Katherine Barnwell: How One Woman Revolutionized Missions, by Jordan Monson

I read this book last fall, posted it on my Goodreads, and really wanted to be able to give it a 5 (out of 5) rating. The subject matter alone could have been a 5, and the picture of the subject on the cover drew me in enough to buy this as a new book (a rare occurrence).  But I gave it a 3, for reasons given below.

Katharine (Katy) Barnwell was a fascinating woman and an immensely talented linguist. She instituted great reforms in Bible translation, and her creative, leadership-oriented mind opened up Bible translation to Christians around the globe. She is more than worthy of a biography. The places where the book simply focused on telling her life story made for good reading--her life did not need any embellishment.

However, the author could not resist, not just once but throughout the book, absolutely glorifying this woman. From all accounts she is a humble lady who resists the spotlight. Yet we were told multiple times that she accounts for far more salvations in the world than Billy Graham, that she is right up there with (and may be higher than) William Carey, that she is the greatest linguist ever. And on and on. Please, treat her like the talented woman that she is, and leave the platitudes and glory to the Lord for when we get to heaven.

Furthermore, the author made the book as much about himself as he did Dr. Barnwell. 

I recently read that Dr. Barnwell went to heaven in September of 2025.  I am glad to know about this gifted woman who transformed Bible translation, and for that reason enjoyed the book. I wish the rating could have been higher.