Things Not Seen 
is all about the Faith Hall of Fame. You may remember that the Faith Hall of Fame is located in Hebrews 11 and chronicles the heroes of faith who didn’t always act so heroically. No matter their flaws, they placed their faith in God. Given that Things Not Seen is based on the figures in Hebrews 11, we see the likes of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Naomi, Mary, and others from this well-beloved chapter in Hebrews. But we see them in a way that is unlike how we’ve seen them in the past.
Why? Because Jon Bloom, author of Things Not Seen infuses life into these characters by creatively retelling their story in narrative format. Meaning, this is more of a fictitious account, yet all accounts are still grounded in what’s already revealed in Scripture. This is similar to the Bible character depictions in the Lineage of Grace and Sons of Encouragement.
What is different about this narrative retelling is that Jon Bloom gives an introductory statement personalized to you the reader. For example, prior to Jacob’s narration, the book directs a charge to you, the reader. “Is there fear staring you in the face right now?… You might, like Jacob in Genesis 32 be surprised by his answer.”
KEY FEATURES:
-Forward is written by Ann Voskamp.
-It’s creative narrative in a storytelling format. -Instructs the reader to be encouraged with intro prompts before the story.
-Each story entertains while it edifies.
Things Not Seen provides encouragement, edification, and entertainment:
Things Not Seen was a huge source of encouragement to me as I read the accounts of well loved Bible characters. I say encourage because it did just that. It made me feel not-so-alone in my problems of life, almost as if I had camaraderie with the Bible heroes of old. While reading Things Not Seen, a renewed realization dawned on me that others had undergone similar struggles as myself and other loved ones in my life. In this way, Things Not Seen breathes new life into the ancient text of the Bible.
Things Not Seen accomplishes what it set out to do: lending a renewed interest in the characters of the Bible, encouraging the reader while providing edification, and lastly but still importantly, grabbing the reader’s interest with its engaging narration. Things Not Seen is a book I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who wants to delve deeper into the characters of the Bible as well as anyone who likes an engaging read.
How cool that the great heroes of our faith (from Hebrews 11) are brought to life in such a real way!
Yes, it definitely brings to life many of the familiar Bible stories!
I love the fiction! I’ll have to add this to my reading list!
Glad you’ll be adding this to your reading list, Heather; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
That is cool! I’ve been looking for some new books to add to my reading list for 2020.
I think you would enjoy the book, Val! Thanks for dropping by!
This sounds fantastic Sarah! I like the personalized statement at the beginning of of each character’s story. Thank you for sharing about this book, I will check it out!
Glad you’re interested enough that you’ll be checking the book out, Monica!
What a fantastic idea for retelling the faith that’s lived in Hebrews 11, I’ll have to try and check this book out. Thanks for reviewing it so well. Bless you xx
Glad the review was helpful to you, Chrissie!