tries to see the good in people even though he has been mistreated. I absolutely love dogs and to have him as the center of this book was really a delight. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
Blessings - Julie
Lovely review - sounds like something I'd enjoy.
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