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Awakening
Ronni is a 21st-century American teenager who has lost her faith following the deaths of her brother and father. They died saving the life of someone she does not deem worthy, and she doubts the concept of sacrifice. "Nothing's worth dying for," she declares, even Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross.
When Ronni takes ill, she awakens in 1st-century Jerusalem, two days before the crucifixion. Realizing that she knows what is going to happen to Jesus when no one else does, she goes about trying to stop the crucifixion. The questions Can she do it? Should she?
When Ronni takes ill, she awakens in 1st-century Jerusalem, two days before the crucifixion. Realizing that she knows what is going to happen to Jesus when no one else does, she goes about trying to stop the crucifixion. The questions Can she do it? Should she?
160 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2009
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116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 28, 2018
This was a nice surprise! The story of a young American girl who finds herself transported to the city of Jerusalem during the week when Jesus was arrested, condemned and crucified.
It all starts when Veronica (Ronni) wants to go away with her friend Tabby and her father to their cabin in the mountains during the Easter Triduum, the three most important days of Easter, although she does promise to be back for the Easter Sunday Mass.
Ronni has been ill recently with a sore throat and she is behind with her school work so her mother says that she should stay at home, go to church with her and catch up on her lessons. Ronni is furious and rebellious and goes to bed in a temper. When she wakes she finds herself in a different country 2000 years in the past, a young Jewish girl following the dreadful events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. Ronni is desperate to do something to help the Jesus who she realises she loves and who died for her.
The three days in Jerusalem prove to be a harrowing time for Ronni, a time that she will remember for the rest of her life.
This is a very accurate retelling of the Easter story. A book that is great for teens and adults alike.
It all starts when Veronica (Ronni) wants to go away with her friend Tabby and her father to their cabin in the mountains during the Easter Triduum, the three most important days of Easter, although she does promise to be back for the Easter Sunday Mass.
Ronni has been ill recently with a sore throat and she is behind with her school work so her mother says that she should stay at home, go to church with her and catch up on her lessons. Ronni is furious and rebellious and goes to bed in a temper. When she wakes she finds herself in a different country 2000 years in the past, a young Jewish girl following the dreadful events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. Ronni is desperate to do something to help the Jesus who she realises she loves and who died for her.
The three days in Jerusalem prove to be a harrowing time for Ronni, a time that she will remember for the rest of her life.
This is a very accurate retelling of the Easter story. A book that is great for teens and adults alike.
April 13, 2022
I had to read this book for school, and most of the time the books that we have to read for school are pretty bad. But this book was actually good. This book had a good plot, characters, and a slight plot twist. This book is definitely a good book to read especially since we are coming up towards the time when Jesus died on the cross for us. Overall this book was pretty good.
December 5, 2009
I edited this book for Sophia Institute Press, and I have to say the story grabbed me from the first. Claudia really is an amazing writer who captures the soul of a teenager very well, in my opinion. I used to think that time-travel Bible stories were passe, but this one proves me wrong. Perhaps it's because Claudia works hard to immerse you in the time period of Christ, seen through twenty-first century eyes.
It's hard to retell a familiar story in a vibrant way, but Claudia McAdam succeeds in doing this in Awakening. I was honored to edit this fascinating book for Sophia Institute Press. I hope you'll give it a read!
It's hard to retell a familiar story in a vibrant way, but Claudia McAdam succeeds in doing this in Awakening. I was honored to edit this fascinating book for Sophia Institute Press. I hope you'll give it a read!
May 23, 2017
Awakening by Claudia Cangilla McAdam is one of those books that is hard to set aside. While reading, I had trouble putting it down, wanting to know what would happen next, and found myself wanting to read just one more chapter after one more chapter. Even after I finished the book, my mind couldn’t put it aside, thinking about this powerful and imaginative story long after I devoured it.
Much like the movie it often references, The Wizard of Oz, the story is of a young teenage girl who finds herself waking up in another world, wondering how to get back home. Awakening is the story of Ronni, a contemporary teenager who find herself in first century Jerusalem, days before Jesus is betrayed and crucified.
