Member Reviews
I really enjoyed this book as it is great for both a new believer and someone who has read the entire Bible already.
I did take one star off because she did have a lot of cheesy statements that I did not resonate with.
Classic Angie Smith. A witty, easy to read retelling of many stories of the Bible. Engaging. Intriguing. Insightful. A must read. Five stars.
Woven: Understanding the Bible as One Seamless Story by Angie Smith
In Woven, Angie basically tells the whole story of the Bible, from the beginning. She makes it easy to understand and even gives it some humor with sarcastic remarks! (God glorifying sarcastic remarks that is!!)
This book does not and should not replace the Bible!!! It's a Summary!!
This is just a story telling of the Bible. It would be perfect for someone who is trying to understand but needs a little help. It would also be helpful for anyone who has had a long period away from the Lord and needs a little refresher. Or would be a perfect recommendation for an unbeliever to read as an introduction.
I grew up in church and have been saved for about 12 years and I still learned things I didn't know before, or relearned things I'd forgotten. So I would say this book is for everyone.
Angie also adds a lot of world and geopolitical history. It's vitally important to note what went on in the world at the time the things in the Bible happened, especially during the 400 year gap between the Old and New Testaments. So, that's what she did.
Woven is easy to read and understand. There are maps and charts as well to help tie everything together.
A nice overview of the Bible written with wit and humor and lots of insights! This would make a great book for those who already know the main stories of the Bible and are keen to weave them all together. You do need to know the stories first because otherwise the cast of characters would be too huge to process.
This book is addressed to people who don't know much about the Bible but are interested in discovering how this whole book is one unified story, woven together by God. It does not replace reading the Bible, but gives solid guidelines on how to understand it.
I am not the intended audience, but still thought it was well done.
Angie writes this with a very light tone and a lot of humor, it is more like reading a fun conversation. Being more of a focused person, sometimes she got too sidetracked for me, lessening my enjoyment of the book. But I do think that many will be drawn to this writing style.
So I would recommend this for anyone who wants to read the Bible but feels scared or overwhelmed by it, and doesn't mind a very friendly and humorous tone, this will read as a nice, deep chat with a friend and will make you want to dive into Scripture!
Angie's writing style is so easy to read. She shares in a way that is attainable and so entertaining.
Great overview of the Bible! She really goes in depth and details! I guess it just was not was I was expecting compared to the Bible Study book that’s similar. However, I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to learn more details from the Bible or who is learning the Bible even for the first time!
"Woven" by Angie Smith made me want to hear her speak in person. For many, bible studies or books about it can seem overwhelming, or let's just face it- boring. Angie wrote "Woven" in a way that was relatable to the average women. She had funny antidotes a1nd felt like a friend you went to college or high school with. She explains the bible in a way that is both interesting and insightful. I definitely look forward to reading more from her.
I received an ARC of "Woven" in exchange for an honest review.
"Woven" is the first book or Bible study I have ever read by Angie Smith and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I understand this book to be a companion guide to the Bible study however, just reading it on its own was great. This book is a great resource for a new believer in Christ. Not only does Angie explain Scripture in a relatable way, but also her words give such grace to answering questions we may not want to raise our hands and ask in a room full of people we don't know. "Woven" is also a great read for someone who has been a Christian for a long time. Giving a generous overview of the Bible and allowing us to be reminded of events and genealogy in a practical way. I highly recommend this book.
I LOVED Angie’s Bible study, Seamless. This is similar to that, but obviously a lot more in-depth. I really enjoyed reading it. I’ve read the Bible cover to cover, and it was very helpful in understanding some things I had not previously. I know it would be tremendously helpful for anyone who’s interested in learning more about the Bible or doesn’t quite understand what it all means! Angie writes in such a way that it feels like a conversation with a very funny friend!
There’s much to be said for this author’s writing style and her sense of humor. This is not the formal type of book that you’d read in a Bible Survey class. But it is an inspiring and many times entertaining look at how all of scripture ties together into one whole, beautiful story of God’s love, grace, and redemption. I have a feeling that, because of this author’s writing style, this book might not appeal to all readers. I do think it would be a great way to introduce the gospel to a new believer or someone who’s becoming interested in the Bible. I’ve never heard this author speak, but after reading this, I’d love to do that.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Does the Bible feel confusing and complicated to you?
