BYU Jerusalem Center Blog

Last week there was a flurry of attention as the BYU newspaper and several bloggers wrote about A View of Jerusalem.  The coverage continues as LDS author Tristi Pinkston heaps praise on the book.  She calls the book “timeless” and shares a portion of her favorite vinette - Treading the Winepress.  She goes on to write:

This beautiful segment, which took a simple act of everyday life and illustrated a point in the Savior’s ministry, really touched my heart. The Savior did something incredibly hard, He did it all alone, and He did it out of love for us.

Many other chapters struck me, and I found this book particularly meaningful to me in the Christmas season, although the message is timeless and should be read at any time of year. A wonderful gift for parents, grandparents, or any who want to gain a clearer picture of Christ’s daily walk on earth, I recommend this book highly.

Thanks Tristi.  You can read her full review at Tristi’s Takes.

This week A View of Jerusalem was featured by the BYU Newspaper and received glowing reviews from several bloggers.  Here are excerpts from the articles and reviews:

“The book A View of Jerusalem shows how life as a college student in the Holy Land dramatically changed once violent outbreaks between Palestinian rioters and Israeli police erupted in Sept. 2000. What seems to be the first book of its kind, this series of 38 short stories is gaining interest. Written by a former student of the BYU Jerusalem Center, Erin Tolman tells about her experiences while living in the Holy Land during a violent time.” - BYU NewsNet

“So excited is Erin about her new surroundings and the potential adventures lurking behind every corner that she does not see the dangers that are brewing in that part of the world….I completely enjoyed A View of Jerusalem, I read it in one sitting and could not get over the beautifully written descriptions of important religious places that Erin traveled to. Her sincerity in the disappointments of being in lockdown for different periods of the trip, as a safety precaution and other joys and sadnesses she endured made the personality burst through…If you read this book you are sure to fall in love with Erin Sheely Tolman.” - Bethany at b&b ex libris

“The tone of Tolman’s recollections is sincere and almost reverent. There is a quietness to this book that I appreciated and found very moving. It is not a 6 o’clock news documentary on the affairs of a foreign state, rather, A View of Jerusalem is one young woman’s adventure into a strange, beautiful, conflicted land. It is also the story of self and family, of friends and community, and most of all, faith.” - Stacey from Book Thirty

“I enjoyed seeing the Holy Land through her eyes—her voice is honest, the experiences immediate, and I found her spiritual insights especially compelling and uplifting. Reading this brief narrative has awakened my interest in this embattled part of the world, so I’ll be doing more reading on the subject.” - Heather from Litter of Leaves

Also, Corinne is giving away a free book on her blog this week.  Stop by and leave a comment before the 17th for a chance to win a copy.