NCLA Review -The author has chosen to make the shorter version of the Beatitudes in Luke the centerpiece of this book. He suggests using “lucky” instead of “blessed” (a matter of translation) when reading them. This substitution does change the meaning. The author analyzes each Beatitude in light of this new meaning. When Jesus told his audience that the poor were lucky, it was probably incomprehensible to them. The belief was prevalent then and still survives in some form today, that the rich are being rewarded and the poor are being punished for something they have done. But the author says that the poor are lucky because they have learned to be God-dependent. The Kingdom of God is for them. All who believe in God are lucky because God’s grace is not meant just for those who are special or lucky, but is available to anyone. This book presents a provocative and uplifting way to consider some familiar words. Rating: 3 —JC ( )