A Man Whose Name Was Joseph

Shawn Stanley is the author of a new book called A Man Whose Name Was Joseph.

Recently, I caught up with Shawn to discuss his new book.

Enjoy!

Instead of asking, “what is your book about,” I’m going to ask the question that’s behind that question. And that unspoken question is, “how are readers going to benefit from reading your book?”

Shawn Stanley: That is a very good question.

My book benefits the reader by immersing them into the nativity story. Transporting them into Nazareth, to bring them on a journey with Joseph and Mary to Hebron, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and eventually, their escape to Egypt. However, This is not just another nativity story. I wanted the reader to view and experience this story through a different lens, a lens through Joseph’s point of view.

With a different perspective the story can take on new life for the reader, to experience the nativity story more in depth. To feel what it would be like to be under strict Roman rule and oppressive government. How Joseph would  have wrestled with the news of Mary’s pregnancy, how this would affect him, his family and what options were available to him. What customs, traditions and values did Joseph need to uphold to still be able to keep the law of Moses.

I filled in what we don’t know about Joseph with exciting fictional narrative, based on research of what characteristics we believe Joseph to posses and to place Joseph in situations where he could show the reader his character.

This point of view takes nothing away from Mary or other traditional nativity stories, but simply adds to them and shows the reader what life may have been like for the one asked to be the Earthly Father to the Son of God.

Tell us a bit about the experiences that shaped the insights in the book.

Shawn Stanley: As written in my introduction, in 2010, during the Christmas season, I participated in reviewing the nativity story, with my family, from the book of Luke. During this reading, my mind caught hold on Joseph’s quick introduction, the brief mention of his involvement, and how little was written about him. I was disheartened by this and a desire began to build inside me to know more about this man chosen by God to raise his son on earth.

After researching and finding very few writings about Joseph’s life, I tried to visualize him and began to envision what type of person he must have been like.

Then lightning struck and the idea of writing a novel on the nativity story with Joseph being the protagonist was born. By the following November the first draft was finished and sent to family and friends as Christmas gifts.

I was spurred on by friends to give others a chance to experience the book. So I improved some of the writing mechanics of the story, found a publisher and now ‘A Man Whose Name was Joseph’ is ready to enlighten all those who fancy to read it.

How is your book different from other books about Joseph, Mary, and the Nativity Story?

Shawn Stanley: This story is unique, because it is told through Joseph’s perspective. Because of this, and the unknowns that accompany Joseph, I have taken liberties in writing the historical fiction narrative to this story.

This allowed me to create rich characters, along with their personas, each having a quest. Bringing the reader along each characters journey and, intertwining them with each other produces an exciting, yet educational and thought provoking account of the nativity story based on events from the King James version of the Bible.

I believe Christian and non-Christian; elementary age to adults will find this book to be a wonderful and enjoyable read, enriching their understanding and appreciation of the lives of both Joseph and Mary.

Give us two or three insights from the book that would be helpful to Christians.

Shawn Stanley: I want the reader to see Joseph as a real person, being tried with real problems and overcoming them with heavens help.

I want the reader to see that through faith, trust, perseverance and obedience to God, all things are possible and that God’s works are never frustrated, only mans.

A quote that I read the other day sums it up nicely, “One of the most important things we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and man obeys, that man is always right.” I want the reader to feel this, especially through the confusing philosophies of the world.

No matter how non-sensible something may seem, like building an ark, commanding pharaoh to let God’s people go, or slaying a giant with a sling and a stone, or even being asked to raise the Son of God, preparing him to grow up and die for the sins of mankind. If God commands it, it is right.

What do you hope readers will walk away with after they finish your book?

Shawn Stanley: I want the reader to have a new outlook towards Joseph, maybe even as an unsung hero. I want them to feel closer to heaven and to Christ. I want them to feel the love God has for all of us, to give his Son as a sacrifice to win our souls and bring us home.

What else do you want readers to know about your book?

Shawn Stanley: It is a refreshing way to reflect on the nativity story. A lot of research was put into the story to make it as accurate as historical fiction would allow. I also have Chapter notes at the end of the book, explaining why I included certain things and where I found the information.

In addition I want the reader to know that they will enjoy this book and hopefully pass it along to others, that it may help their faith as well.

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