Disclosure: I received this book to review.
The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

I recently read an interesting novel about the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem.  Following the Babylonian Captivity, the Israelites are free to return to their beloved city of Jerusalem.  In Memoirs of the Way Home, author Gerald M. Bilkes explores the history of prophets Ezra and Nehemiah.  While this may be a simplified study for theological scholars, it’s far deeper than the average Bible student probably expects from a devotional.   Bilkes likens the journey back to Jerusalem to the parable of the Prodigal Son.  I haven’t heard that analogy before; I found it to be an interesting insight.  Anytime the Old Testament parallels the New Testament, it catches my attention.  Bilkes entertains a satisfying blend of academia with general information.  Memoirs of the Way Home can be enjoyed by those who are looking for focused reading of the Old Testament books Ezra and Nehemiah.   In my opinion, this book would best be utilized by a Bible Study group or perhaps as a series of sermon outlines.  The deeper study of the scripture certainly lends itself to a Sunday morning message.   Personally I prefer a bit more humor in my Bible reading and this book was too dry for my taste.  I can see how this would be the perfect topic of discussion for a more serious study of the Old Testament.