I’m Late, I’m Late — July Giveaway
July 18, 2007
Yes, I’ve usually got my blogging for the day done by now, but my poor calendar’s been filling up far too fast. So this post is late.
A few days ago, I finished Mary DeMuth’s first book, Watching the Tree Limbs. I’d read it once before and enjoyed it so much then.
This time I was reading it for a contest. So it was more of a forced read, but I was amazed at how much I fell into the story again, at how much I STILL couldn’t put it down, at how well it was written now that I knew the ending that was coming. Mary’s words were so vivid and simple that it was like watching every page happen in front of you with a setting as real as my world (just hotter). The plot was so smooth and seamless that I couldn’t imagine this story working any other way than the way she wrote it. Watching the Tree Limbs, I’m sure, will be one of those books people are still reading ten, fifteen years from now.
Yet the topic scares so many off.
It deals with a little girl — who’s been abused.
I know the topic kept me from reading it when it first came out, but over and over I heard people talking about how good it was, how nothing was graphic or gratuitous.
So I read it. And loved it.
Yes, the topic is a sad one, but this is Christian fiction. Christian fiction gives hope. It gives answers. It does not glorify sin. The abuse was only a small portion of the book, yet the ramifications and the girl’s healing take center stage. I’d imagine for many it could be a book of hope.
That’s what I love about Christian fiction.
I’m giving away Watching the Tree Limbs this month. If you’d like to be entered for the drawing, please leave a comment on this post. I’ll draw the winners on July 30th.
Comments
6 Responses to “I’m Late, I’m Late — July Giveaway”
I actually have this book next on my “to read” list, I’ve heard so much about it. And I’m glad when Christian fiction takes on difficult subjects. That’s what we should be doing.
I’m with you, Robin. I appreciate when a difficult subject is handled well instead of just avoided. Karen Kingsbury comes to mind. I’ve read several of her books where the characters aren’t just ’squeaky clean’ Christians. They have difficulties and consequences of their sins but they eventually deal with them Biblically.
Right on ladies. I just finished a book dealing with this issues and it was great to see the author turn the young lady into an advocate against abuse and not just a “victim”.
Thanks so much for reading the book. I’m thankful that you enjoyed it.
I’m happy to see a Christian book that isn’t cliched, that deals with real life situations and things that are uncomfortable – just like the Bible does.
I am currently reading “Authentic Parenting in a Post Modern Culture” by Mary. She has a way of putting things that nudges you in a firm, yet gentle way. Its almost as if you are sitting with a friend over coffee and discussing real life issues. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!