The Chosen I Have Called You by Name: A Novel Based on Season 1 of the Critically Acclaimed TV Series

I had a really tough time deciding upon a rating between 4 and 5 stars. Oddly enough, if this book had been released before the television series, I would not have hesitated with the 5 star rating. Jerry Jenkins, as usual, has done a fantastic job of writing this book. It brings the story of Jesus Christ to life in a way that only Mr. Jenkins can do. You feel like you are a part of history, living in the middle of it. The fact that this is a multi-book series allows the author more time to elaborate regarding historical context of what was going on during this time period. While there are fictional elements, they are well researched and very plausible. The author no doubt desires the reader to be so drawn to the stories that they seek out the actual non-fiction truth present in the Gospels. There are two minor negatives that I would like to mention: 1. Because it appears that the book series was meant to very closely mirror the television series, being familiar with Mr. Jenkin's other books, I feel that he might have been limited in his creativity, descriptions, elaboration on many of the scenes in the novel, which is unfortunate. 2. For almost every novel I have read, the book is far better than the movie or television series. This might be the first exception to the rule. I actually enjoyed the television series more. Please note however that this is less of a criticism against the book or author, and more of major compliment to the amazing actors and actresses in the television series. Normally while reading a book, a reader's imagination far exceeds any portrait that a movie or television series director may paint. However, because of points 1 and 2 above, I feel that this is not the case for "The Chosen". Again, this is not a negative critique of the book, but more of a kudos to the TV series amazing cast and director. I look forward to the next book in the series, but I kind of hope that Mr. Jenkins lengthens the book and fills it with the quality writing for which he is famous, still mirroring the TV series, but at the same time, adding a bit more detail and brining the characters to life. Do yourself a favor and purchase both the book AND watch the television series. You'll be happy you did.

If you enjoyed The Chosen on tv, you will probably enjoy reading this book. The chapters are very short, two to three pages. I like to read before going to bed, relaxing. They explain the characters and what's going on. It kinda tells the Bible in a story form as it could have happened. I enjoy it.

I have watched The Chosen TV series 4 times now, and each time there are things that I missed the previous times around. This book provides little details which I have missed, as well as adding the probable thoughts of the characters. It’s an excellent addition to fully embracing The Chosen. I read it while watching the film for the fourth time, over several days. While reading, and seeing little details I missed, it then helped me see them when watching it again. Highly recommend this book, and of course, The Chosen TV Series!

After watching The Chosen series and being SO moved, I knew as soon as I saw the books, I had to read them. I love how these materials really make Jesus come to life more for me. I grew up in church, but nothing has ever provided me with a better overall picture of what life was really like at that time, and in turn, this makes me love our God even more. Thank you for this wonderful series!!

Beautifully written and very inspiring. Brings the characters to life in a fresh way—I couldn’t put it down.

While watching Season 1 was great! I thoroughly enjoyed the book, which contains more than the series, and I got so much more out of it. Seeing Jesus from the eyes of his disciples was eye opening to say the least. You see him as a friend, a person who enjoys dancing, joking, sitting and talking as a normal person, nothing like the Christian movies about Jesus. In this series you see him as a person. I'll be purchasing book 2 soon. I've seen Season 2 and can't wait for Season 3 to come out.

i love the Chosen video series so I thought I would buy the book too. The book is good but I feel like I am reading the script. If I read the book first then watched the shows I think it would have been better because then I could see the book come alive. But when the book is almost word for word as the show, I don't feel I am getting anything new. It's good to read some of the details to understand the story a little better so that's good but honestly, if you watched the shows already, the book isn't adding much to the series. But I gave the book four stars because the content is very good and worth reading if you haven't seen the show yet or would like the written version of the shows in season 1.

Fantastic read behind the gospels. These books made Jesus even more real and tangible. It has spurred me into a deeper study of what I believe. This book is a fantastic read and doesn’t read like a text book or a sermon. It is what it would be like if you were there with the disciples. They were really people and Jesus was not someone that you couldn’t laugh with and talk to. This truly portrays him as a caring, funny, loving friend. Great read

Very good condition

Amazing series & amazing book! One of my favourite reads 💖

This book is excellent and so easy to read.

Loved it! Couldn't watch the series fast enough ... I've recommended to others. They too are finding this life transformational.

Very nice