In All His Glory
John Howard Reid
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John Howard Reid’s In All His Glory indicates in the Prologue that The Lord God was angry with King Solomon and had raised up a rival to Solomon; one Jeroboam who was actually one of the king’s servants. Sadly, Solomon after all his closeness to God and having been blessed with unparalleled wisdom had allowed himself to be drawn away from the God he had long served.

Through the prophet Ahijah, God told Jeroboam that it was he and not one of Solomon’s sons who would be given kingship over 10 of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Needless to say Solomon was anxious to see power retained by his lineage, thus Jeroboam was forced to seek sanctuary by escaping across desert sand into Egypt where he appealed to the Egyptian Pharaoh, Shishak.

Thus, the narrative opens with Jeroboam’s musings regarding the prejudices Egyptians held against the Israelites. Jeroboam’s exile has been a lonely one, initially it seemed that Shishak had been welcoming, but for a year Jeroboam has been well cared for physically, however he now sees no friends, no one with whom he can share thoughts, or conversation or friendship. He cannot even find solace in religious activity; the Egyptians are followers of Ammon-Ra.

Jeroboam was more than startled when a guard came into his room and without a word began propelling him through the doorway and along a corridor. Down a flight of stairs, past a marketplace, into a chariot, and through the main gates of the temple of Ammon-Ra served only to confuse Jeroboam. His Egyptian was none too fluent, didn’t much matter, the Nubian propelling him forward wasn’t talking anyway.

Nearly becoming lunch for sacred crocodiles, meeting Counselor Methyethy who needs a dreamed explained, and then meeting the high priestess of Ammon-Ra and Habu the priest and keeper of the temple brings no more clarity than did the silent trek.

From that beginning the reader is moved into a rush of intrigue, duplicity, being lost in tombs where there is little light and less hope for getting out of the thing. Accusations, seeming reprieve, more accusations, finally respite, marriage, a child, and then more chicanery are in store for this man for whom the throne of the ten tribes awaits.

The ruler in Egypt at the time Moses’ story was beginning was a Libyan, Shishak, who had actually assumed the throne, and it was to him that Jeroboam fled for safety. Historical data, including biblical reference indicate that Jeroboam's relationship with Pharaoh Shishak alternated as one of either close friendship or suspicion filled semi banishment.

While the biblical reference is pretty scant, Writer Reid puts his research and understanding of social mores and literature of Ancient Egypt to good use to add depth to the tale of Jeroboam and Shishak.

Reid has crafted a highly detailed, vibrant tale filled with excitement, credible action and characters to portray a relationship filled with notable highs and lows. Once affable to the extent that Shishak even allowed marriage between Jeroboam and one of own daughters; the two became distant to the point that Shishak attempted to assassinate Jeroboam prior to allowing Jeroboam to return to Israel.

He who had become refugee to Egypt was named the ruler of 10 tribes of Israel.

Reid’s adroitly drawn characters dashing across the pages in this fast-moving, incident-packed narrative are set against a backdrop of ancient Egypt so portrayed to grip the reader from first to last.

It is not necessary to be a student of Ancient Egypt or to be a Bible scholar or to be a religious person in any manner to understand this particular narrative. Reid is an excellent story teller, has produced an action packed thriller set in ancient times and portrays a tale in most excellent fashion. In All His Glory is a fast-moving thriller certain to appeal to every person who enjoys a great read.

Happy to recommend John Howard Reid’s In All His Glory. 5/5 stars

Note while this Jeroboam is mentioned in the Biblical Book of Kings, Jeroboam was a somewhat common name, as were others listed in the Bible. At times it is a little difficult to figure out which is which even when the reader is well versed in the Bible.

I like Writer Reid’s adaptation of the story of Hebrew Jeroboam and Libyan usurper Egyptian Pharaoh; it serves as a nice introduction into some of the chronicle of the time and place which might otherwise be lost to those who may not have spent years in study, and may or may not be Bible readers.

Micaela Morris in Jo’s Heaven
John Howard Reid
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John Howard Reid’s Micaela Morris in Jo’s Heaven is an anthology of some fifteen short stories most of which have been published and many of which have won awards and prizes when entered in various writing contests.

