Book review: "Out of a far country"

Here goes, my first book review for Waterbrook Multnomah Books. I want to start off my review by letting you know how much I enjoy reading. I read this book in just a few short days. I think I would have been able to read it much faster if there werent issues that I was confronted with that I needed to process at the same time. (just like when I read "Though I walk on Death Row") I have lived for over 40 years without really having to think about hard topics. What I thought or believe about adoption or infertility- I was able to have children easily, the corrections system or inmates- no one we knew or loved was in the system and my husband actually worked IN them for a season, Issues like Homosexuality, alcoholism, or drug use never really struck home so I didnt give it much thought. But as I have been walking this Journey God has allowed some of these realities to hone us and our beliefs. Real people with real feelings and souls. It all started with the word Orphan actually having a face. I feel ashamed, How can one live to be fourty-something and not really know what they believe? How could I think that I could journey along and never have to KNOW the hard answers for myself. Some of these things you cant just read what a website says or someone elses interpretation of scripture and just use their answer. Its not like copying someone else's homework. You really have to get in there and read it for yourself and figure out what the Bible says.

This book addresses these things in a beautiful well-written way. It is written by a mother and son together. Both prodigals as they call themselves on a journey back into the loving arms of God. I wonder how many of us, sitting in our chairs with a cup of coffee in one hand have once been a prodigal or for that matter still are? Have we have experienced the true deep love the father has for us? The love that lets us mess it all up, make our own choices and suffer the consequences but still offering forgiveness and love. Those are the two big words.... forgiveness and love.
The main character had two parents that loved him and sacrificed so that he could have it all. He was attending dental school to become part of the family practice. But one thing led to another and he ended up in a completely different place, behind bars awaiting a sentence. With each chapter read you are able to really experience where his decisions led him on the wild chase to success, love and happiness- in the forms of drug use wild parties,drug use, and homosexuality. It is quite detailed and honest so I will warn you. This stay at home mom hasnt known the details of such things and it was a lot to process.I think that was a good aspect of the book for many reasons. When its not all sugar coated it opens up the doors for many people searching for answers and when also reading each corresponding chapter written by his mother it continually remind the reader that we are all someones son or daughter.You and me.... as well as The ones on the street corner, in jail, strung out on drugs looking for their next fix, In a shelter for the homeless or abused, those struggling with homosexuality. They are all someones "somebody" and they just might have a mother or father or perhaps a community of people on their face before God fasting for them. His mother never gave up and truly allowed him to hit rock bottom without trying to fix it or make it better. She trusted God work in his life, not her.Her journey really spoke to me, This is the kind of mother I want to be. I appreciated that her sons journey was not just his, but hers as well. She found a real applicable faith,where at first she had none, through his struggles. (as well as his father)I think that exposing all of the details also helped me see the true redeeming work that only God can do. No situation is hopeless. God will never ever give up.
I appreciate that the book also has a discussion guide. Its a journey, and it might be helpful for those in the middle of a hard place. I believe that this book has a beautiful place and I am glad that the publishers have seen the value of this true story and allowed it to be heard, I am thankful for the family willing to share it.I give this book five out of five stars.
If you would like to read the first chapter of this book I have included a link.
*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review as part of the blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."