REVIEW:

You Will Be Peter by Jerry Lathan with Steven Manchester was one of the most profound works I have ever read except for the Bible. I had a few interruptions while in the reading process. Even considering that it took me a long time to read it. I could not read this as a novel. For me, this book required thinking and pondering what it meant to me and my life. It was literally an act of worship. 

One thing I want to mention is that this book was ten years in research before the writing began. That is a lot of research. I think that is the main reason I sat up and listened to what God my father and Jesus my savior was trying to tell me in this beautifully written book. I took this opportunity to learn and absorb things that I didn’t know or that I had forgotten over the years. Let me tell you, I learned a lot about the time period when Jesus walked the earth with his disciples.

This is told through the eyes of the eyes of Simon. Jesus told him “You Will Be Peter”. He was the first Apostle. He was the leader of the apostles, protector of Jesus and had the principal role of building Christ’s church. It was interesting to know that Simon Peter was just like you and me. He had questions,  doubts and worries just like you and me. I also wondered if I were his wife if I would have been as understanding of his long absences with the other disciples and Jesus. His wife was a prime example of supporting your husband without question.

Of course, I would recommend everyone read this book, but I realize that it is not a book that everyone will want to read. It is perfect for information if that is what you are looking for. Personally, it made me think of my faith and how strong it is, what changes I need to make in my own walk with Jesus and just how strong I am as a person. I highly recommend this book. I think it has something for everyone to take away. It would be a perfect addition to your nightstand. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

The extraordinary story of a young fisherman who became the Founding Father of Christianity, the most influential and enduring institution in history.

2023 Paris Book Festival Winner · 2023 New England Book Festival Winner

He’s one of the most well-known figures in cultures around the world, etched into stained glass, painted in frescoes, even caricatured as standing at the gates of heaven with a long white beard and keys in hand. But long before he was portrayed as a venerated and untouchable figure, Peter was simply known as Simon, a twenty-something fisherman in a far-flung Jewish province controlled by the Roman Empire.

Loyal and faithful, impetuous and passionate, Simon’s quiet life is upended by the arrival of a man called Jesus of Nazareth, rumored to be the long-awaited Messiah who would rescue the Jewish people from oppression. When Simon meets Jesus, the mysterious man tells him, “You will be Peter,” a prophetic statement that would slowly transform Simon’s life. Eager to be free of the Romans, Simon joins Jesus in hopes that he can guard this leader who will, undoubtedly, build an army to challenge Rome. But as Simon waits for the army to form, he watches Jesus show a compassion for others Simon has never seen before. The miracles Jesus performs—healing the sick, feeding crowds of thousands—show not a display of military might, but of service and love.

Real, relatable and impeccably researched, You Will Be Peter draws on the four Gospel accounts to weave Simon Peter’s story into one seamless tapestry. Readers get a front-row seat to Simon’s three-year walk with Jesus, as Simon watches the Son of Man feed the hungry, raise the dead, upend the status quo and challenge the elite during one of world history’s most pivotal seasons.

In perhaps one of the greatest miracles, we can see ourselves in Simon, this ordinary man Jesus chose to accompany Him. Simon wasn’t well-educated, but he was faithful and headstrong. Though he could rush to judgment and use a foul word from time to time, he was the kind of friend who loved fiercely and was doggedly loyal—until he wasn’t. Although he failed, Simon wasn’t cast away from Jesus’ mission. In fact, his failures and subsequent redemption made him a more empathetic and capable rock upon whom the Church was built.

With storytelling artistry that transports readers to the first-century world, with the sights, sounds, and smells of that time, You Will Be Peter shares an age-old story told from a new set of eyes: it’s possible for one ordinary person, however unlikely, to change the world forever.