Susannah, Don't You Cry | Book Review and Giveaway!

By Zachary McIntire

About the Book
"I'll never forgive him - never!"

Chuck Kincaid made a vow of hate the day his father walked out, and he still keeps it ten years later. His sister’s bad choices, his mother’s drug addiction - he knows who to blame for all of it.

But when Susanna and Kelly get their lives turned around by Jesus, Chuck doesn’t know what to think. And why is the rich stranger with the scarred face so interested in being his benefactor?

Failure and restoration. Hate and forgiveness. What is broken can be put back together, one small piece at a time.

(This book is recommended for ages 12 and up due to themes such as divorce and drug addiction.)

My Review

"...they had been like three strangers living in the same house, each engrossed in their own bitterness, fears, and heartaches."

Starting with Ross' decision to leave his home, "Susanna, Don't You Cry" follows the life of all four family members affected: dad, mom, brother, and sister.

Most of the plot was predictable once chapter three rolled around, and it was one of those reads that didn't shower me with uncomfortable situations. Rather, it follows the journey of this family as they are introduced to Christ--and their choices as to whether to accept or reject Him.

It was very fast-paced without a dull moment. I personally enjoyed reading about Ross' life best, but every time the camera panned to another character, I found myself eager to hear the progression of their life. At the same time, I found the characters a little hard to engage with--their emotions didn't quite feel real and things sometimes felt stated rather than shown. But I enjoyed the read and appreciate the strong, Christian message (though, now that I'm thinking about it, I can't recall much Scripture used...pet peeve).

Younger readers probably shouldn't read this book. Though no immoral scenes are portrayed, some of the characters are involved in drugs and suicidal thoughts. However, I found this to be more "mentioned in passing" rather than diving into the sins they were committing (which I appreciate).

Some favorite quotes:

“The goodness of God.” Ross repeated the phrase flatly. “Is that what you call this rat race?” 

“No,” Jacob mused, leaning on his mop handle. “I think that’s called ‘life.’ But God’s goodness is what makes the rat race bearable. Everywhere I look, I see it.”

"Every problem is an opportunity: it’s a chance to trust God through it, and let Him be glorified."

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review*

About the Author

Zachary McIntire is a homeschool graduate, entrepreneur, and history lover. He lives in the Missouri Ozarks, where, in between business and ministry activities, he occasionally finds time to write.

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