If you have ever read books of the Bible and were left feeling bored and clueless, this is the book for you. Cleverly written with inserts of humor Angie makes the Bible approachable.
If you are new to studying the Bible, you will absolutely love Woven by Angie Smith. Using everyday language Angie helps you put the puzzle pieces of the Bible together in one cohesive storyline from Genesis to Revelation. She brings the Bible to life in a way that makes you feel as though you are reading a novel. Angie is hilarious and brings the bible to life in a way that is relatable to today’s generation.
This would be a good read to accompany a Bible in a year plan as it gives a big picture outlook using language even a child could understand.
This book is ideal for new believers but also a great resource for anyone looking to get a big picture of the stories of the Bible in a way that’s relatable and understandable.
It doesn’t go into great detail about every story in the Bible but provides enough details to give you an overview of the major themes of the Bible and how they fit together. Overall, this book will for sure get you excited about reading the Bible for yourself!
Everyone who wants to learn more about the Bible should read this excellent book that teaches us about the great story of Jesus and his rescue of his people. You want want to read this with your Bible in hand and you will return to this over and over.
I have heard Angie Smith captivatingly speak to a stadium of women. She has such a wonderful sense of humor, and yet does not shy from honest, heart wrenching conversation. She has experienced loss and absolutely welcomes lament. She ended her time at that conference by asking all the women who’d lost a baby or child to stand. Then she prayed over us. It was a powerful moment. It was weighty with the understanding of God’s love and care for each child and mother whose loss was represented. It was a sacred moment I will not forget.
I have read several of Angie’s books and have always found valuable insights and laughter to boot. I did struggle a bit with this book. Much of that is likely because I’ve been a follower of Jesus for 40 years and the information was so basic to me. I do think the nature of the book didn’t lend itself to many personal stories with which I could connect. It was like flying over a magnificent city, without the option to land, explore and make memories. Perhaps Woven will light a spark in some to delve into the Bible on their own. However, It would an excellent beginning for someone for whom the Bible is intimidating.
I still had several takeaways in spite of my familiarity. I was particularly struck by the retelling of God’s covenant with Abram. In a nutshell, God said, “Abram I’ll do my part and I’ll do your part...God would do all the doing; all Abram needed to do was believe.” This is so indicative of God’s character. We never get the short end of the stick with God. His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.
The sobering reminder that our pain is for our gain, was just what I needed to hear. “Even his plans of victory for us are most often plans for hard-fought battle.”
And lastly, a reminder that God loves the church, His bride and we must, too. “In Paul’s first encounter with Jesus, Jesus didn’t say, “Why are you persecuting the church?” or “Why are you persecuting my people?” He said, “Why are you persecuting me?” Jesus so identified with the church that he considered it his own flesh...If Jesus was that committed to his people, and if Paul was this set on starting and ministering to churches in their moments of need, shouldn’t we assume there’s no way we can do without the church?”
Pick up Woven to give to a new Christian and work through it with them.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Woven by Angie Smith was a wonderful book about how Jesus is woven into every thread of the story of the Bible, how God's hand weaves the tapestry of the story of his people together, showing us how life giving and true the gospel, Christ, and the bible is for us. It is a chapter version of her study Seamless, from everything I've read and can tell, and it shows how the Bible is one complete story, the themes, the people God used, the reasons they are needed for us today. I could do without her humor and jokes, it seemed a bit excessive and sometimes tacky per the subject matter, but I really appreciated the timeline and map and scripture as well as the way lesser known books and genres were discussed. There were some stories of God's people that aren't as familiar to me as its been a while since I've read them in my reading plan. This book is a great start for those who are newer to the bible or want to learn more, and I would recommend going through it with Seamless. IT is also a helpful refresher for those who have known the bible. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a digital copy to review!
