My Heart Doesn't Get It

This novel, inspired by the author's life experiences, brings up a lot of tragedy and pain for her, and I'm sure putting it down on paper was therapeutic. But for me, her telling of this bleak story, some of which was, I'm sure, hers, just didn't work. I didn't connect with the main character, and the story didn't flow. It seemed strained and odd. I've read other downcast books that didn't give me the same impression, so it wasn't the mood. I just don't think her writing resonates with me. But I do like the color of her hair in the pic on the back.

Still Quirky

There's no one like David, and he's still got it in this book of observations. Sometimes you'll laugh, but not always. More and more, he's exploring a deeper emotion as life brings new challenges and experiences. I'll read anything he writes. Grocery lists, memos, you name it. He sees things no one else does, and writes it all so well.

So Sad

The concept of forgiveness is so difficult. On the religious side, one is urged to forgive as God forgive us. For those of a different ilk, one should forgive even just to relieve the burden we're toting around when we are wanting to exact vengeance. This book, written by a woman whose beliefs are not tied to Christianity, explores the depth of what it took for one man to forgive, and his path forward after he did. When a group of teenage girls murdered an elderly lady, people were horrified and wanted action. One of the girls, Paula, age 15 at the time, was sentenced to death. This book tells her story, from beginning to end. The step-grandson of the murdered woman is her counterpoint, receiving a revelation from his grandmother to forgive the girl. This book is inspirational in its conviction, but wow, it's not a happy read.