Normal? While family dinners and vacations to touristy destinations are ordinary events for her 'normal' friends, fifteen-year-old Jessie Hatcher's normal life means dealing with her ADHD and her mother's bipolar disorder.
So why is Jessie shocked when the unexpected happens?
Now her 'normal' includes living in Florida with the father she always thought was dead and learning the secrets of sushi from a man who teaches by tormenting her. Life isn't any saner with her dad, but a cute guy and a mysterious book might just be the crazy Jessie needs.
My thoughts: Teens, especially ones struggling with insecurities, will find the message encouraging that you don’t have to be “normal” to be accepted in God’s clique. After all, Ephesians 1:6 says, “We are accepted in the beloved.” After accepting Jesus as your personal savior, you are in God’s exclusive club.
It hurt to read how bad Jesse felt about being normal and not fitting in. Teens will also find encouragement knowing even if they have to live with a challenge, they can still find worth and purpose in life.
I really liked the idea of the “strange” book. From the initial description I was unaware Jessie lugged around a well-used (loved), version of the Bible until she began reading a story. I didn’t like how the book seemed magically to anticipate her thoughts and feelings as if they were having a conversation. I appreciate what the author wanted to portray, but I prefer if Jesse understood what she read through the Holy Spirit’s help, a simple knowing, instead.
It disturbed me to read ADHD tagged demonic. Having that contentious discussion at this age might be too much. IMHO, we should tag backbiting, gossip–seemingly benign offenses in the Christian community and my personal pet peeve as demonic, and leave ADHD and bipolar disorder out of it.
Overall, I think middle schoolers and teens will find this book a welcome addition into their personal library. The author brought up topics not normally found in Christian fiction. We need to read more books about imperfect people wooed by God because that’s real life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Rue has written over 100 books for girls, is the editor of the Faithgirlz Bible, and is a popular speaker and radio guest with her expertise in tween and teen issues. She and husband Jim have raised a daughter of their own and now live in Tennessee.
Visit the author's website.
Product Details:
List Price: $9.99
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (April 16, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310714842
ISBN-13: 978-0310714842
Press the browse button to view the first chapter:
4 Your say:
This would make the perfect give for a girl I know and love. Thanks for the recommendation!
You're welcome!
Great review!
I was so mad at how Jessie's mom made her feel, I wanted to wring her neck!
Jenny, you would have had to stand in line. LOL.
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