This compelling story is such a unique and moving way to view the Easter story that I think will appeal to teens. The author seamlessly adds entertaining, modern items that teens will relate to – tenuous friendships, unrequited crushes, complicated relationships with parents – with the Passion story, creating a hard to put down novel.
I loved the many elements highlighting the time period, the historical details of Jewish and Roman culture, and experiencing firsthand what the disciples might have felt. Just when you think you know what will happen some unique twists are thrown in to keep you wanting more, while keeping to the facts of this Holy event.
Much like the movie it often references, The Wizard of Oz, the story is of a young teenage girl who finds herself waking up in another world, wondering how to get back home. Awakening is the story of Ronni, a contemporary teenager who find herself in first century Jerusalem, days before Jesus is betrayed and crucified.
This compelling story is such a unique and moving way to view the Easter story that I think will appeal to teens. The author seamlessly adds entertaining, modern items that teens will relate to – tenuous friendships, unrequited crushes, complicated relationships with parents – with the Passion story, creating a hard to put down novel.
I loved the many elements highlighting the time period, the historical details of Jewish and Roman culture, and experiencing firsthand what the disciples might have felt. Just when you think you know what will happen some unique twists are thrown in to keep you wanting more, while keeping to the facts of this Holy event.
April 6, 2021
3.5 stars
I read this book back in 2016, right after I became a teenager. Reading it again as an adult was interesting and I caught some things that I didn't notice during my last read. The story line is great, as it is similar to the Wizard of Oz (which I didn't even notice last time, how?), but with a Catholic twist. It all starts when Veronica gets strep throat and wakes up back in time as a Jewish girl. Because she knows about the Crucifixion and everyone involved, she tries to stop all the events from happening. In the end, she realizes that God sent Jesus to die for our sins and to establish our Church here on Earth. I enjoyed this read, but it was a little slow for me. However, the details of Our Lord's Passion are very accurate and descriptive.
I read this book back in 2016, right after I became a teenager. Reading it again as an adult was interesting and I caught some things that I didn't notice during my last read. The story line is great, as it is similar to the Wizard of Oz (which I didn't even notice last time, how?), but with a Catholic twist. It all starts when Veronica gets strep throat and wakes up back in time as a Jewish girl. Because she knows about the Crucifixion and everyone involved, she tries to stop all the events from happening. In the end, she realizes that God sent Jesus to die for our sins and to establish our Church here on Earth. I enjoyed this read, but it was a little slow for me. However, the details of Our Lord's Passion are very accurate and descriptive.
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August 26, 2023Nie potrafię ocenić tej książki ponieważ dotknęła ona delikatnych sfer mojego serca. Nie mogę ocenić też poglądów i religii zawartej w tej książce gdyż sama ją wyznaje i niezwykle ważna jest ona w moim życiu. Ta książka dała mi wiele do myślenia i była mi po prostu potrzebna. Wszystkie aluzje i analogię autorki oraz to, że wszystko się ze sobą łączyło w idealny splot wypadków bardzo mnie urzekło bo lubię mieć wszystko gdzieś tam poukładane. Autorka wykazała się ogromną wiedzą historyczną i kulturową na temat Jerozolimy co też na pewno nie było latwą sprawą. Nie jest to książka bez wad gdyż gdzież tam zauważałam rzeczy, które po prostu mi nie odpowiadały ale jak już wspominalam nie ocenie tej książki przez wartosci jakie sobą reprezentuje oraz ile jej przesłania ma znaczenie w moim życiu. Nie odradzam jej wręcz przeciwnie, jest ona warta poznania ponieważ skłania do całkiem fajnych refleksji na temat wiary. Polecam się z nią zapoznać i też tak poza tym szkoda, że jest aż tak mało popularna. Dedykuję tą książkę watpiacym, znudzonym wiarą oraz odkrywającym ją ponieważ możemy dzięki niej zobaczyć to co niby sami wiemy od dawna, znamy z kart Biblii czy podręczników a tak latwo dajemy się tym znudzić lub o tym zapomnieć. Polecam.
