Review by Kathrynalexis -- Who Told You That You Were Na...
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Kathrynalexis
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- Latest Review: Who Told You That You Were Naked? by William Combs
Review by Kathrynalexis -- Who Told You That You Were Na...
[Following is a volunteer review of "Who Told You That You Were Naked?" by William Combs.]
3 out of 4 stars
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Who Told You That You Were Naked? written by William E. Combs is a speculative narrative about the origins and roles of sin and faith in both the bible and everyday life. Combs takes personal anecdotes and inserts them within a biblical narrative and analysis. The discussion begins in Eden and makes it's way through well known moments in the bible giving perspective and insight into the language and situations that occur.
There's not any glaring spelling or grammer mistakes, but there are situations I would recommend changing the language based on clarity or style. Reading through, it often feels word heavy and bogged down in itself even though the underlying thought and intention is good. Overall my rating for the book is a three out of four. I give the text a three because as is it works and is enjoyable to read. I wouldn't give it a two since I feel it is edited, professionally laid out and as a whole doesn't have any real single issue to call out. I don't give it a four though since there is a shakiness to the text, the organization is not logical in my opinion and the language is often excessive.
The book is informative and interesting. It gives a genuinely positive look at what sin means for humanity and how it came to be. The language is a bit flowery and long winded, but the heart of the narrative is in the right place. I enjoyed reading through it, but I couldn't really engage with the 'study questions' between chapters. Some of the questions resonated with me but the majority I found unneccessary or leading to a point which could have more easily been stated in the text. The emphasized segments of text seemed randomized and distracting as well; again some seemed to be strong statements but most did not. The organization of thought and medium of writing were my least favorite aspects when reading. I felt the narrative was somewhat disconnected by the switches between bible narrative and supposition.
My favorite thing about the book was the content and the intent. I enjoyed the moments that Combs wrote through the eyes of characters, especially the time with Adam in the beginning. I would suggest that creating a biblical narrative as the entirety of the text and inserting the introspective thought through the eyes of characters. In this way it could be almost a retelling of the moments in the bible where sin is closely described and connected through a strong narrative it would be more entertaining and draw more readers and also give a more overarching example. This or go the other way and make the purpose of the text the introspection, discuss and answer the questions being posed rather than making readers look for your view. The book is about your view on sin, if you are using personal anecdotes then tell us the personal belief you developed from them.
The writing is not bad, the formation of narrative and the creation of a story is well done. For these reasons I make my above suggestions however, as is I still recommend others to read this. The concept is spiritual, wholesome, unique and interesting. Anyone who is blatantly anti-religious would not enjoy this book, but I don't think having a foot in religion is necessary to enjoy it. Personally, as a non-religious person I thought it was an interesting analysis of the bible and even the way it is written now I would read it again. I would like to read more from Combs that is less journal-esque and more story with a meaning. I think he has the ability to write well if he knocks some of the pride from his prose.
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Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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3 out of 4 stars
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Who Told You That You Were Naked? written by William E. Combs is a speculative narrative about the origins and roles of sin and faith in both the bible and everyday life. Combs takes personal anecdotes and inserts them within a biblical narrative and analysis. The discussion begins in Eden and makes it's way through well known moments in the bible giving perspective and insight into the language and situations that occur.
There's not any glaring spelling or grammer mistakes, but there are situations I would recommend changing the language based on clarity or style. Reading through, it often feels word heavy and bogged down in itself even though the underlying thought and intention is good. Overall my rating for the book is a three out of four. I give the text a three because as is it works and is enjoyable to read. I wouldn't give it a two since I feel it is edited, professionally laid out and as a whole doesn't have any real single issue to call out. I don't give it a four though since there is a shakiness to the text, the organization is not logical in my opinion and the language is often excessive.
The book is informative and interesting. It gives a genuinely positive look at what sin means for humanity and how it came to be. The language is a bit flowery and long winded, but the heart of the narrative is in the right place. I enjoyed reading through it, but I couldn't really engage with the 'study questions' between chapters. Some of the questions resonated with me but the majority I found unneccessary or leading to a point which could have more easily been stated in the text. The emphasized segments of text seemed randomized and distracting as well; again some seemed to be strong statements but most did not. The organization of thought and medium of writing were my least favorite aspects when reading. I felt the narrative was somewhat disconnected by the switches between bible narrative and supposition.
My favorite thing about the book was the content and the intent. I enjoyed the moments that Combs wrote through the eyes of characters, especially the time with Adam in the beginning. I would suggest that creating a biblical narrative as the entirety of the text and inserting the introspective thought through the eyes of characters. In this way it could be almost a retelling of the moments in the bible where sin is closely described and connected through a strong narrative it would be more entertaining and draw more readers and also give a more overarching example. This or go the other way and make the purpose of the text the introspection, discuss and answer the questions being posed rather than making readers look for your view. The book is about your view on sin, if you are using personal anecdotes then tell us the personal belief you developed from them.
The writing is not bad, the formation of narrative and the creation of a story is well done. For these reasons I make my above suggestions however, as is I still recommend others to read this. The concept is spiritual, wholesome, unique and interesting. Anyone who is blatantly anti-religious would not enjoy this book, but I don't think having a foot in religion is necessary to enjoy it. Personally, as a non-religious person I thought it was an interesting analysis of the bible and even the way it is written now I would read it again. I would like to read more from Combs that is less journal-esque and more story with a meaning. I think he has the ability to write well if he knocks some of the pride from his prose.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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