Melody D. Knowles

Lady Parts

Women

“If truth be told, many women in biblical stories are often depicted simply as vaginas--mute and willing vessels of the Lord or husbands. The sometimes graphic retellings in this book take this portrayal seriously, but give voice to the silenced site of suffering and delight. Lady Parts issues an eloquent and poignant denunciation of sexual violence, challenging and engaging both the imagination and the heart.”

Rebuilding a Post-exilic Community

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“A careful and nuanced literary study of a key issue in the book of Ezra. In this revised dissertation, Phaipi deftly moves between a detailed exegesis of key texts and a nuanced analysis of the entire book. Her work models thoughtful biblical scholarship that addresses ancient and contemporary concerns regarding projections of difference, inclusion, and communal boundaries.”