Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer {Book Review}

I've been a Christian since I was around seven years old. Until the new millennium I had never read my bible cover to cover.  During the year 2000 I joined our church family in reading my bible chronologically.  It was the most awe inspiring year of my faith.  Learning all about the story of my heritage as it happened, from before creation all the way to Revelations.

Recently I was given the book Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer to read.  I was super excited to read this book by Peggy M. Consolver - Author after reading an article about it on The Shiloh Excavations website.  Did you know you can join a biblical archeological dig site and be hands on in the experience of living history?

What we received

Title:  Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer
Author: Peggy Miracle Consolver
ISBN: 978-1-942587-09-5
Published:2015
Publisher: Carpenter's Son Publishing
Pages: 375
Cover: Paperback

About the Book
This is the story of Keshub, a thirteen year old Gibeonite shepherd. Between defending his sheep from predators, finding wondering sheep, making a new friend who would need his help and dealing with a bully his life is far from boring or monotonous.   He is the youngest of his brothers and the story follows his daily life and struggles as a young man growing up in the hills as the son of a potter.

His life consists of the realities of looking after the family's sheep, learning the skills of a warrior and dealing with the daily harassment of a bully. Emotionally he is learning about the safety of submitting to the absolute authority and care of his father. He gradually grows in understanding and insight through the wise words of his all seeing and knowing father.

Keshub is on the cusp of manhood and the life lessons he is learning are deep.  His understanding of adult matters is growing and he soon is faced with a life choice:  Who is more dangerous? The Hebrews in the valley or the despicable evil King their neighbour?  Who is this God the Israelite's worship?  Could this be the same God, the God of his ancestors?  The Israelite's go everywhere in victory.  How can his people survive the destruction which is coming their way and at what price?

Ultimately this is the story of the Israelite's and Joshua from the perspective of the Gibeonites who made a treaty with him and the consequences of their deception.

The book has some wonderful extra's at the end.  Peggy encourages thoughtful discussion through the questions she has supplied at the back of the book.  The questions aim to personalise the story by asking questions such as: "What events in your own family history proved to be life changing?" or "Have you ever been the target of a bully? How did you react? Was the situation resolved? How?"

Peggy has also written a study guide to accompany the book called:  Digging Deeper Into HIStory.  There are 13 units and in addition to this guide you will find a page of research links, maps and YouTube clips which all enhance your understanding of the culture and background of the Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer It contains links to clips such as: Bow Making, How to use a sling etc.

About the Author

Peggy Consolver

Peggy Consolver loves a good story.  She grew up in southwest Oklahoma where she raised her two daughters and loves teaching Sunday school and women's Bible Studies where she emphasizes digging much deeper into the stories of the Word.

After spending eighteen days with Associates for Biblical Research in Israel in 2010 she was inspired to write a historical fiction novel about the Gibeonites of Joshua 9 and 10.

As she visited and explored many of the places where biblical events unfolded it changed her internal picture of the events to a solid reality which begged to be shared. Peggy wrote Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer so others would know that the bible is not just a book of theology but a living history book.

The experience so deeply touched Peggy she is bringing her whole family back to dig there later this year for her 50th wedding anniversary!


Recommended Age Range

• Ten to Adult

Connect with Peggy on

Peggy Consolver on Facebook
Peggy Consolver Blog

Over All I thought ...
I loved reading and growing with the main character Keshub and seeing Israel as a land and a nation through his eyes.  This is a beautiful book, the author has done an excellent job of describing the details of daily living during this time period in history.  She has brought to life two chapters in Joshua with vivid accuracy and insight.

I am looking forward to giving to Nathaniel to read when he is a little older as I want him to experience the full blessing of the insights which Keshub gains through life's experiences.  I appreciate how Keshub deals with his daily struggles. It is a wonderful addition to your library and will enhance your historical and religious education.

Blessings
Chareen