Sad Subject, But Uplifting
357340
This book is sad, because it's about a young girl who gets kidnapped by a man and turned into his sex slave.  He's functional and works, so she could escape anytime she wants, but she's afraid to, because she knows his previous victim was killed.  The book is very minimalist (which I love) and a quick read, partly because you won't be able to put it down.  It's exciting, the tension grows and grows, and you never know until the end what's going to happen.  I will not spoil it, though, so get the book and see for yourself.
1771863
This isn't a light, easy read; it deals with some very difficult and heart-wrenching subject matter. But I could not put it down, and while it does wring the heart out, it warms it as well.
2070206
Mr. Greene takes a look at his life and it is hard.  The disappointments and the tragedies (self-inflicted, inflicted on him by others and inflicted by happenstance) are addressed.  At times it seems hopeless, but it is clear that there are lessons to be learned along the way and that the joy of the present can rise above the pain of the past if you focus on the right things.
3105555
I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book...thought it might be too sad.  However, it was very comforing and reaffirming of life after we pass.
3034745
I picked up this book because the picture on the cover looks like my own daughter.  When I read the back notes and learned that she was dead, I quickly put it back down.  I didn't want to read about Eleanor Vincent's devastating loss.  For some reason, though, I felt compelled to try to comprehend her experience.

What I found was indeed distressing, but inspirational at the same time.  The book is in many ways a postmortem tribute to Vincent's daughter and an exploration of the healing effects of organ donation.  Taken in its entirety, however, this book is really about a journey through the process of healing from a lifetime of psychological traumas.  The extreme grief over her daughter's sudden death and the struggle to cope with it lead Vincent down buried paths of pain going all the way back to her childhood.  She emerges transformed.  She lost her daughter, but therein found herself, and we can't help but applaud her success.
851206
lyrics are emotional and honest...as is the music.  This song expresses heartfelt sorrow on a topic that's very difficult and unfortunately common.
4388069
It is an easy read yet so touching. Personally found some parts upsetting, but that was because sometimes life is not fair. Read the book and you will know what I am referring to.
2640904
A thoughtful and sad story, but nice and reflective.  The title is a code word.  The book is about reflections on an older man's life from his childhood on up.  Thanks.
127292
I really enjoyed reading this story. Although the main subject is quite sad, the message is hopeful and positive. Willow had me smiling a few times with her innocence and her being naive.
However, there were a couple of things that didn't add up for me to which I don't really agree.
But it is fiction, fiction that could give courage to whoever needs it.
1877090
Reality with sadness and redemption.  Interesting account of establishment of program to alleviate grief.
4446010
It felt very sad to familiarize myself with the families' pain and guilt in this read. While the initial love for Daniel is palpable, the longing for what should have been insinuates itself throughout the book. All through the story, I found myself building compassion for the characters because people never really know the "why" nor could they be prepared for a tragedy of this magnitude. Having met the recipients of such unexpected maladies, I found it interesting walking with the father through the mental calisthenics of acceptance.
3178889
Bad things happen to good people all the time.  Emerging from that dark tunnel of grief sometimes seems impossible. Grieving God's Way offers the support we all need at some point in our life, and I'm grateful for it.

There's kindness and  understanding in the words herein.  You know instinctively that this author has struggled through her own sorrow and is generous with what she's learned. I hope I never again need what is in this book but if I do, I'll be grateful that it's on my bookshelf.
768239
This book is very nice uplifting read that you can relate to--it is not too over-the-top but it is engaging.  There are some depressing and outright devastating moments.  You love and hate the little boy's mom.  Yet, through the eyes of a young boy, one believes in the power of positive spiritual values.

And Catherine Ryan Hyde can write!  It is a page-turner, but also makes you think and melts your heart in unexpected ways.
643984
This story was based on one young girl's journey with leprosy. The stigmas, hate, and fear these people live with is very troubling. The story was sad, tragic, yet very uplifting in many ways. I will read this again someday.
2223995
Tough subject matter, but I loved this book!
381424
Let me start this by saying, I have a friend whose clock is ticking and is desperate to have a baby and thru her I could sympathize with Lucy's situation. But as Lucy's character goes, she comes off a little immature at times. Her relationship with her stepdaughter, Camille was taxing. I felt Jonah's character was mostly supportive.

Relationship struggles, loss, and disappointment are just a few subject matters written about in order to connect us and weave this heartbreaking but inspiring story.

This book is very well written and is an emotional read with very REAL issues......just not my usual read but I recommend it for those needing to be reminded to be thankful for what you have and a family is what you make it, not necessarily what is perceived as the norm.
3958241
Lovely, but sad story. Gives a real vision of the confusion of emotions when faced with death and the many steps of grief, including denial and anger ... and acceptance.