Rating: 
Summary: Enthralling
Review: I picked this book up on a whim because, as a Catholic woman, it was a truly fascinating concept. I heard the legend
growing up, but passed it off as a fairy tale. I never imagined that I would learn so much while being taken on such an incredible ride. This is not a story about horrible men holding back a woman. It is the story of a woman making choices that go against society norms... and thriving while dealing with the ramifications of her choices. The historical aspects are well researched, but presented in proper context without being dry and mundane. A few historical liberties were taken out of necessity for the development of the story; however, Cross did not blatantly rewite history. I was reminded at times of other authors who have created another time period for me through their writing (most notably recently would be Gabaldon in her "Outlander" series. Even though the genres are very different for "Outlander" and "Pope Joan", the times and stories pulled me in and made me feel like I was there).
Rating: 
Summary: A Predictable Rendition of a Legendary Story
Review: The fictional story of Joan of Ingleheim who legend has it becomes the first female Pope. Joan is born in 814 A.D. and early on shows signs of great intelligence. She convinces her brother Matthew to teach her to read and write in secrecy as her father considers female education a mortal sin.
When Matthew dies, Joan tries desperately to continue with her studies, but is cruelly turned away by her fahter who considers her an abomination. It is only after a famous Greek scholar stops at the house and recognizes Joan's brilliance that the father can be convinced begrudgingly to allow Joan to study their religion.
Joan is sent for by the Greek to attend the famous Cathedral School in Dorstadt, but her father instead sends her brother John. Joan is forced to run away and plead for entrance into the school. She is the sole female at the school and is treated horribly by students and the headmaster which resonates with the theme of brutality towards women throughout the book. She meets one person, Gerold, who shows her kindness and respect and eventually falls in love with her.
During a vicious Viking raid which kills all but Joan, she assumes her brother's identity and becomes John Anglicus and enters a monastery. She later travels to Rome where her skills as a healer, learned at the monatery, bring her into contact with two different Popes.
Upon the last Popes death, she is elected Pope but the election is bittersweet as she realizes that in order to fulfill her obligations, she cannot be with the love of her life Gerold. A tragedy ultimately ensues.
A disappointing, predictable rendition of a legendary story. It's light, easy reading at best with a simplistic rendering that leaves the reader wishing for something more.
Rating: 
Summary: Tangled, improbable, but also finely written and satisfying
Review: Several books about the mythical Pope Joan have come out recently. References to a 'Pope Joan' or 'Pope John' appear in some medieval sources, but they are not part of official church history. "Pope Joan" by Donna Woolfolk Cross tells the story of what might have happened. A young woman disguises herself as a man and uses her quick wits and gifted mind-as well as a hefty measure of luck-to rise from humble origins to become the only female pope. .... This is 'ripped from the headlines' stuff-tangled and improbable, yes, but it's also finely written and satisfying. Some readers will quibble with the number of fortunate coincidences, the love story thread, and the sheer improbability of the premise, but Cross' "Pope Joan" is also a well-researched depiction of medieval European life, especially the strictures placed on women. Even if you don't buy the story, you should buy the book.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating
Review: I have often heard mention or read of the Legend of Pope Joan, but never gave it much thought. When this book was chosen as a read by my book group, I was not happy, envisioning weeks of boring history. I could not have been further from the truth. This book took off for me from page one, and was a page turner, and up all night kind of read. I couldn't wait to learn how Joan of Ingleheim, the daughter of an English father and Saxon mother was able to rise to the highest post in the Catholic Church. Her story was fascinating, from her early deceptions, learning to read when women were not taught, to her decision to live her life as a man. There is something for everyone in the story, deception, treachery, love, redemption, religion, sin, Vikings, the list is endless. I recommend this book to all who would like to learn about medieval Rome, it has obviously been very well researched, and taught me a lot about life in the ninth century. I understand Ms. Cross is researching a new book, I eagerly await its release.
Rating:
Summary: Hmmmmmmm?
Review: First of all, this is a very thought provoking story.
There is so much more to this book than just pope Joan.
It's her life's struggles beginning with her entry into the world the night she was born. Nothing came easy to Joan. She was very creative and selfsufficient, even at a young age.
This book will make any woman glad she wasn't living during The Dark Ages.
Joan had an intelligent mind to use and since women weren't allowed that privilege back then, she disguised herself as a man and used the brain she was given.
I liked the medicinal uses of herbs and spices all through this book.
There's also a touch of romance run through this book on a very tiny thread, enough to keep a reader turning pages.
The ending is a total surprise and it's a book well worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: A real page turner
Review: Once I started reading I couldn't put this book down. Pope Joan is the powerful story of a woman that lived most of her life as a man. Early in life Joan had a thirst for knowledge that would lead her down a dangerous path in a time when it was thought that educating women would lead to nothing but evil. Choosing to live as a man instead of facing a life of domination by men Joan eventually rose to the most powerful position within the Catholic Church. Much of this book is from Joan's point of view, giving readers an insight in women's' lives during the middle ages as well as the role that the Catholic church played in the lives of people.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: After reading the glowing reviews, I was ready to sit down to a good read. I must say that I was terribly disappointed. It seems that the author took a good opportunity to tell a fascinating story and enlighten readers about a time unknown to most of us -- but fell into the trap of telling a love story. Glad I read it before my book group purchased it -- it didn't live up to its hype.
Rating:
Summary: A LONG TIME COMING...IT'S WORTH THE WAIT!!!
Review: I enjoyed this novel from beginnning to end. The holidays kept me busy, but I devoted every spare minute to Pope Joan! I rooted for her every step of the way. I especially enjoyed Ms. Cross's interesting details of the 9th century medieval life. Whether it's definitely true and historically correct makes no difference. A good fiction, especially for women to read!
Rating:
Summary: Great read and good information
Review: Impossible as it is to find a book on a controversial subject that is both entertaining and objective, I think POPE JOAN comes very, very close. It's written as a novel, so you get all the history plus a whole lot of educated guessing plus a whole lot more historial invention, without a biased narrator pushing annoying agendas in your face. The writing also happens to be excellent, and followed by a short section that examines the evidence for and against the existence of Pope Joan and allows the reader to decide. I picked this book up quite by accident at a tiny used bookstore in Mendocino, CA (-- see how good it was? I remembered all that!), and I have never been sorry. I've read it twice, and it will be on my shelf forever!
Rating:
Summary: Really a 4.9 star book!
Review: I'm truly greedy with my 5-star ratings, so don't let this 4-star rating fool you - Pope Joan came very close to getting a 5! I was in a bit of a reading slump and this is the only book that could pull me out of it, I finished the majority of it in one weekend.Read about Joan Anglicus, living in 9th century Rome, a time and place where women were nothing more than the property of men, considered unable to think with any amount of intelligence or logic. Realizing that she will never achieve her dreams as a woman, she leaves a suffocating situation at home, disguises herself as a man and, against all odds, rises in the church to achieve the position of Pope. This novel has adventure, a bit of romance (not too much, thank goodness), and best of all, the ability to sweep you away back to this much different time and place. Highly recommended.
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