Let me set the record straight. I read. A lot! Not only do I read a lot, I am a GUY that reads a lot. It can be difficult, at times, for me to find something that I think that I would enjoy reading. Since I run the library for my church, I want to be well-versed in the books that I read so that I can make educated recommendations to my patrons that “are just looking for that right book”. Sometimes, though, I can’t seem to find just that right book for me to read. I was recently in Chicago on business and had finished a book on the flight up and hadn’t had the pre-thought to take a replacement. So off to Family Christian I went in search of a particular book that I knew was out, but I hadn’t bought yet for the library. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any in stock. They did, however, have the first novel by Ginny Yttrup, “Words”. Now I must admit that this was my last choice of books to purchase, but I have read her newest book, “Invisible”, so it wasn’t a stretch for me to pick this one up.Young Kaylee has seen it all, experienced it all and continues to live it all. Her mother abandoned her with her alcoholic boyfriend and never looked back. Kaylee, though, has endured things at the hand of this “male person” ( I can’t call him a man because a man doesn’t do those things!) that no child should ever endure. Due to this abuse, Kaylee has shut down and lost her “voice”. She does retreat into a world of words that allows her to escape, even if it’s for a moment, from her horrid life. Sierra has spent the last 12 years mourning the loss of her child at the hands of a premature birth brought on by years of drug use. Though she’s clean now, that moment of holding her baby at the end of its life etched in her a season of loss that she hasn’t recovered from. As Sierra struggles again with the anniversary of her daughter’s death, she is encouraged by those around her to move on and accept forgiveness. She finds herself in the woods, once again confronting the issue of forgiveness with Him. While she’s there, she thinks she sees a young girl. Considering her current emotional state, though, she shrugs it off. Later, recounting the story with her friend, she recommends that she go back and see if the girl was real or imaginary. Thus, begins a relationship between these two souls; one looking for acceptance and one looking for forgiveness, but both looking for something that only He can provide. Jesus = Truth = Freedom. What a powerful thought just in that one equation. Jesus promises us that “we will know that truth, and the truth will set us free”. That comes from John 8 and refers to Him. Once we lean on Him and live a life of truth, He will set us free from all that binds us. Will we have a perfect life? Not at all, but we will have a life that we can be assured that will be surrounded by His glory. The characters that Ms. Yttrup develops in this novel are amazing. They are so real and life-like and pull you into the story. I love reading a book that takes the time to cause you to invest yourself into the characters so that you root for them throughout the entire book.Is this a "guy's book"? I have to say that this doesn’t rank up there in the guy’s book category. What I will tell you though is this. As I read this book on the airplane back from my business trip, there were times that the high attitude sure took a toll on my sinuses ;) Even though I did not rate this book as a must read due to it not being a true guy’s book, I am extremely glad that I gave it a chance. This was an incredible heart felt story. I read this in about a day and a half. I fell in love with Kaylee immediately. I loved when she said (or thought rather) about why she read, "When I read... I forget. That's how it works." I feel the same little girl! Not that I have anything going on in my life that is awful or comparable to what she endured, but reading helps to get away from life and every day problems. Sierra was a strong character and I am glad she was who she was in the story. I couldn't have loved the two of them together anymore than I have. Great start, middle and ending!
What do You think about Words (2011)?
Very good book. Well written, deals with a heavy subject, and ties in spiritual truths wonderfully.
—deden34
Very thought provoking - Mrs Yttrup tackles a very difficult subject with utmost sensitivity
—Yuliana07
This is a good story but the Christian element was way too much for me personally.
—bllk1227
