The Rock, the Road and the Rabbi – Kathie Lee Gifford

This is the first book I have read by this author, and it was worth reading. Kathie Lee Gifford has traveled to Israel many times over the last four decades, and she wanted to pass on to readers her enthusiasm for what she has seen and learned in the Holy Land. Each chapter focuses on a location in Israel, and usually the author writes a few pages about what she learned and then asks Rabbi Jason Sobel or another expert to explain in more detail some aspect of the background of the places being visited. Kathie Lee Gifford focuses on the major sites important to Christianity, such as Bethlehem, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Mount of Olives, Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. She includes chapters on less-known places, such as Magdala, Caesarea Philippi, Bet Av, and Masada as well. This is not a scholarly book, but there is enough scholarship here that I think everyone will learn something (did you know it is very likely Jesus was NOT a carpenter?). The writing style is very engaging and conversational. Whether or not the Christian reader has been to Israel, I think this book makes one want to know more; it is a good introduction to the places of the Bible. I received this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze Program.