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Second Born
James, the firstborn, studied for the priesthood at the Temple in Jerusalem, where many thought he might be the hoped-for Righteous One. Jesus, the next eldest son, took a different path and worked as a commoner in the countryside, where thousands hung on his every word. Judas, nicknamed Thomas (The Twin), grew up in the shadow of his older brothers but developed a rare and useful set of skills. Simon, the youngest, struggled with learning and suffered bullying as a boy, but later grew to prominence in his own right. Descended from both Zadok, the high priest, and David, the king, the brothers represented a threat to the so-called Pax Romana, the Roman Peace. Together, they strove to restore the dignity of ancient Israel.
386 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 21, 2017
I found this to be a well written book that made me laugh out loud and cry. I loved the way the family were always there for each other and how everyone knew not to get the mom mad. I really enjoyed the book. I recommend this book to anyone.
July 30, 2018
Whether you believe Jesus had brothers and sisters, or you believe Jesus was an only child, Second Born shows us that Jesus had a father and mother, had neighbors and friends, and was a contributing member of a village community. Too often, we think Jesus fell to Earth from outer space and started preaching the Gospel. With the help of his parents and siblings, we see Jesus grow from an inquisitive young boy to a mischievous teenager to a mature man, while all the time fighting self-doubts and striving to do good deeds.
The chapters are short and told throughout the book from the perspective of either Jesus or his brothers — James, Judas (no, not that Judas), and Simon. As the youngest of four boys in my family, I could relate to how each of the brothers interact and the role birth order plays in that interaction. And like most fathers, Joseph had specific career paths in mind for each of his sons that didn’t quiet work out as originally planned.
Patrick W. Andersen does an excellent job of describing every day life during this time in history. You can feel the road dirt on your sandaled feet, smell the newly harvest crops in the market place, taste the wine served at the end of an exhausting workday, and hear the commands of stern Roman soldiers barking orders.
The chapters are short and told throughout the book from the perspective of either Jesus or his brothers — James, Judas (no, not that Judas), and Simon. As the youngest of four boys in my family, I could relate to how each of the brothers interact and the role birth order plays in that interaction. And like most fathers, Joseph had specific career paths in mind for each of his sons that didn’t quiet work out as originally planned.
Patrick W. Andersen does an excellent job of describing every day life during this time in history. You can feel the road dirt on your sandaled feet, smell the newly harvest crops in the market place, taste the wine served at the end of an exhausting workday, and hear the commands of stern Roman soldiers barking orders.
June 27, 2018
A Different Take on the New Testament?
I can’t say exactly why I found this book difficult to get hooked on. It had all the elements of a sword and sandals narrative. The characters were vivid, the language appealing, and yet I felt aloof. Perhaps it was because I couldn’t get my head around the family setup. You don’t expect Jesus of Nazareth to have an extended family, or indeed, that he partly recruited his followers among his brothers. With James, the eldest brother, being the righteous one — and Jesus the troublemaker, I found myself questioning who the main protagonist was. I kept wondering when the plot would start to take shape. Not that nothing happened: there was action galore. But, it felt like scene setting and back-story for a long time. I suppose the fact that I read on, speaks for the quality of the writing. Eventually, things became clearer and the plot — thickened — about halfway through. Maybe I was at fault, for having faulty expectations. Andersen knows his stuff. He is an apt narrator, but I had trouble with this one. The four stars reflect Anderson’s prose.
I can’t say exactly why I found this book difficult to get hooked on. It had all the elements of a sword and sandals narrative. The characters were vivid, the language appealing, and yet I felt aloof. Perhaps it was because I couldn’t get my head around the family setup. You don’t expect Jesus of Nazareth to have an extended family, or indeed, that he partly recruited his followers among his brothers. With James, the eldest brother, being the righteous one — and Jesus the troublemaker, I found myself questioning who the main protagonist was. I kept wondering when the plot would start to take shape. Not that nothing happened: there was action galore. But, it felt like scene setting and back-story for a long time. I suppose the fact that I read on, speaks for the quality of the writing. Eventually, things became clearer and the plot — thickened — about halfway through. Maybe I was at fault, for having faulty expectations. Andersen knows his stuff. He is an apt narrator, but I had trouble with this one. The four stars reflect Anderson’s prose.