The reader first meets Micaela Morris as she travels a narrow roadway to Jo’s Heaven. In the words of Micaela’s mum the track is 117 miles of scrub. Micaela was not deterred, she dreamed of Jo’s Heaven at night, and she imagined all kinds of fantastic possibilities for what she might find should she actually set out along that roadway. Micaela thought it was a trip worth the drive.

Wright and Wrong leads the reader to Raymond Wright, poet and the mystery which slowly resolves until the reader comes to a surprising ending.

Once again Micaela is the central figure in Plain Glory, while Kawbury, Kentucky is the focall setting in another or more of the offerings. Micaela continues to appear in one then another of the offerings interspersed with other intriguing tales.

Sink or Swim brings the reader to Kings Crescent and one Conrad Joyce, Con to most, and his plans or the future, one that he hopes will be prosperous and filled with some ease. One scheme after another seems perfect only to end in hopelessness. On the other hand, if you keep trying then sooner or later something does come through, doesn’t it?

From Fan-Fan, a wee rabbit, to Kinkhead’s Dilemma and what do with a local ne’er do well to a new stove as the reader peruses Changing Times writer Reid’s broad spectrum writing talent is apparent.

Simon the Seer, Position Chorus Position, Party First and Lacey are more of the varied, appealing and captivating titles for works sure to rouse the curiosity, interest, and intrigue the reader.

John Howard Reid’s Micaela Morris in Jo’s Heaven is a perfect book to tuck into purse or brief case for those moments when a heavy tome may be too much. The wait at the dentist’s office, or while sitting at the railroad crossing waiting for the train to pass, or stopped as the 4th grader runs back to the classroom for something forgotten are perfect times for taking out Micaela Morris in Jo’s Heaven. Each tale is told in a few pages, stories are quick paced, filled with language tone, gradation and nuance as only John Howard Reid can create.

I like this Australian writer’s style, settings are nicely portrayed to draw the reader into the action. Characters are fleshed with enough detail to allow the reader opportunity to like, dislike, ponder or simply enjoy. Each storyline is set down with skill.

All in all, John Howard Reid’s Micaela Morris in Jo’s Heaven is an out of the ordinary, and, most enjoyable read.

Happy to recommend John Howard Reid’s Micaela Morris in Jo’s Heaven. 

Bible Wisdom: PSALMS of Praise & Power
John Howard Reid
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John Howard Reid’s Bible Wisdom: PSALMS of Praise & Power newly translated from the Greek Old Testament is a must have for those who enjoy reading Bible and especially

Psalms.

Reid asks a question how many Psalms are there in the Bible? Seems simple enough for those of us who are familiar with Kings James. However, that is King James version and the correct answer, as Reid points out, is nobody knows.

Continuing Reid points out that psalms, odes, elegy and poems are scattered through the Old Testament, however for his new translation Reid has concerned himself only with the Biblical book entitled PSALMS. To be considered for inclusion in this specific work; Reid winnowed out those odes which were duplications of others as well as any failing to meet Reid’s criteria of powerful or praiseworthy.

On the pages of this in this motivated and moving rendition Reid has chosen 84 stimulating works to give special attention through paraphrase and/or translation of the Greek Old Testament.

I have long read for study many translations, versions and edition of Scripture, however, I have a real feeling that nothing quite compares with the beauty of language found in the old English of The King James version.

Section One addresses Psalms of Praise & Power Literal Translations from the Greek Septuagint Bible. While the words are not King James, the lovely power, support and joy found in the time worn, well thumbed editions are recognizable, easily read and powerfully presented.

I find comfort in the words ‘The Lord God has graciously accepted my prayer. He has heard and harkened to my petition.’ The old cry ‘How long will you forget me, Lord God? Is as poignant offered in the literal translation as is found in others. However Reid rightly points out in the title that the answer is NEVER! The literal translations continue across some 137 pages followed by a ten pages of footnotes and illuminating paragraphs.

Section two begins on page 151. Section two offers Psalms of Praise & power as Poetic Paraphrases from the Greek Septuagint.