January 5, 2016
Wow, this book was simply amazing. To put the most important moments of history into words is a challenge for most of us but this book was just perfect. I loved how the author thought of every single detail and made each and every character meaningful. It made me laugh, it made my cry, and I can't wait to make everyone I know read it.
May 30, 2012
A Crossroads in Time book - Interesting idea for a story but it felt a little contrived in spots. I am sure that this book is meant for a younger audience. I would recommend "The Spear" by Louis de Wohl if you are really interested in a historical novel about the Crucifixion.
November 29, 2015
Wonderful, wonderful book. If I could rate it a ten instead of five, I would.
April 19, 2025
Love this book
August 22, 2020
I enjoyed the tidbits of information about the time of Jesus that we don't generally learn, but really help explain things. The part that impacted me most was her explanation of why Jesus had to die.
Through several years of grad school and youth ministry I am familiar with the idea of covenant being a permanent exchange of persons, a creating of relationship, versus a contract which is an exchange of goods. Ms. McAdams brought this into focus. A covenant is a PERMANENT relationship until death. God could not abandon His covenant with the Jewish people unless He or they died. He could not create a new covenant with all people while the old covenant was in effect. Rather than kill His people God offered Himself for death on the cross so that He could bring in the new covenant with all people.
The only drawback for me was that this seems to be written for teens and I didn't realize that when I got it.
Through several years of grad school and youth ministry I am familiar with the idea of covenant being a permanent exchange of persons, a creating of relationship, versus a contract which is an exchange of goods. Ms. McAdams brought this into focus. A covenant is a PERMANENT relationship until death. God could not abandon His covenant with the Jewish people unless He or they died. He could not create a new covenant with all people while the old covenant was in effect. Rather than kill His people God offered Himself for death on the cross so that He could bring in the new covenant with all people.
The only drawback for me was that this seems to be written for teens and I didn't realize that when I got it.
January 28, 2017
I didn't have very high expectations for this book but to say that I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement.
It was an easy read yet very powerful. I read this book all in one sitting.
The characters could have been a bit more developed and realistic, but they were still relatable.
The author did an amazing job connecting the modern day story and biblical times and incorporated scripture throughout in a meaningful way. The story of the Crucifixion is familiar to most of us but somehow this book presents it in a refreshing way. The language is simple but allows God to speak through it. It inspired laughter, tears, and prayer and I really felt God speaking to me and the Spirit moving as I read. I too, had an awakening to the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice and his deep love for each one of us.
It was an easy read yet very powerful. I read this book all in one sitting.
The characters could have been a bit more developed and realistic, but they were still relatable.
The author did an amazing job connecting the modern day story and biblical times and incorporated scripture throughout in a meaningful way. The story of the Crucifixion is familiar to most of us but somehow this book presents it in a refreshing way. The language is simple but allows God to speak through it. It inspired laughter, tears, and prayer and I really felt God speaking to me and the Spirit moving as I read. I too, had an awakening to the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice and his deep love for each one of us.
February 19, 2018
A beautiful gift for faith
I am a cradle Catholic but this story gave me a new insight into my faith and the Bible. Thank you
I am a cradle Catholic but this story gave me a new insight into my faith and the Bible. Thank you
February 21, 2018
Enjoyable and easy read.
April 13, 2020
I think that I am not the target of this book and that's why I didn't like it at all...
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May 15, 2022Highly recommended historical fiction. A modern day MS-age girl finds herself in Jerusalem during Holy Week. She knows Jesus will be crucified. Should she try to interfere?
April 13, 2025
Most of the book felt like filler, but the end……
May 16, 2018
I think I would have enjoyed this book and it would have affected me more profoundly when I was a self-centered middle school kid. As a less self-centered adult, it was a difficult book for me to read without rolling my eyes. It could make a great book to read in a CCD class or youth group and discuss.
March 16, 2019
Awakening is a little bit The Wizard of Oz, a little bit The Passion of the Christ. Interesting mix, huh? But it works.
Claudia Cangilla McAdam captures the mindset and moods of a teen girl very well, making Awakening a great book for young adults anytime, but especially for Lent.
