Review of Blind Choices
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Rashad Deniro Price
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Review of Blind Choices
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Blind Choices" by Allen Lyle.]
Blind Choices (Dig A Little Deeper Book 1) by Allen Lyle is a creative retelling of the biblical account of the blind man named Bartimaeus and his encounter with Jesus. This familiar story is fleshed out and given some contemporary touches with the story of two blind men, Bartimaeus and Menahem. Both became blind due to childhood accidents.
The above takes us to the realities of life in the families of Bartimaeus and Menahem. We meet Bartimaeus' parents, Timaeus and Miriam, and learn about their occupation and priceless love and devotion for their son. We also get to know Menahem's parents, Yitzhak and Hannah, and learn about their industry and commitment to their children's well-being. With these in mind, how then do we explain what befell Bartimaeus and Menahem? Unfortunate incidents that happened by chance or predetermined incidents that would serve greater future purposes?
The central message in this story is choice and its consequences. This is explored through the characters Bartimaeus and Menahem. The two share a similar fate but come from different backgrounds, yet they managed to forge a friendship that transcends their marked social classes. However, their condition would be shaped by their ability to discern and accept true help when it comes.
The story also explores the unpredictability of life. Anything can happen at any time, and it could be anybody. The helplessness of mankind in the hands of fate is laid bare. Hard work, wealth, love and affection might not be enough and might not shield us or our loved ones from the cruel blows of life. Furthermore, we are led to experience the daily struggles and frustrations of the underprivileged and the vulnerable, bringing our attention to not only their lived pains but also to reflect on our own lives and count our blessings. Foresight and resilience are other notable themes explored in this story. By the end of the story, we see the beauty in Bartimaeus' decision to leave Joppa and head to Jericho at that point in time.
While there are elements that mark this book as a more suitable read for Christians, the central theme holds universal appeal: the choice we make and what happens after that. It may not necessarily involve believing in Jesus and his saving grace. It can extend to opening up our hearts to new possibilities and opportunities.
I have a suggestion to make. Since the author has already left a note informing readers that this is a creative version of a biblical account, I think the name Bartimaeus should be changed to a fictional name. This way, readers will have to guess for a long time about who would have his life transformed through faith and trust in Jesus and his redemptive powers. The name Bartimaeus gives away this suspense, since most people are already familiar with that story. However, I did not factor this in my rating for this book; I feel it deserves 5 out of 5 stars. Why? I was impressed by the author's writing style and attention to emotions and situations and was impacted by the life lessons shared through the characters Bartimaeus and Menahem.
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Blind Choices
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Blind Choices (Dig A Little Deeper Book 1) by Allen Lyle is a creative retelling of the biblical account of the blind man named Bartimaeus and his encounter with Jesus. This familiar story is fleshed out and given some contemporary touches with the story of two blind men, Bartimaeus and Menahem. Both became blind due to childhood accidents.
The above takes us to the realities of life in the families of Bartimaeus and Menahem. We meet Bartimaeus' parents, Timaeus and Miriam, and learn about their occupation and priceless love and devotion for their son. We also get to know Menahem's parents, Yitzhak and Hannah, and learn about their industry and commitment to their children's well-being. With these in mind, how then do we explain what befell Bartimaeus and Menahem? Unfortunate incidents that happened by chance or predetermined incidents that would serve greater future purposes?
The central message in this story is choice and its consequences. This is explored through the characters Bartimaeus and Menahem. The two share a similar fate but come from different backgrounds, yet they managed to forge a friendship that transcends their marked social classes. However, their condition would be shaped by their ability to discern and accept true help when it comes.
The story also explores the unpredictability of life. Anything can happen at any time, and it could be anybody. The helplessness of mankind in the hands of fate is laid bare. Hard work, wealth, love and affection might not be enough and might not shield us or our loved ones from the cruel blows of life. Furthermore, we are led to experience the daily struggles and frustrations of the underprivileged and the vulnerable, bringing our attention to not only their lived pains but also to reflect on our own lives and count our blessings. Foresight and resilience are other notable themes explored in this story. By the end of the story, we see the beauty in Bartimaeus' decision to leave Joppa and head to Jericho at that point in time.
While there are elements that mark this book as a more suitable read for Christians, the central theme holds universal appeal: the choice we make and what happens after that. It may not necessarily involve believing in Jesus and his saving grace. It can extend to opening up our hearts to new possibilities and opportunities.
I have a suggestion to make. Since the author has already left a note informing readers that this is a creative version of a biblical account, I think the name Bartimaeus should be changed to a fictional name. This way, readers will have to guess for a long time about who would have his life transformed through faith and trust in Jesus and his redemptive powers. The name Bartimaeus gives away this suspense, since most people are already familiar with that story. However, I did not factor this in my rating for this book; I feel it deserves 5 out of 5 stars. Why? I was impressed by the author's writing style and attention to emotions and situations and was impacted by the life lessons shared through the characters Bartimaeus and Menahem.
******
Blind Choices
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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Mark Lazarus
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This sounds like a deeply reflective and emotionally rich story that goes beyond its biblical inspiration to explore universal themes of choice, fate, and resilience. I like how it doesn’t just retell a familiar story but adds depth to the characters’ lives, their struggles, and the impact of their decisions. The contrast between Bartimaeus and Menahem—two people with similar circumstances but different choices—seems like a compelling way to highlight the power of perspective and personal agency.
The exploration of life’s unpredictability and the daily struggles of the underprivileged is something that resonates deeply. Stories that make us pause and reflect on our own blessings while also fostering empathy for others are always valuable. I also get your point about the name Bartimaeus possibly giving away the direction of the story—it’s an interesting thought on how suspense could have been built differently.
I might consider giving this one a try. Even though it has strong Christian elements, it seems to carry a broader message about opening up to new possibilities and embracing life’s uncertainties with faith—whether that faith is in a higher power or simply in the journey itself.
The exploration of life’s unpredictability and the daily struggles of the underprivileged is something that resonates deeply. Stories that make us pause and reflect on our own blessings while also fostering empathy for others are always valuable. I also get your point about the name Bartimaeus possibly giving away the direction of the story—it’s an interesting thought on how suspense could have been built differently.
I might consider giving this one a try. Even though it has strong Christian elements, it seems to carry a broader message about opening up to new possibilities and embracing life’s uncertainties with faith—whether that faith is in a higher power or simply in the journey itself.
Latest Review: Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper
