Book Blurb: Mary is visited by an angel who announces she’s going to be the unwed mother of God’s Son. How long does it take him to convince her? Elizabeth goes into seclusion when she becomes pregnant in her old age. Will her shyness get in the way of raising a future prophet, especially with a husband who cannot talk? Joseph’s betrayal by Mary pierces his heart like nails. Can he make it through the night without cutting up every board in his workshop the way his dreams have been cut up?
The shepherds are dirty, smelly, and the dregs of society, but angels appear to them instead of holy people in the temple at Jerusalem. Will they even know how to act around a new-born King? Anna and Simeon live through decades of Roman slaughters right there in the temple, always looking for the Deliverer. Will their faith hold out until they are old and tired?
The first chapter gave me goose bumps and brought tears to my eyes. Fantastic! Star Song is pure genius. Katheryn Haddad’s book is breaking molds, and she may be a leader books based on scripture texts of the Bible. As I read Star Song, the amazing story of Jesus and all the people that God chose to be involved in this miracle wrapped in a cocoon of wonder.
Star Song Quote: The words [of the angel] grab hold of her heart and will not let go. Son of God? Of God? Of God? Mary’s mouth opens, but in speechlessness. She does not understand. Oh, Mary. Listen to what he says. Really and truly listen.
Even though Ms. Haddad fills in the blanks as to the possible conversations each Bible character may have had beyond scripture text, it rang true for me. I sensed I could trust Ms. Haddad to take scripture and add the emotional impact each character may have experienced. Also I thought it creative of Ms. Haddad to insert us as the reader to cheer for Mary as in the above quote: Oh, Mary. Listen to what he says. Really and truly listen. I found Ms. Haddad did not overuse this at all.
Star Song Quote: BC 6, Road between Provinces of Judea and Galilee, Palestine
Oh, my God, will Joseph turn me into the authorities and have me stoned to death? Please, God, don’t let it happen.
Mary is coming back from visiting Elizabeth. I found it rewarding to have chapters dated, so that we the reader can grasp the time-frame of when and where an event took place. Ms. Haddad has done intense research for Star Song.
Star Song Quote: Rising slowly and steadily from the depths of his soul, his [Joseph’s] being shouts to the heavens beyond the sky he sees. “Jehovah God. Creator of the universe.” His heart beats faster. “How can I be a father to your baby?”
Can’t you hear the agony in Joseph’s voice? Great job, Ms. Haddad, for putting us right in the middle of baby Jesus’s earthly father’s problem.
Star Song Quote: A stream of holy angels that flash and zoom, flash and zoom up into space and beyond. The light, the blinding light. As though a star has just been born. This cannot be. Oh, but it can be. He has given up everything for you. He has not only entered a human body, but he is lying in a feed trough, for you.
This quote comes from the point of view of some of the lowliest men of this time period, the shepherds who watched over the sheep that they would deliver to the temple in Jerusalem. Ms. Haddad does a marvelous job showing us just how amazing it is that God would choose such unimportant men to see and hear the host of angels announcing the birth of Christ.
One more surprise that adds depth to Star Song is the Life Application questions at the end of each chapter. Ms. Haddad asks pointed questions that helped me with my personal issues. And finally, at the end of the Life Application are the scriptures she’s sited within that chapter.
The only thing I couldn’t find is a note telling which Bible version Ms. Haddad uses for the Scriptures. Other than that, Star Song is a most excellent and needed book that will bless hearts all over the world. Thank you, Katheryn Haddad, for all the hours and energy spent writing Star Song.