The historical scenes were well done, and the overall message strong and clear.
Claudia Cangilla McAdam captures the mindset and moods of a teen girl very well, making Awakening a great book for young adults anytime, but especially for Lent.
The historical scenes were well done, and the overall message strong and clear.
March 8, 2017
It was one of the best books that I have ever read almost as good Harry Potter. When she gets to hug Jesus before he is taken away I was weeping and I couldn't put the book down! it was so good❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. My heart literally melted and I am sure that yours will to. You have to read this book!
August 27, 2013
Awakening, by Claudia Cangilla McAdam, is a marvelous book that expertly weaves many of the Bible accounts around the events of Good Friday into an enjoyable young adult novel.
McAdam uses a simple and effective device to bring this ancient world to new life and does so with such wonderful invention and skill that you find yourself surprised by the stories you have heard so many times before.
Awakening, published by Sophia Institute Press, follows the touching story of Veronica, a young teen struggling with the loss of her father and brother. Her relationship with her mother has become strained as the world she knows and loves seems to be falling apart around her.
Struggling with a high fever, she falls asleep and awakens to find herself in Jerusalem during the time of Christ.
As a matter of fact, she not only is living in Biblical times, she is one of the characters in the Bible, the young girl who was brought back to life by Jesus himself. Yet, unlike that little girl, she knows what is about to unfold. She knows Jesus is about to be betrayed. She knows he will be crucified and buried. What should she do? Try and stop it from happening or watch Jesus suffer and die?
Here is where McAdam’s skill as a writer shines bright. Attempting such a retelling is fraught with danger. Will she do so respectfully? Will she resort to cliche? How can you retell a story we’ve heard so many times with a new voice that doesn’t diminish the events it relives?
McAdam brilliantly weaves characters from Veronica’s modern-day life into her biblical one. Within a few pages you find yourself transported along with her, believing that her family is in the inner circle of followers of Christ. As Veronica juggles learning how to live in the Biblical world with her knowledge of what will happen there, we can’t help but be drawn into the story.
The reader finds themselves where most people have only dreamt of existing; in the presence of a living, breathing Jesus. How wonderful would it be to be transported back and to have a conversation with Jesus? Or to be at the Last Supper? How magical would such an experience be?
That’s what McAdam’s book brings, magic and awe. I can’t delve into the details about how she interjects Veronica into the events around the Good Friday without taking away from McAdam’s mastery of storytelling, but she subtly ties numerous Biblical events seamlessly together in a way that makes them fresh and new again.
An amazing feat.
Awakening is an enjoyable, worthy read for young adults and older. I highly recommend it.
McAdam uses a simple and effective device to bring this ancient world to new life and does so with such wonderful invention and skill that you find yourself surprised by the stories you have heard so many times before.
Awakening, published by Sophia Institute Press, follows the touching story of Veronica, a young teen struggling with the loss of her father and brother. Her relationship with her mother has become strained as the world she knows and loves seems to be falling apart around her.
Struggling with a high fever, she falls asleep and awakens to find herself in Jerusalem during the time of Christ.
As a matter of fact, she not only is living in Biblical times, she is one of the characters in the Bible, the young girl who was brought back to life by Jesus himself. Yet, unlike that little girl, she knows what is about to unfold. She knows Jesus is about to be betrayed. She knows he will be crucified and buried. What should she do? Try and stop it from happening or watch Jesus suffer and die?
Here is where McAdam’s skill as a writer shines bright. Attempting such a retelling is fraught with danger. Will she do so respectfully? Will she resort to cliche? How can you retell a story we’ve heard so many times with a new voice that doesn’t diminish the events it relives?
McAdam brilliantly weaves characters from Veronica’s modern-day life into her biblical one. Within a few pages you find yourself transported along with her, believing that her family is in the inner circle of followers of Christ. As Veronica juggles learning how to live in the Biblical world with her knowledge of what will happen there, we can’t help but be drawn into the story.
