The Chosen: I Have Called You by Name

Jenkins (the Left Behind series) delivers a pleasant take on the lives of those who encountered Jesus of Nazareth at the start of his earthly ministry. Jenkins delves into the lives of Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, Nicodemus, and Matthew the tax collector, among others who were chosen by Jesus to comprise an inner circle. Beginning with the birth of Jesus. The story charts the life of those struggling under Roman control on the shores of Galilee, the early miracles of Jesus, and his revelation as the Messiah to his followers. Jenkins’s depictions add depth and humanity to each figure as they wrestle with doubt, angst, amazement, and devotion. At the same time, the backdrop remains the familiar tales of Jesus’s healings and teachings, including the demon possession of Mary Magdalene, turning water into wine, and speaking to throngs at the Sea of Galilee. Jenkins also supposes a Jesus who has a sense of humor (“Just watch out for the frogs this time!”) and responds with wit (and the occasional wink) as well as wisdom. Those drawn to stories of Jesus’s everyday life will relish Jenkins’s savvy recreation of key moments from the New Testament. (Mar.)