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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
I see why to some people it could be a really meaningful and impactful story. Rivers does a pretty good job at writing emotion, and this is clearly the work of an experienced author. Plus, it's Rivers' first book after becoming a Christian, her website credits the novel as her "statement of faith" and I will never argue that someone shouldn't work out and explore their faith in whatever artistic medium they're passionate about, and to write about and explore whatever topics they need to in order to wrestle with their faith.
However.
I'm not convinced it was a good idea to publish this as a first Christian novel. There are a lot of places where being a baby Christian shows through, occasionally in a very moving way, but for the most part there are a lot of things that a deeper understanding of the Biblical story this is meant to adapt and further maturity would have presented differently and, I'd argue, more powerfully for the overall narrative. (Again, I realize that is likely true of any story a Christian will ever write, further maturity would present topics differently. But in this case in particular, it's a very ambitious undertaking as a first Christian novel, and I think that hurts the power of the story a lot.) Also contributing to that issue, this book does very sticky and uncomfortable things with content and consent, that aren't at all enjoyable to read as a member of "the audience." Intent can't mitigate harm, and even though I have the most sympathetic views of the author's intent for this book, I'm also keenly aware of how harmful the execution of this book can be, and probably would have been if I'd taken it more seriously when I read it for the first time (in high school no less).
So I'm left going "I get it" to anyone who thinks this book is meaningful, but also knowing there are better examples of what this book is trying to do out there, and I'd personally never suggest this book to anyone.
However.
I'm not convinced it was a good idea to publish this as a first Christian novel. There are a lot of places where being a baby Christian shows through, occasionally in a very moving way, but for the most part there are a lot of things that a deeper understanding of the Biblical story this is meant to adapt and further maturity would have presented differently and, I'd argue, more powerfully for the overall narrative. (Again, I realize that is likely true of any story a Christian will ever write, further maturity would present topics differently. But in this case in particular, it's a very ambitious undertaking as a first Christian novel, and I think that hurts the power of the story a lot.) Also contributing to that issue, this book does very sticky and uncomfortable things with content and consent, that aren't at all enjoyable to read as a member of "the audience." Intent can't mitigate harm, and even though I have the most sympathetic views of the author's intent for this book, I'm also keenly aware of how harmful the execution of this book can be, and probably would have been if I'd taken it more seriously when I read it for the first time (in high school no less).
So I'm left going "I get it" to anyone who thinks this book is meaningful, but also knowing there are better examples of what this book is trying to do out there, and I'd personally never suggest this book to anyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Infertility, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol
I am not a believer of any faith but this book was incredible to read and I loved it so much more than I could have possibly imagined I would. Angel deserves all the love and happiness in the world and her development, growth and self-discovery across the course of this book was just wonderful and so emotional to read about. I also loved Michael's development although it is not as clear as Angel's it is still very prominent to the story and is also almost in domino-effect with Angel's development as well. I just loved this book I don't even think I can truly put it into words.
And I of course cried a lot over this book. I'm talking like at least once in near enough every chapter.
And I of course cried a lot over this book. I'm talking like at least once in near enough every chapter.
It's a Christian romance. The back of the book clearly states it's a "Gomer and Hosea" retelling. I found myself in tears a lot in the second half.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
still processing lolol. but beautiful. very beautiful.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of the best books I have ever read.