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Summary: Fiction that reads like history is the best!
Review: I loved this book, it read like fiction, as it is, but I could not put it down and enough of the facts are historically correct to make me want to explore the subject further. I am not Catholic, but I would be interested to know how the Catholic Church views this subject. And I can't wait until Donna W. Cross writes another work of fiction.
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Summary: Perfect combination of fact and fiction
Review: Reading this book was pure enjoyment from the first to the last page. Anybody who is interested in history should read it. D.W. Cross gives a vivid describtion about life in the 9th century and enables the reader to laugh and cry with Joan. As much as possible the author uses facts about the catholic church, rome, historical dates, and Joan and combines them with her imagination to tell a story that might have very well happend that way. This was the first book I read by D.W. Cross but it will not be the last one.
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Summary: Go Girl!!!
Review: I truly enjoyed this amazing book. I recommend Pope Joan for anyone who is looking for a book with love, adventure, history, and wonderful characterization. Captivating from the beginning, Pope Joan will keep the reader intrigued throughout every chapter. Can't wait to see the movie!
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Summary: A PHONE TABLE DISCUSSION OF POPE JOAN
Review: Pope Joan, on par with "Pillars of Salt", "Clan of the Cave Bear" and "Astec" is marvelous reading. So marvelous, I read it for the second time. The author, Donna Woolfolk Cross tells the story of a young girl in pursuit of education and the only option available to her - disguishing herself as a man; entering the monestary; excelling in learning and becoming Pope. Her life will make you laugh; it will make you cry. It will definitely make you question! Was Joan a Pope? Did the Church bury her history with her bones; or, a was she just a figment of someone's imagination? Personally, I for one believe she was a Pope. I did get a lot more insight when our reading club learned that Ms. Cross is personally available to groups via speakerphone chats to discuss our questions, our thinking and the many mysteries of Pope Joan. She promptly replies. After the discussion, your group will have something to talk about for a long time - and - you too will walk away with a little more knowledge.
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Summary: A thrilling Dark Ages fiction....
Review: Pope Joan is a fantastic tale of medieval church corruption and girl power taken from bits and pieces of surviving legends about the Pope that gave birth. The idea was completely mind-blowing to my incredulous Catholic friends, but I loved the idea that Joan could have duped everyone with her good nature and intelligence in such an ugly time. Some of the best parts are back during her childhood learning legends from her Saxon mother, and right before she is named Pope, fighting the church vultures off of her poisoned predecessor as a natural healer. The book has you cheering for her from the beginning, and the ending has quite a twist. Even the background information at the end of the book makes you think, surely, surely, there WAS a woman pope buried somewhere in the ranks, and that it was probably Joan. This isn't just a girly book, either. Guys will love the church scene where Viking raiders make a timely but gruesome entrance and gore ensues. Just don't let it go to your HEAD, if you know what I mean....
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Summary: WOMAN AND HISTORY
Review: Donna Cross' novel, "Pope Joan" immediately conjured the image of the valiant young Joan whose all consuming thirst for knowledge propels her from a subservient existence to the highest power of the church. Forsaking her youth and identity, Joan lives her life barren of female companionship and without maternal guidance; Joan likewise sacrafices her womanhood, all in the quest for knowledge. It leaves one questioning: Would Joan's life would be any different today?
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Summary: POPE JOAN - COMPELLING DISCUSSION NOVEL
Review: I started reading Pope Joan in self-defense because all my friends had read it. I ended reading Pope Joan in awe. It is inspirational in that it brings to light the social problems existent in a yesteryear so equated to today's male/female soicio-economic structure. The religious philosophies of bygone days portrayed in the book are adherent of a structure not so unchanged in this 21st century. The story brings to light the steadfast desire of a young woman to become educated; it follows her entrance into the religious life as a disguised contemporary of the ruling male populous of the church. Joan accomplishes what no other woman ever has - but who is to say that it cannot happen again? Excellent reading. I now discuss this book with my friends. Read it and do the same.
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Summary: A Non-Catholic Loves Pope Joan
Review: I must admit as a non-catholic this was a book I would have never picked myself but was chosen by my book club. However, I loved it. This book is a history book, a love story, a non-fiction and fiction religious book, and a feminist book all rolled into one. As a reader you are truly engrossed in Joan's point of view and become completely wrapped up in her unplanned journey to the papal throne. A tragic ending that suprisingly leaves you in total awe. A must read!
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Summary: A HEROINE - NOT A SAINT!
Review: We all need heroines and Pope Joan, although existing centuries prior, qualifies as a modern day heroine. She embodies the desire of woman for education; recognition and love. She is a woman born of struggle; striving to compete in a man's world. It is a story that men and women alike will recognize as existing in the present day. Joan, through her fastidious desire to learn, entrenches herself in the religious order of the church - not as a woman - but as a man. Her guise is so distinguished as to completely blind the populous of the church who proceed to ordain her as Pope. Joan serves to prove that through determination and education, anything is possible. Joan is far from saintly, but she certainly portrays the characteristics of a true heroine. Bravo.
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Summary: WAS JOAN REALLY POPE?
Review: The only way to find out is to read this marvelous book and make your own determination. The facts are presented; the issues addressed. And, the author has taken the time and energy to present a mystery; a story that presents the arcane of the holy church and reveals the lack of participation of woman in general during that period of time in history. The theme of Pope Joan portrays the audacity of the Heroine to deceive the masculine theologians thru sheer feminine tenacity. Her actions have left a quagmire throughout the history of the Church yet to be disproved. Read the book and you decide: Was Joan really a Pope?
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