Vinegar Boy

Our family read this book together during our read aloud times, my husband, my daughter (4), infant daughter and myself. Since completing it, my daughter has often expressed a desire to re-read the book, and asks me when we will be reading it again! A beautiful interpretation of the history and culture surrounding Christ's sacrificial death, as a new Christian, and not knowing much about the culture and history of the time period, I found this an easy introduction to learning more about the cultural and political climate at the time. There were some interpretations of scripture that I did not agree with, such as presenting Jesus deliverance of Mary Magdalene from the 7 spirits, as being something along the lines of: Mary had so many afflictions it were 'as though' she had seven spirits afflicting her. Rather than literally, she was inhabited by 7 spirits. When we read Mark we can see quite literally that there are real evil spirits that Jesus is dealing with, not just health issues that 'seem' to be like an evil spirit. The main character of the story, Vinegar Boy, exhibits a wonderful servant-heart, and continually puts others before himself throughout the story, displaying many characteristics of the Christian life, and serving as an excellent example for children and youth who will read this story. There is also a deeply touching story that mirrors some of the truths of the new-birth experience of a Christian, such as the themes of love and adoption. Definitely recommended reading for any family.

This heartfelt story places the reader alongside a disfigured little boy who is responsible to provide comfort for prisoners meeting their death by placing a sponge next to their mouths as they perish. The sponge has been soaked in vinegar and herbs. This sad, orphaned child had heard of the Messiah and hoped that this healer might see his face and heal him. The little boy never dreams that it would be Christ's face that he sees in a life-changing encounter.

This is a real classic that I wasn't familiar with until recently. It is a fictional account of a young boy directly involved in the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Since I was so impressed with the book, I've been sharing it with others. The book was originally published by Moody ("The Name You Can Trust") in 1970, republished in 1989, and published again in 2002. I agree with the comment on the back cover of the 2002 edition that this is definitely "a classic work of fiction that has inspired thousands of Christians for decades." After reading the book, I believe this would make an excellent Easter drama presentation.

Alberta Hawse has a vivid, delightful style, and her story of a young orphan who hopes Jesus will give him the life he wants is captivating...not just in the way it re-tells the events of the crucifiction day, but in revealing the change that happens to a heart that encounters the living God. Highly recommended.

The author tells the story in such a way that you feel as though your right beside the little boy seeing all that he is seeing & feeling all that he is feeling.And when he comes face to face with Jesus after they have nailed His feet & hands to the cross you will ask yourself how could He love us so much & willing suffer all that He suffered for someone as undeserving as I.This is a book that will make you feel the love of God!