Less Than Perfect by Ann Spangler Book Review

What can the Bible’s most flawed men and women reveal about who God is and how he reaches out to less-than-perfect people? In Less Than Perfect, bestselling author Ann Spangler takes us beyond cardboard cutouts of 38 biblical characters to show us how these were real individuals who had dreams, temptations, and weaknesses just like us.

Whether considering the murderous Herodias, the scheming Jacob, or the doubting Sarah, Spangler approaches both familiar and lesser known characters with fresh eyes. We meet each of these individuals again as if for the first time as Spangler offers a dramatic retelling of their lives, insight into the historical and cultural context of their time, and key takeaway points for our lives today. Each chapter includes questions for discussion or reflection, making Less Than Perfect ideal for individual or group Bible study.

My Thoughts:

Several years ago I read Ann Spangler’s book Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus and was impressed by the depth and contents of the book. 

Less Than Perfect is just as good. She covers 30 stories of some 38 men and women from the Bible, which like us, are flawed and less than perfect. Each story is a retelling of characters from the word like Jacob and Esau, Ruth and Naomi, David, Rahab, and other well known and some not well known individuals in the Bible. She has a variety of men and women from the Old and New Testaments. Each story is no longer than ten pages. She has some creative liberties in what these men and women may be thinking or feeling. Usually, I’m not a fan of this but; she does it tastefully and keeps true to God’s word in tack. She has scriptures throughout each devotion.

 After each of the 30 stories she has some historical information called the “Times.” Followed by the “Take Away” section which takes it back to you and how it impacts you and what you can “Take Away” from the story with some thought provoking questions. 

Throughout the book you see God’s love and forgiveness. Just like the men and women back in the days of the Bible they were “Less Than Perfect” yet God still loved them and used them despite all their flaws. 

A wonderful book Several years ago I read Ann Spangler’s book Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus and was impressed by the depth and contents of the book. 

Less Than Perfect is just as good. She covers 30 stories of some 38 men and women from the Bible, which like us, are flawed and less than perfect. Each story is a retelling of characters from the word like Jacob and Esau, Ruth and Naomi, David, Rahab, and other well known and some not well known individuals in the Bible. She has a variety of men and women from the Old and New Testaments. Each story is no longer than ten pages. She has some creative liberties in what these men and women may be thinking or feeling. Usually, I’m not a fan of this but; she does it tastefully and keeps true to God’s word in tack. She has scriptures throughout each devotion.

 After each of the 30 stories she has some historical information called the “Times.” Followed by the “Take Away” section which takes it back to you and how it impacts you and what you can “Take Away” from the story with some thought provoking questions.
Throughout the book you see God’s love and forgiveness. Just like the men and women back in the days of the Bible they were “Less Than Perfect” yet God still loved them and used them despite all their flaws. 

A wonderful book that I plan on reading again in the future.  

I received a free copy of this product from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this information accordance with the FTC Regulations.