Nathan is a devout Jewish boy living in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. He is taken from his home and thrown into an adventurous life on the old Silk Road. He is rescued by a Confucian cook, studies with a Hindu guru, enters a Buddhist monastery, works for a Taoist innkeeper, and meets Zoroastrian magi. As a young adult he finally struggles back to the land of Israel, where he finds shelter in the Essene monastery near the Dead Sea. He meets John the Baptist and encounters Jesus of Nazareth. In a closing chapter he sees his family involved in the formation of the early Christian church.

The Path: A Spiritual Journey

Heather and Verne Thomas
Table Mountain Press (2005)
ISBN 0976285800
Reviewed by Deah Jackson for Reader Views (3/06)


I have to say that I was skeptical of an “educational novel” or “religious fiction” as some have categorized this book. But if any book is an educational novel “The Path: A Spiritual Journey” is just that! To me, I would call it an “educational page turner”, so that more people would pick up this fantastic book. “The Path” follows the journey of a young Jewish boy Nathan, who experiences tragedy early on in his life and goes on a life journey. Along his journey, Nathan meets and encounters different people who become his teachers/mentors and also finds and experiences love. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot – but it is such a great story with an excellent message about how more similar than different religions are, and about faith.

I was surprised how much I learned about other religions by reading this book. The authors must have done so much research gathering accurate and historical information, and then weaving it into the story line. One would think that the story would be lost with all of the information that is contained in this book, but that is not the case. I almost cried within the first several chapters, and rooted for Nathan coming into his own and finding his place throughout the whole story. It is a story that will pull you in emotionally and intellectually.

I would recommend this book for anyone who wants a good read, or anyone who wants to learn more about other religions;…basically anyone. I wish that my Philosophy and Religion professor knew about this book when I took the course my sophomore year in college, because I got so much more from reading this book than 16 weeks in a college course!!

All I can say is that when I finished “The Path,” I was pleasantly surprised, educated and finished the book a more inspired and open- minded woman! Five stars!