Behind the name, "Thirteen Reasons Why":
13 Reasons Why is a Netflix TV series centered around a young girl's suicide. There's debate about whether it promotes suicide or simply raises awareness, but the undeniable fact is that this show has persuaded others to take their own lives. Each episode explains a reason for the girl's suicide- 13 episodes, 13 reasons. Since both Freedom and Beloved deal with the topic of suicide, we decided to name our blog tour the 13 Reasons Why tour- but each day, we are giving reasons to choose life. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, loved beyond measure by our Creator. And that makes every day worth living.
Synopsis
Having just returned to American soil from the desert sands of the Middle East, James Greene is done with his life. "Double amputee' doesn't seem like a strong enough phrase to label the physical and emotional pain he bears. Add the lack of love and communication with his family members, the demons that haunt him day and night, and he can find nothing worth living for. Ending it all is the only way out.
Alexandria Lorance is a not-so-ordinary physical therapist, content with aiding in her patients' recoveries. Her work gives her fulfillment, but alone in the silence, she still endures the hidden scars of a past, unhealthy relationship. Reminding herself that true healing is found in Christ alone, she seeks to show kindness and love to everyone she meets.
When these two broken ones' paths intersect, the spark of friendship is ignited, bringing hope and joy to both. Can they step out of the darkness of suffering and into the freedom of grace?
A Marine, broken by war. A therapist, scarred by words. A chance meeting in a parking lot bonded them together. But can love grow in these two hurting hearts? Or are they truly too broken to ever find lasting happiness?
Review
Wow. This book was amazing! The struggles and the triumphs in this book played out beautifully!
I really liked how PTSD was explained. Many people don't talk about it, or shy away from explaining it. I really appreciated that it was talked about in this novel. I also really enjoyed the physical therapy aspect in it!
Alex, James, Uncle Joe and Aunt Gloria, not to mention Lester, Brian, and Callie, were such great characters! I really connected with Alex and James- especially Alex. I loved Alex's tender heart towards the hurting. Alex and I are actually a lot alike. :)
I really appreciated how both Alex and James looked at who each other were on the inside, and not on the outside. They weren't obsessed with outward appearances. It was so sweet how Alex loved James through it all.
The banter and teasing between the characters was hilarious, and added some lightness to some of the chapters.
I really liked how they turned to God with their problems first instead of to each other.
Due to the topics discussed, I would not recommend this book for anyone under 14.
And now for a few favorite quotes. ;)
Favorite quotes:
“But I know Someone who does understand what you’re going through,
Corporal. He’s been where you are, and He feels your hurt, because you’re His
child. He’ll sustain you and go with you through every trial of life, if you’ll only
let Him in. He’s my Savior, and His name is Jesus Christ.”
It’s not the absence of trouble, trials, or hurt. It’s the
Presence that remains with me no matter what comes."
“But in my search for
purpose, I found Someone greater than all my troubles, pain, and fears. I found
hope, a steadfast anchor in the turbulent sea of life.”
~Also, why I liked this novel is not specifically because it talks about suicide. (Although that is a topic that needs to be addressed.) I liked it because it shows that everyone is priceless, and cherished in Yahweh's eyes.~
*I received an e-copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.*
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About the author:
Saved by God's grace, Faith Potts is a teenage writer and a homeschool graduate, living with her family and beloved yellow labs in the North Carolina mountains. When she's not weaving stories, consuming large amounts of coffee, reading stacks of books, or studying American Sign Language, she can be found laughing harder than is healthy, daydreaming, and--of course--blowing dandelions.
And, there's a giveaway!!!
Grand prize: Signed paperbacks of Freedom and Beloved
2nd Prize: Signed paperback of Freedom or Beloved
3rd Prize: ebook of Freedom or Beloved
R2L: And always remember- no matter what has happened, no matter what has been done to you- You are PRICELESS. You are loved by the Creator of the universe.
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