Rating: 
Summary: Destined To Be A Classic!
Review: This book is destined to be a classic. At least in my minds eye it is a classic that can be compared to the tales, drama, and tragedies of Shakespear.Joan of Ingleheim born in the nineth centruy when women were thought to have brains to small for educating. If a woman happened to be educated the myth was: edcatuion incresed her brain therefore decreasing her uterus making the woman of no use, for a woman's only purpose was to serve her husband and bear his children. Joan of Ingleheim could not tolerate being degraded just becuase of the happenstance of her gender. She was smart and wanted to learn. She 'had' to further her studies and if the times couldn't adapt to her gender she would have to adapt her gender to the times. She lived as a man. Joan assumed the indentity of her brother John who had been killed by what we would consider nineth century "terrorists". "Brother John" (Joan) studied medicine as a monk and became widely known for her healing abilities. Joan became a priest, but due to sickness she feared being discovered and fled the monastary. "Brother John" ended up in Rome serving under Pope Sergius. Woolfolk Cross weaves the name Joan and Brother John throughout this story with amazing skill and you are never confused. Don't think I have given away too much of the story for you too enjoy, this synopsis is only the tip of the ice berg in this wonderful story of history, love, war, and deception.
Rating: 
Summary: entertaining and easy read
Review: I wouldn't say this is the greatest book I've ever read, but it was entertaining. The author did a lot of research on the 9th century and it was worth reading just for that because that period is rarely mentioned in books nowadays (I guess the dark ages is not what most people would call an interesting era). Some of the details in the book get repetitive after a while, like the medicines used to treat certain diseases in those days, the clothing style, and other everyday details. I found the book to be too rushed in the end. The author spent a long time on Joan's childhood and adolescent years and then rushed through her career in the church, so not enough time was spent to convince the reader of the key events that made it possible for Joan to become Pope. In the end, I felt that the sequence of events was a little too incredible, but then again, if this story is true, it would have to be one crazy story. I'm still not convinced that there was ever a Pope Joan, but I'm glad to have made acquaintance with Joan, the fictional character.
Rating:
Summary: Put This On Your Xmas List!
Review: Our Neighborhood Bookclub, which has been meeting for almost four years, read this book. One member commented that she couldn't remember any book we'd read that had such unanimous approval. Ms Cross is a delightful person who joined our groups discussion by telephone and regaled us with interesting anecdotes, gossip and historical perspective. Read this book for yourself and the pleasure of recommending it to friends.
Rating:
Summary: An amazing story
Review: This book follows Joan from her terrible childhood to her rise to the papal throne. Born to a poor canon and a Saxon woman, Joan is chastized for her desire to learn. Learned women were thought to be vessels of the devil and dangers to society. Joan's love of learning endures from her meager beginnings, through the ranks of monk, priest, and so on. This story isn't only about Joan's education, for it also encompasses her seemingly star-crossed love with the brave and valiant Gerold. You'll have to read it yourself to find out how they get along. This is a very well-rounded story that will suck you into the world of 9th century Rome and won't let you go until long after you've read the last page. This isn't only the story of a female Pope, it's the story of brilliant woman who is stifled and constricted by her gender and rises above the constraints of society to become the best human being possible. Touching and breathtaking, to say the least.
Rating:
Summary: Cynthia - Manhattan Beach, California
Review: I picked this book up in Europe because I had lost another book and needed something to read on the train. I was SO surprised at how good it was! It held my attention from start to finish and my 14 year old daughter read it after I was finished with it. It is outstanding - her writing is excellent and the story is spellbinding. Pick it up - you won't put it down!
Rating:
Summary: This book will make you love reading again!
Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is incredible and I can't say enough good things about it. There is not one boring page in this book. You will not be sorry if you read this book!!!
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable if you suspend your disbelief
Review: I really enjoyed reading Pope Joan. It was a well written book, the pace was good, and I found it difficult to put down. Part of the reason this book appeals to the masses is that the heroine, Joan, is so thoroughly modern. Even if you believe that a woman did actually attain the papacy (which I can believe), that woman didn't probably also discover germ theory, create modern concepts of legal due process, and discover modern medicine!! The author imbues her heroine (and the heroine's boyfriend) with modern logic, values, and tastes. In contrast to the other characters in the book (which are firmly stuck in the 9th century), we naturally cheer for Joan and Gerold. So, while this very thinly disguised tactic annoyed me at times, it also made this book fun to read in a way. Overall, I'd recommend this book. But I wouldn't recommend relying on this book to learn about social customs and values in the 9th century.
Rating: 
Summary: A fine, exciting read with action and history
Review: This is a fast-moving, exciting book based on the legend (history?) of Pope Joan, who may or may not have really existed as the only woman to ascend to the Papal Throne. The novel itself is full of action and drama (not dry history) so if you like Bernard Cornwell's historical battle dramas, this will please you as well. The epilogue gives some fascinating evidence of a cover-up (?) that might indicate that at one time, a woman did achieve the rank of Pope, albeit with her sex disguised. Whether or not you believe this happened, the novel is a fun, fast-moving historical tale and Joan is a strong, resilient character. I give it three stars because it is more "casual" fun reading and I probably won't read it a second time but it sure moved fast, held my interest entirely and made a boring plane flight quite enjoyable! Not for those who object to feminist themes or unsanctioned theories of Church history.
Rating:
Summary: I inhaled this pageturner, and later talked to the author!
Review: I read--rather I *inhaled*-- this historical novel which is based on the extraordinary life of a 9th century woman who, as legend would have it, disguised herself as a man and rose through the church hierarchy, eventually becoming pope. "Pope Joan" is a fast-paced read, with a compelling plot containing fierce battles, a passionate love affair, and political intrigue. I was kept in a constant state of suspense, wondering when--and if--Joan would be exposed as a woman! Not only does "Pope Joan" have a compelling plot, but it provides a vivid record of what life was like for women in medieval Europe. My book group read the book and we all loved it, especially because we found out that the author will talk to reading groups via speakerphone (on her own dime, no less). We took her up on it--it was like having our own private author appearance! It really added to an already incredible read to actually have the opportunity to discuss the book with the author herself! She was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject--it was clear to us that she had done *a lot* of research on Pope Joan and really loved what she had done, i.e. writing a historical novel.And Donna Cross was so interested in hearing our thoughts and opinions on her book! She was so friendly, so gracious, and so interesting to talk to! ...
Rating:
Summary: *** A Favorite ***
Review: Our Book Club selected this book last month. About half the women were not excited about reading this book, but once they read the book they truly enjoyed this fine work of history/fiction. Excellent Read!
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