Howdy! How About a New Book Review That's Fun For All Of You?

About 3 days ago, I had the misfortune to finish Wrapped in Rain--a Novel of Coming Home , by Charles Martin. I say misfortune, because I soooo did not want to see it end. It is currently so cheap right now at http://www.cbd.com/, that I will purchase a copy. Actually, I'll purchase 2. One to reread, and one to give. I stumbled upon it at the library. Didn't know it was a Christian fiction book. Hadn't heard of Charles Martin.

I was blown away.

This novel is set in southern Alabama in the present time. Tucker, the main character, is a guy in his early-mid thirties, who is now a professional photographer for the likes of National Geographic. He travels the world, typically avoiding his childhood home for long periods of time. He stops for short visits to reload and prepare for the next shoot. There is little good that he seems to remember of his home unless it centers around Miss Ella, a middle aged Black nanny, who took care of him and his brother, Mutt. His musings about and with Miss Ella are the cornerstone of this story. She is what I think of when I hear the phrase "Jesus in skin". She teaches love through doing and through being present.

This is not always an easy novel to read. There is violence, grief, and death. But what a perfect spot for restoration and redemption in some of the most beautiful, hard, sloppy-sweet ways. The characters are real, flawed, and incredibly well developed. I related to a lot of this story. And what I couldn't relate to, I devoured anyway.

One of the reasons I lurved this novel so much, is that I'd be honored to give it to a friend, believer or not. It's so approachable and yet, non-compromising in it's presentation of the Truth.

And so I will give it away. :) Here's where the book review gets fun for all of you:

Here's whatcha do. Go to the cbd.com link (click on the title, if you wish). Go look at the synopsis. If it seems to speak you, and you'd like a copy, please comment, saying something to the effect of, "Precious, lovely Gretchen...I'd lurve me a chance to win this new book." If you aren't in the reading groove right now, I promise not to be offended. But I give this book 5 gold stars.

I'll draw a name on Sunday night. Winner to be posted in my Gladitudes on Monday a.m., June 8th.