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Therapist and educator Morris brings new life to the experiences of fourteen Old Testament women, combining biblical facts and engaging speculation as contemporary teens direct questions to each character. Some of these fascinating figures are well known both outside and within the Judeo-Christian framework, while others are more obscure. Eve was the first woman, wife, and sinner, yielding to the temptation to disobey God and then convincing her husband Adam to do likewise. After Eve recounts her story, six teens—Kent, Kellie, Maria, Alice, John, and Irene—question her, asking how she felt at various junctures and receiving her advice, such as, “Girls, be careful of boys with flattering words.” Morris utilizes a similar format for each biblical female, endowing her questioners with credible curiosity and allowing even the more negatively framed females such as Jezebel and Delilah a frank, rational forum. Pregnancy, seduction, rape, power, and the general status of women are examined, underscoring situations for young women that might arise today.
Morris, with advanced degrees in psychology and counseling, is also active in church life and has constructed this intriguing structure to offer teens a greater understanding of biblical truth. By identifying with even the less admirable women in her collection, readers will appreciate the advice that each offers when questioned fairly. Her narrative is free of bias towards those women who acted negatively and is respectful of the views of all, relating their histories with emotional content implied but not generally found in the original accounts. The result is a sense that her teen questioners are actually communicating clearly with her subjects and want answers that any young person might seek. Morris’ book will generate lively discussion among teens and indeed anyone looking for a dynamic grasp of scripture as seen from a female perspective.