The reader finds themselves where most people have only dreamt of existing; in the presence of a living, breathing Jesus. How wonderful would it be to be transported back and to have a conversation with Jesus? Or to be at the Last Supper? How magical would such an experience be?
That’s what McAdam’s book brings, magic and awe. I can’t delve into the details about how she interjects Veronica into the events around the Good Friday without taking away from McAdam’s mastery of storytelling, but she subtly ties numerous Biblical events seamlessly together in a way that makes them fresh and new again.
An amazing feat.
Awakening is an enjoyable, worthy read for young adults and older. I highly recommend it.
March 29, 2018
I just finished this book for the third time. Easter is the best time to read it. Let me tell you why.
Eighth grader Ronnie wants desparately to spend Easter weekend at her popular friend’s ski cabin instead of alter serving at Good Friday mass. She stopped caring about God when He stopped caring about her: right after her brother and father died last year. What’s the big deal about Easter? Why did Jesus have to die anyway? Nothing is worth dying for.
Ronnie’s mother forbids her to go to the cabin, and after a heated argument, Ronnie has a relapse of strep throat and passes out - or should I say passes through - to another time and place.
Jerusalem. 33 AD. The week before Passover. We all know what happens next. So does Ronnie, but the people she lives with are oblivious. She wakes up knowing the future, how and when the famed rabbi Yeshua will die. She believes she has been sent back in time to stop Jesus’ death. Will her plan work? What will encounters with Jesus himself and other notable Bible characters teach her?
This is the premise of my favorite book. I liked it less the third time through, maybe because I am now considerably older than Ronnie and at a different life stage. But the author’s simplicity, clarity, and profundidty still struck me as much as ever. Ronnie takes us on a journey to meet Jesus and his contemporaries. Anyone can learn valuable lessons from this book, but what a tool this book could be for teaching teens about the Passion. Young people who aren’t sure why Jesus had to die will receive a loving, comprehensible explanation (from Joseph of Arimathea of all people)! Adults who think they know all about the crucifixion will surely be humbled.
The main messages of the Gospel of Mark will come across loud and clear in this short work of only 150 pages. Middle schoolers will not be able to put it down. The Bible comes to life in full color here, and all we have to do is hop on the bandwagon ..er, the donkey?
The book is not only Scripture-based but fun! Readers will love piecing together all the clever connections. Highly recommend to everyone but especially Grades 6-10.
Eighth grader Ronnie wants desparately to spend Easter weekend at her popular friend’s ski cabin instead of alter serving at Good Friday mass. She stopped caring about God when He stopped caring about her: right after her brother and father died last year. What’s the big deal about Easter? Why did Jesus have to die anyway? Nothing is worth dying for.
Ronnie’s mother forbids her to go to the cabin, and after a heated argument, Ronnie has a relapse of strep throat and passes out - or should I say passes through - to another time and place.
Jerusalem. 33 AD. The week before Passover. We all know what happens next. So does Ronnie, but the people she lives with are oblivious. She wakes up knowing the future, how and when the famed rabbi Yeshua will die. She believes she has been sent back in time to stop Jesus’ death. Will her plan work? What will encounters with Jesus himself and other notable Bible characters teach her?
This is the premise of my favorite book. I liked it less the third time through, maybe because I am now considerably older than Ronnie and at a different life stage. But the author’s simplicity, clarity, and profundidty still struck me as much as ever. Ronnie takes us on a journey to meet Jesus and his contemporaries. Anyone can learn valuable lessons from this book, but what a tool this book could be for teaching teens about the Passion. Young people who aren’t sure why Jesus had to die will receive a loving, comprehensible explanation (from Joseph of Arimathea of all people)! Adults who think they know all about the crucifixion will surely be humbled.
The main messages of the Gospel of Mark will come across loud and clear in this short work of only 150 pages. Middle schoolers will not be able to put it down. The Bible comes to life in full color here, and all we have to do is hop on the bandwagon ..er, the donkey?
The book is not only Scripture-based but fun! Readers will love piecing together all the clever connections. Highly recommend to everyone but especially Grades 6-10.