September 23, 2018
A beautifully written, well-researched novel about Jesus from a completely perspective than anything I've read before. Andersen has succeeded in writing a fun and credible alternative historical narrative told from the viewpoint of Jesus, his brothers Simon, Thomas, and James, as well as their friend Chuza.
In this book, Jesus and his brothers are not poor; they are wealthy, well-educated sons of a merchant. Jesus's older brother James is a priest at the Temple of Jerusalem and is revered as The Righteous One. Jesus himself is a jokester who eventually forms a solid relationship with God. His mother Mary is not a wall-flower, but a strong woman who rules the family with a firm hand.
The short chapters and the vivid, modern language makes this an easy, intriguing read. I highly recommend it to anyone with an open mind who wants to learn more about the "real Jesus."
In this book, Jesus and his brothers are not poor; they are wealthy, well-educated sons of a merchant. Jesus's older brother James is a priest at the Temple of Jerusalem and is revered as The Righteous One. Jesus himself is a jokester who eventually forms a solid relationship with God. His mother Mary is not a wall-flower, but a strong woman who rules the family with a firm hand.
The short chapters and the vivid, modern language makes this an easy, intriguing read. I highly recommend it to anyone with an open mind who wants to learn more about the "real Jesus."
May 29, 2023
Books related to the Bible are usually enjoyable and even informative. Second Born by Patrick W. Anderson stands out for several reasons and I give it four out of five stars. The book is refreshing for its use of modern terms and phrases which may appeal to today’s audience who may not be accustomed to Biblical language. Some events are interpreted differently than I remember learning but that is okay because the Bible will always be open to interpretation.
The story begins with Mary and Joseph searching for Jesus who is twelve and lost in the city. They find him in the temple where he is talking with the elders. After leaving, the family comes across a beggar in the street asking for help, which they give him in spite of Father Joseph’s protest. Shortly into the first chapter, we learn that parents Joseph and Mary are called “Mom” and “Dad” and that Joseph is a wealthy resident of Nazareth whose wine is highly sought after. Mother Mary, “Mom”, has complete authority in her household and commands respect but with love and benevolence. We also learn that Jesus is the second born to Joseph and Mary with James being the oldest brother followed by Jesus, Joses, Simon, and Judas. Judas displays a stutter, which is likely the result of living in the shadow of older brothers and dominant mother Mary. While James is studying for the priesthood, Jesus becomes a “man of the people” and prefers traveling the countryside between Jerusalem, Galilee, and Sepphoris. The younger Simon becomes an accomplished protector of Jesus and others as they travel the dangerous roads between destinations. He and his guards must defend against robbers and Romans who want to acquire wealth either by force or by taxation. After their cousin John the Baptist is beheaded by Herod, the people turn to Jesus as the possible Savior and begin to journey toward Jerusalem for a festival. As Jesus travels toward Jerusalem, he amasses followers and performs a number of miracles such as restoring sight to the blind, changing water into wine, and feeding five thousand with two loaves and three fishes. Herod takes notice of Jesus as he approaches Jerusalem and the reader knows the rest of the story. Or do they?
Because a number of names, relationships, and events from the Bible were altered (reimagined), the story became confusing. Although the author repeated names regularly, it nevertheless remained difficult to track the changes. I wish the book had contained a Table of Contents to allow referral back to previous chapters. Jesus’ brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas, were apostles in the Bible but not necessarily brothers. Whether these followers of Jesus were brothers, half-brothers, friends or apostles is a point that is up to interpretation. Regardless, they are brothers in this novel, and the word “apostle” is never used. Additionally, whether Judas and Thomas are two men, or one man who is named Judas-Thomas, is something the reader can decide.
