Ishtar’s Odyssey: A Family Story for Advent by Arnold Ytreeide (Book Review!)

Ishtar’s Odyssey: A Family Story for Advent

by Arnold Ytreeide

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Religion / Holidays / Christmas & Advent

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 176

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $15.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4393-0

Ishtar’s Odyssey is a book that was specifically written to be read during the days of Advent.  In this book, Ishtar, a ten-year-old, who happens to be the son of a Persian wise man, sees a star, which wasn’t there before.  He is able to go with his father on a caravan ride across the desert to follow the star.  There are many dangers, and Ishtar needs to learn how to listen and follow instructions.  Along the way he becomes friends with Jotham, Bartholomew, and Tabitha.

This book has suggestions of different Persian foods to try, pronunciation guide, and ideas on how to make this a family tradition.  Each day your family will:

• light the candle.
• read the story.
• discuss the section talking about God and how it related to the story.

About the Author-

Arnold Ytreeide currently lives in Idaho with his wife.  He has written three other Advent stories: Jotham’s Journey, Bartholomew’s Passage, and Tabitha’s Travels.  He is the founder of Storyteller Productions.

My thoughts-

I thought this was an excellent book to use during Advent.

I liked how each day ended as a cliffhanger.  It will make everyone more excited for the next day.  I can imagine my children wanting to read more and looking forward to the next day.

I like the extra sections of the book.  I think a connection to food is important and an excellent way to relate to others.  I liked the lists, one containing Persian food and the other similar foods for us to try.  The pronunciation guide was very helpful.  There were some words I had not heard before.  Ytreeide also mention his own family’s traditions, which helped me decide what I wanted to do with mine. 

I learned a lot about the Persian culture while reading this book and I am looking forward sharing it with my family during this year’s Advent.  I recommend this book to you and your family.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Ishtar’s Odyssey, by Arnold Ytreeide, for free from Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.