July 12, 2011
Love your family and hate them at the same time? Ever imagine what it would feel like to just disappear from life? Awakening is for you. The author has done well in creating the feeling and frustration of a parallel existence for Ronni, our main character. Added to that are the occasional references to Frank L. Baum’s the Wizard of Oz. Yes, Ronnie is definitely not in Kansas anymore!
Thirteen-year-old Ronni is transported to biblical times, which is oddly strange & familiar at the same time. An even paced adventure with a touch of romance, Ronni struggles with realistic issues facing teens in friendships, choices, family strife, and a lack of vision for her own future. Once transported to the past, her attempt to fit in as a Jewish girl is told to us in a manner that creates a most authentic presence, given to us in motion by motion detail, and allows us to feel we are present in the scene.
Because of that, in addition to being just a good read, it would be a good choice for teachers/homeschoolers to add to your class booklists for literature and history. Read it in your book club or youth ministry and talk about the issues she faces. Our review against character education criteria can be found at http://www.litland.com/reviews_10-14/... with directions to the authors many helpful aids too.
Thirteen-year-old Ronni is transported to biblical times, which is oddly strange & familiar at the same time. An even paced adventure with a touch of romance, Ronni struggles with realistic issues facing teens in friendships, choices, family strife, and a lack of vision for her own future. Once transported to the past, her attempt to fit in as a Jewish girl is told to us in a manner that creates a most authentic presence, given to us in motion by motion detail, and allows us to feel we are present in the scene.
Because of that, in addition to being just a good read, it would be a good choice for teachers/homeschoolers to add to your class booklists for literature and history. Read it in your book club or youth ministry and talk about the issues she faces. Our review against character education criteria can be found at http://www.litland.com/reviews_10-14/... with directions to the authors many helpful aids too.
March 1, 2012
This book is geared towards 12-16ish year olds. I read it to see if I thought it would be appropriate for my daughter who is currently almost 11. While I do think it is a little old for her, I thought it was a great book. An American 13 year old girl is thrown back in time to the day of and days before Jesus' death. It is a story, told honestly, graphically, and emotionally. This will be a book I will have my daughter read ~ perhaps next year as I think it will give her a better sense of how and why Jesus died for us. I would recommend and have recommended it to friends. A great read for the lenten season.
November 28, 2011
This book is a story about a catholic girl named ronni who wants to go skiing with a friend during Holy Week. Her mother won't let her. So Ronni takes a journey to the Holy Land back in 33 A.D.
"Could it have happened any other way.... I believed in Jesus, I really did. I just never understood why He had to die. I always wondered why no one really tried to stop it. I would have...." ~ Awakening, Claudia Cangilla McAdam
"Could it have happened any other way.... I believed in Jesus, I really did. I just never understood why He had to die. I always wondered why no one really tried to stop it. I would have...." ~ Awakening, Claudia Cangilla McAdam
December 27, 2013
This was an amazing time-travel book. It was very smooth in transition of time-periods and very particular in details. It really gives you a new perspective of all those biblical events and a greater appreciation for Christ's sacrifice. I was able to predict the only possible ending that would fit this series, but I believe that it is better that way anyway.
This wins a recommendation from me to anyone looking for a good spiritual read.
This wins a recommendation from me to anyone looking for a good spiritual read.
March 29, 2016
This was one of the greatest books I have read this year.
I read this starting on Good Friday, since it is about a girl who gets ill, and gets transported back in time to the time Jesus was Crucified. I finished it Easter morning, oh the irony but still
this was so so so SO good The author had such gripping detail that got me hooked, finishing it in two days.
Want a easy, Christian novel? grab this one
January 25, 2011
...Amazing! I'm not going to lie... I definitely found myself crying during several parts of the book. After reading this, I feel closer to my faith and Jesus. Time and time again I experience what books can do, but this one really shocked me. It's almost unexplainable.
June 5, 2012
I actually really enjoyed this book, even though Ronnie was not my Favorite character. it was very moving, and realistic as well. all in all i enjoyed it quite a bit :)
October 29, 2012
The concept was interesting, but the execution was poor. The characters seemed flat and uninteresting.
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