The changes in the language from Biblical to modern-day English such as “Father” to “Dad” and “Mother” to “Mom” were bold and refreshing. In addition, while phrases such as “pump my fist” and “owe me big time” or “dream on” were endearing in a Bible story, I had difficulty with some other changes. I had a much harder time with Mary, the mother of Jesus, ruling over her family like an iron lady. In addition, when Jesus declares “Women have equal standing but that would take a long time to sink in”, seemed to me, simply pandering to a modern audience rather than foreshadowing. That commentary, frankly, is unnecessary given that, at least in America, women have enjoyed equal standing since the 19th Amendment was ratified over 100 years ago. Nevertheless, if this book is translated into Middle Eastern languages, Jesus’ declaration would be appropriate in countries that endorse Sharia law.
Without giving away any spoilers, the ending was both surprising and puzzling. Everyone knows, or should know, how a book about Jesus will end. That said, I was still surprised by the way this book concluded. The story was not just reimagined, it was also rewritten. It will be up to the reader to decide whether to appreciate, or reject, Anderson’s retelling of Bible stories we’ve known our whole lives. That said, Second Born is worth the time.
The story begins with Mary and Joseph searching for Jesus who is twelve and lost in the city. They find him in the temple where he is talking with the elders. After leaving, the family comes across a beggar in the street asking for help, which they give him in spite of Father Joseph’s protest. Shortly into the first chapter, we learn that parents Joseph and Mary are called “Mom” and “Dad” and that Joseph is a wealthy resident of Nazareth whose wine is highly sought after. Mother Mary, “Mom”, has complete authority in her household and commands respect but with love and benevolence. We also learn that Jesus is the second born to Joseph and Mary with James being the oldest brother followed by Jesus, Joses, Simon, and Judas. Judas displays a stutter, which is likely the result of living in the shadow of older brothers and dominant mother Mary. While James is studying for the priesthood, Jesus becomes a “man of the people” and prefers traveling the countryside between Jerusalem, Galilee, and Sepphoris. The younger Simon becomes an accomplished protector of Jesus and others as they travel the dangerous roads between destinations. He and his guards must defend against robbers and Romans who want to acquire wealth either by force or by taxation. After their cousin John the Baptist is beheaded by Herod, the people turn to Jesus as the possible Savior and begin to journey toward Jerusalem for a festival. As Jesus travels toward Jerusalem, he amasses followers and performs a number of miracles such as restoring sight to the blind, changing water into wine, and feeding five thousand with two loaves and three fishes. Herod takes notice of Jesus as he approaches Jerusalem and the reader knows the rest of the story. Or do they?
Because a number of names, relationships, and events from the Bible were altered (reimagined), the story became confusing. Although the author repeated names regularly, it nevertheless remained difficult to track the changes. I wish the book had contained a Table of Contents to allow referral back to previous chapters. Jesus’ brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas, were apostles in the Bible but not necessarily brothers. Whether these followers of Jesus were brothers, half-brothers, friends or apostles is a point that is up to interpretation. Regardless, they are brothers in this novel, and the word “apostle” is never used. Additionally, whether Judas and Thomas are two men, or one man who is named Judas-Thomas, is something the reader can decide.
The changes in the language from Biblical to modern-day English such as “Father” to “Dad” and “Mother” to “Mom” were bold and refreshing. In addition, while phrases such as “pump my fist” and “owe me big time” or “dream on” were endearing in a Bible story, I had difficulty with some other changes. I had a much harder time with Mary, the mother of Jesus, ruling over her family like an iron lady. In addition, when Jesus declares “Women have equal standing but that would take a long time to sink in”, seemed to me, simply pandering to a modern audience rather than foreshadowing. That commentary, frankly, is unnecessary given that, at least in America, women have enjoyed equal standing since the 19th Amendment was ratified over 100 years ago. Nevertheless, if this book is translated into Middle Eastern languages, Jesus’ declaration would be appropriate in countries that endorse Sharia law.
Without giving away any spoilers, the ending was both surprising and puzzling. Everyone knows, or should know, how a book about Jesus will end. That said, I was still surprised by the way this book concluded. The story was not just reimagined, it was also rewritten. It will be up to the reader to decide whether to appreciate, or reject, Anderson’s retelling of Bible stories we’ve known our whole lives. That said, Second Born is worth the time.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews