The Gifts of the Jews by Thomas Cahill (1999, Paperback)

I really liked this book. After reading How the Irish Saved Civilization, I was excited about starting The Gifts of the Jews, the second in the series. Cahill doesn't disappoint. He is a master storyteller whose writing flows well. He makes you feel like you're talking with a friend who cares deeply about his subject.

Cahill also provides some good insights and cultural background that add depth to Bible figures like Abraham and Moses and help us see why they made the choices they did, and why those choices were so culturally revolutionary.

Some of Cahill's assumptions buy into the possibility of the supernatural, while other assumptions do not. In this, I was a little disappointed and felt like Cahill would make a strongly supported argument only to turn around and say that other similar things could not have been possible because we know they just could not have happened (needed support). Overall, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more.