BOOK REVIEW: ATONEMENT CHILD

Have you ever read something that stuck in your mind for years? In 2004 a friend gave me this book and it has never left my mind. My friends must be rolling their eyes by now going like, "that silly book-AGAIN." It's one of those stories you can never shake off and you will always want to tell. So recently at the book store I saw it and I had to have it in my collection, what's the use of reading something so amazing and not being able to read it as much as you can!

It's by Francine Rivers, again! And this time round it isn't like the last review and based off of the Bible. No. This is a modern day story with characters that you are likely to be friends with, know well and chances are it might even be you. That is how relatable this story is and could be why I have had it ingrained in my mind and heart for so long.

Well the story to me is about choices, choices we make or have been made for us that we may not know have repercussions. The story is centered around a female character, Dinah. A young christian girl who has her whole life ahead of her, a fiance who adores her, a supportive network of friends and a family that loves her. The twist comes in when something absolutely tragic happens to Dinah and her picture perfect world starts having these cracks. The question that begs to be asked here is why do bad things happen to good people? Good thing is, you ask this question in the beginning of the book so there a number of pages to answer that question. Well Dinah's values are shaken and what she held close are no longer what she thought they were and now the world seems like a terrible place and God is so far away.

The great thing about the book is how everyones thoughts are so real and relatable but then how God slowly seems to weave a plan that is not just to help one person but to mend broken families and individuals.
The name itself is a testament to what the book is about "Atonement Child" like Jesus. One being who through his existence brought healing to so many people. What it taught me is most of the decisions we make will one day be reflected in our families esp. If we haven't dealt with issues from the past. Secondly, God is all knowing and what we think was meant to break us and tear our families apart are what He will use to bring us together. Lastly, do the right thing not because its whats popular but are you at peace with yourself, with God- then heck do you boo.lol. I have a whole Bible study course planned out for you now :-D I will slowly step back from doing that.
Well, there you have it. That is what I am reading this beautiful first week of May.

WHAT I AM READING

I think I should do a little section on what I am reading at least once every two weeks. I have always loved reading and it's something my mum ingrained in me, purposely or not I really don't know. I remember always rushing to the bookstore section at the supermarket and beg my mum to buy me just one more and she would be so pissed because she bought me one just two days before. She always pointed out that she bought a VERY large book for a reason, so I take up to two months finishing it.lol but I would take two days.
Well my love for them has never faded, it's just the beauty of being in another world. I will spare you the why I love books speech and just get on with it.
I am reading "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. Lately I have had this growing love for christian fiction. I read one of her books years ago and funny thing is it is still ingrained in my mind till today! Well I dashed into a bookstore and I trusted the attendant when she told me I would like this one. I put my trust issues aside and I haven't put down the book since.

It is based on the book of Hosea from the Bible. If some of you are familiar with it, the book is an account of Hosea's marriage to Gomer (a prostitute) his love for her and Gomer's love for her trade- I believe the story goes much deeper, saving the Bible class for later ;) Back to the book. Angel is sold into the world of prostitution at a young age and eventually meets Michael HOSEA (situational irony) and through him she gets to experience a different type of love and commitment.
The story itself is so beautiful as I was relating it to the Bible context each time I read it. Many scholars refer to Gomer as a representation of Israel and Hosea as God and how God loves us despite our non- committal ways and our tainted views of intimacy and love. It's a "back to real love" type of story. I really like it and hopefully if you read it, you can share your thoughts with me, I would love to hear them.
So what are you guys reading? Do share :)