The Girl's Still Got It, by Liz Curtis Higgs

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Walk with Ruth as she travels from Moab to Bethlehem, certain of her calling, yet uncertain of her future. Hold Naomi’s hand and watch love put the pieces of her broken life back together. And hang out with Boaz, their kinsman-redeemer, who blesses both women and honors God, big time. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: (from her webpage) Liz is the author of nearly 30 books, with more than 3 million copies in print. In her best-selling Bad Girls of the Bible series, Liz breathes new life into ancient tales about the most infamous—and intriguing—women in history, from Jezebel to Mary Magdalene.  Scripturally sound and cutting-edge fresh, these popular titles have helped more than one million women around the world experience God’s grace anew.  Now, with The Girl’s Still Got It, Liz offers a twenty-first century take on the book of Ruth, dishing out meat and milk, substance and style, in a highly readable, always entertaining, and deeply personal journey with one of the Good Girls of the Bible.



MY THOUGHTS:  It's hard to determine exactly how to classify this book. It presents like a Bible study or daily devotional, with verse-by-verse commentary. In-depth background information about Ruth and Naomi's respective cultures, the traditions and norms of that day, the political and natural environment, and many other tidbits make the book a serious study tool. A map, discussion questions, and a study guide at the end round this out as a solid book for individual or group use.

At the same time, Liz Curtis Higgs sprinkles her original, often humorous, voice throughout a narrative retelling of this dramatic tale of desperation, loyalty, and love, making it read like a historical novel. The story really comes alive as we get to know the characters and read between the lines of what we know from the biblical account of Ruth.

Throughout the book, the focus is on how this story applies to the reader's life. Each chapter includes questions in the text that lead to self-reflection, as well as short stories of modern-day women applying principles gleaned from this story.

Most readers tend to prefer either fiction or nonfiction when dealing with Bible stories, but this book appeals to both. I was drawn into the plot and the possibilities of how it all could have happened, but also felt I had a much deeper understanding of the book of Ruth and how it applies to my life today.

Still not convinced?  Click here to read the first chapter free, then jump on over here and buy it in either ebook format or hard copy.  You can also work through the study guide alongside other readers, at the author's blog.

**I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review.