I wasn’t familiar with Angie Smith before this book, but her warm, open style of writing drew me in from the very first pages, inviting me to explore with her and dive deeper into the Big Story of Scripture. Love for God and others drips from the pages, welcoming friends old and new into the study of God’s word without pretense. Her words draw me in and make me eager to see more of the vision she has uncovered. Angie has a way with words and an understanding of Scripture that will be a blessing to all! She acknowledges the challenging mysteries, but stands on what can be known, embracing the truths of Scripture in all their beauty. She casually weaves in deep truths of Scripture that are far too often overlooked, clearly opening up the Scriptures to us. What a gift! (She’s kinda punny too, which is fun!) Highly recommend this book!
NetGalley loaned me a digital copy of this book for an honest review.
Woven
Understanding the Bible as One Seamless Story
by Angie Smith
Back of the Book: “Does the Bible feel confusing and complicated to you? Perhaps some of it feels familiar, but overall, does it feel impossible to navigate? Maybe you recognize the stories, but you just don’t know how they all fit together. Yet they do fit together.
In her unique and remarkably readable way, Angie Smith—bestselling author of What Women Fear, Mended, I Will Carry You, and Seamless—helps you tie together all the loose, disconnected threads you find in the Bible, weaving them into a beautifully crafted storyline. After reading Woven, when it comes to reading Scripture, you’ll go: From confused to, confident. From lost, to knowledgeable. From separate stories, to the One they are all about.
Because once you see the big picture, you’ll see it on every page. Every time.”
Impressions: She has an easy personality that is very relatable but, in this book, she tended to get sidetracked too often. It was also very reminiscent of Seamless in its goal, layout and graphics.
Liked: I like that Angie is down-to-earth and humble about her journey. There is no pretentiousness as she shares the gospel and her testimony in this book.
Disliked: I read Angie Smiths Seamless back in 2016 and loved it. It inspired me to read through the Bible for the first time in my life and I’m so grateful for that experience. I was eager then to read Angie’s newest book, Woven. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me. I felt parts were too off-topic and wordy in attempts to be chummy which distracted from the main point, causing confusion. I think if this was a podcast the side notes would translate better but, in a book, it is disrupting the idea we are trying to understand. She often says, “you’ll understand this later”, or “I’ll explain this later…” This also was frustrating to creating a streamlined understanding of the Bible. This is a side note of my own… I purchased the journal to go along with this book and felt it didn’t match well with the reading. I was hoping for something that asked relevant questions to what the reading was about or at least allow a timeline or flow of what I was reading. It was a generic outline repasted for each chapter. I still used the journal but it wasn’t organized in a helpful way to go back and use it easily.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.
Woven takes you through Biblical history with your best friend by your side. Angie Smith writes and teaches the Bible in a way that is fun and easy to understand. For the new believer or the seasoned Bible buff, this book has fun facts and history to keep you interested. As someone who reads the Bible daily, I was able to see the stories from a whole different perspective. The author shows us how each book connects to the next while all pointing to Jesus. This book is perfect to keep with your Bible study tools, beside your nightstand or as a gift to any reader.
(I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.)
Wow, this boon was such a great perspective on the Bible as a whole. I enjoyed her writing style though a few of the jokes fell a bit funny for me. I really enjoyed the way she shows how the whole bible is woven together. This would be fantastic for a new follower of Christ.
I read through the Bible every year - but I'm a reader who is often challenged with comprehension due to mind wandering or distractions. This book appealed to me for that reason - to tie the whole story of God's love and plan for us to the many different stories of the Bible, as woven together. Angie Smith makes the journey enjoyable and easy to understand. I'd be quick to recommend or give this book to new believers or someone trying to just figure out what the Bible is all about. The only down side for me was the off-beat, sometimes cheesy humor. But - I get it, it broke up the challenging and difficult things, places, people that can be hard for us to relate to and for some it will be what keeps them going to get through the whole woven story. That would be my only drawback and otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed reading through and getting fresh perspective in connecting all of the dots - many I already knew, but I got to see them in a fresh way. It was kind of like flying over the by drone to see the whole landscape of God's Word at once.