Fiction That Hits Close To Home
One of the books I'm currently reading is Lisa Samson's
Songbird. I saw it recommended as one of the better contemporary Christian novels to come out recently in an article and so I figured why not try it. (Honestly, as much as I enjoy contemporary Christian fiction, a lot of it is what I refer to as the Star Trek novel mold--it's cookie cutter with characters who are rather one-dimensional and you can see the chances coming a mile away...you know that in a lot of stories we start off with someone who is totally aliennated from God, but comes to see the light by the end of the novel...and I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but reality is just not that black and white.) And it's a good book, don't get me wrong, but I can only read so much of it. It's extremely hard to read because the main character, who is a first-person narrator, struggles mightily with depression issues and trauma from her childhood. And I find myself reading, marvelling that she finds hope and strength in the Lord, but also getting a bit down about it because it really hits close to home with someone I know very well. I guess it's just in reading it I see glimpses of someone I care deeply about and who suffers the same thing...and I find myself wishing that she'd have the faith that Myrtle does in the book to lean upon Jesus and find that in her life to help her with that struggle. There are times I find myself thinking--why are you still reading this? Except that part of me so hopes for a happy ending for Mrtyle that I feel like I need to keep on plowing on. And for as close to home as it hits, the books is extremely well written and the narrative voice is superbly done.
Of course, I had no idea when I picked this up, that the author was considered a "woman's writer." I just picked it up because it sounded good and the recommendation made it sound intriguing. But then again, I don't necessarily think labels on things help much...just cause you're a man doesnt' mean you can't read this book. Certainly I think being a male there are some things I'm not gonna get or catch, but it's still a well written novel. I found all this out about the author from her blogger, which is over at
Lisa Sampson's Blogger. Surf on over and have a read...it's interesting. If I get really wild later, I might link up to it permanently.
I am just living it up here in Nashville, let me tell you!
posted by Michael Hickerson at 4/28/2004 01:03:00 PM |
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