Marianne Meye Thompson

A robust commentary on the Gospel of John.

The author provides a well-rounded form of commentary. She provides a translation of each section, comments somewhat on significant textual variants and points of comment regarding the Greek text and grammar, and spends most of the time not only discussing the substance of what transpires within the text but also explains it in terms of the greater frameworks of the Johannine Gospel itself, Second Temple Judaism, and also in comparison to / contrast show more with the Synoptics.

I appreciated the author's willingness to understand the Gospel on its own terms; she does not subscribe to the "Johannine community development" hypothesis. Dating is assumed to be in the 70s or 80s, and she does not speculate much in terms of authorship. Much of what is set forth is generally conventional and remains mostly attached to context; denominational agendas are not advanced to any significant degree. I agree with her assessment of the pericope of the adulterous woman (John 7:53-8:11), as a legitimate story of the Jesus tradition but highly unlikely to be originally written where it is currently placed. The theory of Lazarus as the "beloved disciple" is interesting and creative although I do not ultimately find it persuasive.

On the whole a well presented commentary, worthy of consideration.

**--galley received as part of early review program show less

Have you ever read a book, give it a rating (in your head or online), looked at other reviews (online, not in your head), and wonder if you all read the same book? What was it that you missed? What made me give it a two star rating (I don’t have the heart to go lower), when other reviewers are giving it four and five stars? For me, this book fits that category. Let me tell you why.

First, it reads like a series of scenes tacked together. Girl gets dream job, finds out the mob owns the show more business (“I’m conflicted”), someone gets beat up, someone gets murdered, place closes (that helps with that decision). We are only sixteen pages in, and we’ve already experienced an entire book of activity. What makes this all possible is the lack of depth or segue. like a stone skipping along the surface of a lake, the plot bumps along, barely skimming the surface.

Second, the dialogue is flat, awkward, and unemotional; it is didactic and expository, rarely delving into communicating emotions or thoughts. Third, the characters are one-dimensional and without personality. I found myself not caring about what was happening and who it was happening to.

There are a few more aspects of the writing that I can add, but I am feeling bad about not having anything good to say about the book. However, if you want to read about rubbing shoulders with coke-addled celebrities at Studio 54, the Mafia, fashion house drama, sexual assault and harassment, and a sex-soaked summer in the Hamptons, you may be able to overlook the things that I couldn’t. For me, the subject matter was not enough to catapult this to a more enjoyable read for me.

I would like to thank Winthrop House and LibraryThing for the opportunity to read and review this book. show less

This was cute but not as serious as I anticipated. I was expecting more fashion less fiction, that being said it was still an interesting story ans if you like the mob and NYC then pick this up.

Firstly I want to say this was a very quick read I devoured it in just two days! I really enjoyed the story line, New York and followed a new fashion designer, Cathy, in all her adventures throughout navigating the city and the fashion industry.
I really enjoyed the main character, she is an ambition, driven, confident woman which is always a joy to read.
My main critique with this book was the passage of time. Between chapters and even between paragraphs months would pass. It felt rushed show more and a bit confusing to be skipping through time so quickly.
There are also a lot of references to famous stars in this book and with all the names it started to get a little confusing trying to remember if they were in any past chapters or just a name drop.
Overall, I think you’d love this book if you are intrigued with the New York fashion and like a good thriller vibe! Unfortunately it wasn’t quiet for me! show less