Tess and I have known each other for the better part of a decade. As spry young college freshmen, we bonded over the very specific and very adorable way Jordan Catalano leaned against things, our mutual obsession with Coldplay, and our adoration of books of all kinds. Tess is the best kind of person and the loveliest of friends--she definitely makes for an excellent addition to this virtual book club. It is an honor to present her thoughts on Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross.
I must be the luckiest woman alive, especially when it comes to book groups. The opportunity as a stay-at-home mom to get out once a month kid-free and talk about a book with other women of various backgrounds is such a highlight that recharges my sanity. I am reminded that I am still capable of uninterrupted adult conversation and I get exposure to books I would never otherwise pick up. Good food is always a bonus, too.
That being said, my book group has not yet read my new favorite book. In the course of our discussions though, the historical fiction book, Pope Joan, was mentioned. And, 8 months later, I got around to checking it out. It was totally worth it.
The introduction of Pope Joan is right up my alley. The beautifully exquisite and intense moment a baby is born: Joan. This birth story is particularly unique. It's set in the 9th century and gives a glimpse into a society I find crazy and fascinating. The historical aspect of this book is spot on, rich with details so you feel like you are there.
The fiction part of the book was a pleasant surprise: a rich and beautiful love story that I found so moving. With lines like, “At last she had come to accept what she had fought so long to deny—[he] was part of her, was her in some unfathomable way she could neither explain, nor deny. They were twin souls, linked inextricably and forever, two halves of one perfect whole that would never again be complete without both,” how could you not want to find/embrace your own twin soul?
I want to give my two daughters good examples of strong women and Joan is a perfect example. She is an intelligent girl stuck in a seemingly unchangeable situation that would inhibit her true passion. She ultimately disguises herself as a boy to get more educated and ends up becoming the Pope of the Catholic church. Is it a true story? Maybe.
That being said, my book group has not yet read my new favorite book. In the course of our discussions though, the historical fiction book, Pope Joan, was mentioned. And, 8 months later, I got around to checking it out. It was totally worth it.
The introduction of Pope Joan is right up my alley. The beautifully exquisite and intense moment a baby is born: Joan. This birth story is particularly unique. It's set in the 9th century and gives a glimpse into a society I find crazy and fascinating. The historical aspect of this book is spot on, rich with details so you feel like you are there.
The fiction part of the book was a pleasant surprise: a rich and beautiful love story that I found so moving. With lines like, “At last she had come to accept what she had fought so long to deny—[he] was part of her, was her in some unfathomable way she could neither explain, nor deny. They were twin souls, linked inextricably and forever, two halves of one perfect whole that would never again be complete without both,” how could you not want to find/embrace your own twin soul?
I want to give my two daughters good examples of strong women and Joan is a perfect example. She is an intelligent girl stuck in a seemingly unchangeable situation that would inhibit her true passion. She ultimately disguises herself as a boy to get more educated and ends up becoming the Pope of the Catholic church. Is it a true story? Maybe.
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If you are interested in writing a guest post about your favorite book for Dog-Eared Pages, please email me at amyleescott [at] gmail [dot] com. I would love to share!
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