Between Sundays
It seems like every Karen Kingsbury book I read makes me reconsider becoming a foster parent, and Between Sundays is no exception. In this heartwarming novel, Kingsbury touches lightly on the flaws in the foster system, while reminding all Christians that it isn't so important what you do on the Sabbath as is your life in between Sundays.
This novel tells the story of Cory, a young boy who believes what his destitute mother always told him €" his father is the famous 49ers star quarterback, Aaron Hill. But Hill is of the shallow, fame-hound ways, convinced the world revolves around him and him alone. After a press faux pas, he follows his coach's advice to do a good deed, and visits a group of foster kids which, of course, includes young Cory. While everyone thinks the child is idolizing, he remains convinced that his mother told him the truth, holding firm until he has a chance to prove it.
Though the story centers around the boy, the primary focus is on the change in Aaron's heart. From his teammate, Derrick, and Cory's foster mom, Megan, he learns that the universe isn't as narrowly focused as he believes. He learns to trust and care for others. He undergoes a profound change of heart, as visible on the outside as it is obvious on the inside.
Kingsbury is a talented writer, and she weaves a convincing story. Her characters are three dimensional, and they touch your heart. She manages to impress us with the plight of foster children abandoned at the age of 18 without lecturing. There were only two problems that I had with the novel. The first was just how long it took for Corey to offer up his proof. If his mother had left a letter for the famous football star, why didn't he give it to Aaron earlier? Because this would hasten the end of the novel. The second was the way the subject of rape was dealt with. It was fairly obvious from the beginning that something of that nature had occurred, but then it was completely dropped, only to be brought up later, in her letter. On the one hand, I understand a rape victim would not discuss this with either her new friend several years later or with her son, but the earlier mention of it made me think it had greater significance; I kid you not, I thought Aaron's agent had somehow arranged it. I would have liked to have seen it either more subtly mentioned or dropped altogether from the first chapter. That said, the rape does provide a convincing reason that Cory's mother was so easily frightened away from Aaron.
Overall, this was a fantastic story that I really enjoyed. It touched my heart, and it made me think again about the foster children we too often forget. Karen Kingsbury has woven yet another great inspirational tale!
This novel tells the story of Cory, a young boy who believes what his destitute mother always told him €" his father is the famous 49ers star quarterback, Aaron Hill. But Hill is of the shallow, fame-hound ways, convinced the world revolves around him and him alone. After a press faux pas, he follows his coach's advice to do a good deed, and visits a group of foster kids which, of course, includes young Cory. While everyone thinks the child is idolizing, he remains convinced that his mother told him the truth, holding firm until he has a chance to prove it.
Though the story centers around the boy, the primary focus is on the change in Aaron's heart. From his teammate, Derrick, and Cory's foster mom, Megan, he learns that the universe isn't as narrowly focused as he believes. He learns to trust and care for others. He undergoes a profound change of heart, as visible on the outside as it is obvious on the inside.
Kingsbury is a talented writer, and she weaves a convincing story. Her characters are three dimensional, and they touch your heart. She manages to impress us with the plight of foster children abandoned at the age of 18 without lecturing. There were only two problems that I had with the novel. The first was just how long it took for Corey to offer up his proof. If his mother had left a letter for the famous football star, why didn't he give it to Aaron earlier? Because this would hasten the end of the novel. The second was the way the subject of rape was dealt with. It was fairly obvious from the beginning that something of that nature had occurred, but then it was completely dropped, only to be brought up later, in her letter. On the one hand, I understand a rape victim would not discuss this with either her new friend several years later or with her son, but the earlier mention of it made me think it had greater significance; I kid you not, I thought Aaron's agent had somehow arranged it. I would have liked to have seen it either more subtly mentioned or dropped altogether from the first chapter. That said, the rape does provide a convincing reason that Cory's mother was so easily frightened away from Aaron.
Overall, this was a fantastic story that I really enjoyed. It touched my heart, and it made me think again about the foster children we too often forget. Karen Kingsbury has woven yet another great inspirational tale!
