Story: Recapture the Mystery (of Easter) by Steven James, Revell Books

When standing alone, the punch line of a joke is rarely funny. You can’t walk up to someone and say, “Because he’s shellfish,” to someone and expect a response other than polite bewilderment. But if you begin your conversation with “Why did the clam take the last piece of pizza?” you will undoubtedly get uncontrollable guffaws from whomever you are speaking with. The same is true of stories. An ending has little emotional or philosophical effect on a person unless they know the beginning.

“STORY,” by Steven James, is a book about Easter. But, Easter is not the beginning, it is the climax of the story of God’s redemptive actions throughout human history. And like any good story, to this one, there is an introduction, character development, rising action complete with obstacles and complications to the protagonist (God), a climax, and even a denouement of peace, which is happening right now.

So, why do we often tell the story of God in the wrong order? Steven James doesn’t. He tells it from “The beginning.” “STORY” is dramatic and accessible. It carries the reader through all the important layers of the multilayered and omni-textured work of art that has been authored by God. James’ reflections on the scenes of history come from life experience and continually inspire familiar biblical settings with an emotional charge.

James is honest, funny, and insightful. Three aspects that make this book a success. The reader is drawn to his down-to-earth narrative that always foreshadows the coming tragedy and miracle of the crucifixion. While you are sharing your faith with a friend in life and words, this would be a good companion for you (hopefully that is happening even as you read this). It will remind you of the awe that is due to God. It will help you see anew the all-encompassing wonder of God’s plan. It will help you share that ultimate beauty with the people in your life.

About the Author

Steven James’s latest thriller, BROKER OF LIES, is a smart, wire-tight, and emotionally resonant thriller that launches a new series featuring a world of intrigue and espionage where truth can be a commodity or a weapon. The second in the series, FATAL DOMAIN, releases in 2024 and is available for pre-order now!

As an acclaimed keynote speaker and in-demand storyteller, Steven is equipped with a unique master’s degree in storytelling and has taught writing and storytelling on five continents, speaking more than 2000 times at events spanning the globe.

He is also the critically acclaimed author of eighteen suspense novels. His sci-fi novel, SYNAPSE, a near-future thriller, received starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and Library Journal and was a finalist for an International Book Award.

When Steven isn’t writing or speaking, you’ll find him playing basketball or hiking near his home in the Appalachian Highlands of eastern Tennessee.