I enjoyed reading the beloved Shepherd Psalm in both literal translation, and in paraphrase from the Greek as I enjoy reading those comforting words in KJV, NIV, and any other version or translation I habitually read.

Writer, Biblical authority, seeker of all things interesting, Reid has chosen 82 Psalms for his work based on the Septuagint, the version of scripture often quoted by Christ and used as a basis for faith by many of the writers of the New Testament.

I found Reid’s collection of Psalms to be a nice well rounded selection of the often quoted old texts. Included were those long credited to David as well as many penned by others, as is found in the various texts I read for Bible Study. Reid includes some meant to uplift and other meant to edify, show the way or serve as a guideline for life.

I like that the elected Psalms are offered as paraphrase and as a literal translation. For those who are more black and white in thinking the literal translation may have more appeal, for those of us who revel in words then the true to meaning but more poetic works will no doubt seem more than fitting.

Scattered throughout the work will be found many captivating black and white photos, lovely old woodcuts, and even a chorus or verse or two of well loved hymns.

As a long time Bible Reader, and daily reader of Psalms, 5 a day means completing the book in a month and 12 times in a year, I am most Happy to recommend John Howard Reid’s Bible Wisdom:

PSALMS of Praise & Power newly translated from the Greek Old Testament.

Bible Wisdom for Modern Times
John Howard Reid
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John Reid’s Bible Wisdom for Modern Times sections from the Orthodox Old Testament opens with a prologue featuring Pitfalls and Rewards as gleaned from the supposed writings of King Solomon. Wisdom was a keynote attributed to Solomon who tradition declares was known for thoughts regarding wise behavior, thoughts and writings.

Whether actually written by Solomon himself, or by a group under the umbrella name of Solomon; I have long enjoyed the various treatise regarding wisdom and the importance of wisdom in our daily lives.

I like that Reid has undertaken this work. Too many of us read the Bible as presented by those who have done translation, and the like, with little understanding that the original writings may or may not be fully delivered in the editions we hold dear today. Because Jesus drew upon Tobias for many of his adages and allegorical narratives it is essential we have a perception of this little known man and the writings bearing his name.

Reid has noted, ‘What I've always wanted is a selection from the Bible of important material relevant to my life that's not only easy to read and understand but that sings to my soul. I've attempted to supply just that in Bible Wisdom for Modern Times. It appears that on the pages of Bible Wisdom for Modern Times; Reid has accomplished his goal, and, well at that.

With some 20 pages devoted to one of my favorite Biblical books; I found much to enjoy as I read anew admonitions for seeking, gaining and keeping wisdom in our lives.

Serious Bible Scholars have long recognized that various writings accredited to King David were written by David and others. The beauty and truth of the principles lose nothing whether actually written by David or another.

Reid turns attention to ‘Greek’ Ezra and the story of 3 Wise Young Men. A contest, a riddle and a desire to curry favor leads to understanding that Truth is greater than any other force on earth.

As a reader of the Bible from childhood; I have long enjoyed the Psalms, I was intrigued to find new or newly translated Psalms included in this work. They are a treat for those who enjoy the book of Psalms.

The Adventures of Toby are written with a gentle hand. They are a nice lead in to A Song of Solomon, one more Psalm and a discussion of Jesus ben Sirach. I enjoyed reading each of the various sections presented in new light or with new enlightenment.

John Howard Reid offers recently deciphered works along with paraphrased choices from Old Testament and the supposed mythical biblical wisdom prose. Included in this particular volume are writings attributed to Solomon as well as anecdotes of Jesus Ben Sirach, and Tobias.

Included in this edition as well are works of inspired Jewish and Greek writers. Reid has spent a good bit of time bringing many of the old writings into modern English. The original chronicles of The Three Wise Young Men and Tobias, Tobit, have been recreated to make them more readable without losing any of the didactic utterances as appear to be constant with the original narratives.

The Prayer of Manasseh, Proverbs, Baruch, Susanna, The Visions of Ezra, Proverbs are included and rendered into modern English.

A must have for every serious Bible Reader; I am happy to recommend John Reid’s Bible Wisdom for Modern Times with sections from the Orthodox Old Testament for novice and long time Bible Readers.