Pope Joan

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Summary: Great read - pass it on and share it!
Review: This book was recommended to me and once I had a copy, it sat on my table while I read another. Once I finished the other book, I looked at "Pope Joan" and thought, ah, maybe not....However, the next day I started it and could not put it down! It was just such a great read and fun. I certainly hope the basis of the story is true. This is a book that I will be buying for Christmas for others, everyone should have a copy.

Rating:
Summary: Why climb a mountain when you can read this book!
Review: No climb can equal the exhilaration or quickening pulse found in reading this novel. I found myself racing through it with little regard to the early hours of the morning and the onset of physical fatigue. I couldn't take it in any faster and the only thing that would have slowed me down is if the author had doubled the number of pages. Others have commented on the historical accuracy, the possibilities and the hopes of her existance being true, etc. I would like to think that men have come a long way since the savage treatment of wives and daughters found in the text...but maybe we have yet a long way to go. More men should read this book to get a glimpse of the narrow mindedness and sexual bias that has so long existed ... and which was transcended by this "I wish it is true" Pope Joan. I know some women who would make a very fine Pope! Prop up a pillow, take the phone off the hook, and travel back in time with Pope Joan!

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Summary: Simply the best book I have ever read!
Review: I have just read the book "Pope Joan" and I think it was a fantastic book. What a strong woman she was! I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in history. I am looking forward to Donna Woolfolk Cross next book!

Rating:
Summary: Strong female character and excellent story-telling
Review: I found this book in a friend's collection, read it, and then bought my own copy. The author's voice is as strong as the female pope herself. The characters are richly written, and the pace is excellent. I can't wait for her next book.

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Summary: One of my favorite books!
Review: Terrific story, wonderful heroine, intrique and history a perfect combination! Pope Joan is one of my all time favorite books. It gets my highest recommendation!

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Summary: Story of a cronic problem in our civilization
Review: This is a thought provocative, at times funny tale that is told by a good story teller. The problems faced by Pope Joan are still faced by today's woman. They very much exist below the surface.

The moment I saw the picture of THE CHAIR at the end of the book, I was convinced that this story has to be true.

Author was kind to talk to us on phone. Our book club learnt many interesting details about the book. Can't wait for the movie.

Rating:
Summary: Pope Joan is the best book I've read in a long time
Review: My book club totally loved Pope Joan. We weren't quite sure what to expect but were pleasantly surprised. I loved the strong main character Joan, and how she became powerful and effective working within the constraints of her times. The author provides a reader's guide in the back, which I would recommend reading first because it gives the background information to better understand the story of Pope Joan. The author also provides much evidence that Joan did indeed exist (and I find great comfort in believing that she did). I have purchased 4 copies of Pope Joan and have given 3 of them as gifts -- and the recipients loved the book as much I did.

Rating:
Summary: The ending was terrible
Review: The ending of "Pope Joan" was quick and sudden; an ending that did not do justice to the outstanding beginning portion of the book.

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Summary: THE AUTHOR IS AS INTRIGUING AS HER BOOK!
Review: As a co-leader of the East Hanover Library Book Club, we were looking to end the 99 season with a bang. And Ms. Cross' Pope Joan was just the book. It was marvelously written. It captures your interest immediately and is as provocative as it is enjoyable. The bang is the author makes herself available via telephone to join your group discussions. A female pope!? It is diffinitely a subject which is cause for discussion and to have the source available is great! Donna makes you feel right at ease, no question is too silly. You must check out her Web Site. The book is a must for every book club. We can't wait for her next book and the Pope Joan movie.

Rating:
Summary: Viva "Pope Joan!"
Review: As an inveterate reader for most of my 41 years, it takes a mighty book to move me. "Pope Joan" was one such book. It made me laugh, it made me horrified, and it made me indignant. Best of all, it will produce one doozy of a discussion for our book club! I love a good trip back in time via the pages of a book, and this one was via the Concorde.I especially cherished the relationship between Joan and Gerold--it was more touching and real than anything written in contemporary times. Cross does an outstanding job of fleshing out these and all the other main characters. When "Pope Joan" was suggested to our book club I had never heard of the possibility that there was ever a female Pope. After reading the book I must admit with all my heart that I hope Joan exsisted. Some producer, some director, some actress, please, please, if you are reading this, turn this book into a screenplay and raise the roof on the female Pope issue. "Pope Joan" and Cross' most important legacy must be the acknowledgement by the Catholic Church of Joan's exsistence. It would be a victory for women of all faiths.