Thin Places by Mary E. DeMuth

This book is best described as poetic bravery. This is a moving, heart-wrenching story about the effects of sexual abuse on a child. It’s difficult to find God during those times. But He’s there. Mary meets God in those thin places.

The book cuts deep to the core. It’s easy for someone on the outside to expect the abused to ‘get over it.’ Mary cuts deep. She shows the emotional impact on her life. The pain is like being cut with a knife. It’s there. Yes, it heals but the scar is there. The book delves into those scars which are really invisible to everyone else. The depression, worthless feelings, thoughts of suicide is real to those who have been victimized. It carries forward to your marriage, your kids, and your friendships.

Mary’s book reads like poetry. She has an innate ability to string words together like a beautiful song. She can find God in the ugly places. I admire her to being the voice for many. If you or you know someone who has been abused, please steer them towards this book. It will show them that they are not alone. God was there with them in the thin places.

If you are looking for novels that show characters finding God in the thin places, I highly recommend Watching the Tree Limbs and Wishing on Dandelions, novels written by Mary E. DeMuth.

The Gospel According to Lost by Chris Seay

I gobbled this book up. Chris Seay is a pastor who made me think outside of the box. This is not only a great book for LOST fans but for other authors to analyze. Seay analyzes each character in depth.

Who is the man of faith? Who is the man of science? Who is the leader at the beginning of the Season One? Who is the leader by the end of Season Five? Why?

Chris Seay delves deep into the goal, motivation, and conflict of each character. Like all good characters, there is plenty of conflict: internal and external. This is why we love this show. We all are motivated to reach a goal but conflict stands in our way.

One aspect is clear. We are all shaped by our past. This is evident in each of the characters in LOST. It can have a huge impact on how you view life today. I believe the trick is to not be fooled by that. The negative influences do not have to overtake your life. Dig deep into the Word of God and your path will be made straight.

The LOST TV show has broken precedent by taking several diverse people and throwing them together. They learn to work together as a team. Then they find out that there are OTHERS. Then there’s the mysterious Jacob.

Seay, being a church planter and pastor, ties the LOST show to specific scriptures. There appears to be a correlation between characters in the bible versus the TV show. If you are a true fan of LOST, I believe you will love this book. I highly recommend it.

The book includes fabulous artwork by Scott Erickson (see http://www.thetranspireproject.com) for more information about these prints.

Out With The In Crowd

Skylar Hoyt has changed. She left the party life behind. She’s with a great guy, Connor. All appears to be going well. It seems like every time she turns around, her old friends pop up. It would be great except she’s not like them.

Not only is Skylar dealing with her mom who seems to disappear and reappear, she’s dealing with her younger sibling (Abbie) who is pregnant. Part of her wants to escape. She is given an opportune time to do that. But can she leave Connor and Abbie behind? Connor has breached her trust. Why should she stay?

Like her first book, she had great characterization, great plot, and satisfying ending. At the end of the book, you take a deep breath and say, “Now that’s a good story.” If I had to name the theme of the story, it would be learning to trust. Ultimately, people may fail us but Jesus never does.

Stephanie is one author that I will keep my tabs on. She is going to be such a great impression to our young people today.

I loved Stephanie’s first book. This book is even better! Her next book is coming out in July 2010. I almost wish I read this later. Then I could jump right into the next one. Maybe I’ll put this on my June list to read again.