Seven Women

While 7 Men revealed the stories behind men I already knew and the values they exemplify, 7 Women has told the stories of some less well known women and values less celebrated in our culture. Compared with modern feminism, in which the masculine form of boldness is urged on women, this was very refreshing. In fact, I found myself moved to tears multiple times by the level of compassion and trust in God which led to the bravery in the more well known Rosa Parks and Mother Theresa.

Definitely a good read for anyone regardless of gender, only be ready to be challenged by these women.

The book contains a brief biography of seven women. The author looked at their lives and attempted to determine what it was that made them great. He wanted to look at women who were unique in what they accomplished regardless of gender. Metaxas examines the following women: Joan of Arc, Susanna Wesley, Hannah More, and Saint Maria of Paris (a Greek Orthodox saint), Corrieten Boom, Rosa Parks and Mother Teresa. I had only heard of four of these women prior to reading this book.

Eric Metaxas is a writer of religious books. His book “Amazing Grace, Everything You Always Wanted To Know About God” was on the New York Times top ten best sellers list. He also writes children’s books. Therefore each of the seven women has a religious component for his reason for choosing to write about them.

The book is well written. The author has an easy relaxed way of writing. The material is well researched. Metaxas did a good job in taking the large amount of information and creating a concise easy readable mini biography of each woman. Tom Parks narrated the book. This was my first encounter with both the author and the narrator.