Riding Through Shadows

by Sharon Ewell Foster

Living in one of the most tumultuous decades of America's history, an eight-year-old African American girl experiences the anguish of real-life heartache: she loses her beloved father in the Vietnam War, endures the dissolution of her family, and faces the challenge of integration. Yet, through a wise and eccentric old woman, she also discovers the tenacity of joy. A powerful, eye-opening read!

Genres: Christian Fiction

350 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

Reviews

[Kait · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I liked the beginning but it was a little confusing with the nameless characters only being defined as “big uncle, bad little girl.” The writing seemed to flip from the 8 year old point of view to an adult point of view pretty quick. The story continued but I found it a little hard to piece everything together because some parts I felt could have been left out. The spiritual component was very odd and I was not a fan of the “child killer” ghost type thing. The book was historically accurate so that was something I liked. I also liked the part about the girl doing really well in school and being able to read more advanced than her peers. The book just took a weird turn but overall it was interesting.

[Debora Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible thought provoking story!

Most of the way through this book I wanted to just wrap my arms around Shirley and comfort her. She had more problems and heart ache than I could even imagine. The author did an amazing job of making the difficulties that African Americans dealt with in the late 1960s come alive for me. I had heard some of what they faced but now I have a much deeper understanding of it.

I loved Mother Johnson. She was an amazingly wise woman. I was fascinated by the fact that though she was a black woman living in Tyler, Texas in 1969, there were white people that came to her with their problems seeking wisdom. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the scripture (without references) and discussion of God that came out in this book. I found many things that were an encouragement to me for my own life.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved that God and power of prayer was the focus of importance in this book. Disappointed that I can’t find the continuing book Passing into Light.

[Kim]

This book was REALLY hard to get into!! It starts out slow and dull; the best part of the book is probably the last 80 pages or so. I felt like giving up on it but managed to finish it. I probably shouldn't have since all I felt was relief that it was over and I could move onto something different and better.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a wonderful Christian fiction novel. The author's glimpse of the struggles between opposing forces in the heavens has seriously affected how I pray. What more could I ask for than a good fiction read that gave me some historical facts about race in this country in the South AND positively impacted my faith journey?

[Adrienna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title, and I used to love this author since she was the first Christian writer I read, but it took me nearly mid-way of the book to get into it. I was so bored in the beginning I almost did not finish the book and finally, I could see where she was taking me and why she titled it so...

[Amanda Birdwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have very, very little recollection of this book... did I even read it? Was I drinking that night? I love cities, and I (apparently) love formulaic Jesus fiction, but I really can't even remember a character's name... I may need to pick up something different at my next library raid.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written account of what was happening in the late 60s. It was abit more faith-based than what I would normally be attracted to, but that did not deter me from finsishing it through the end. There is another book after this but I am not sure if I'll read it or not.

[Cecelia]

Great book! I recommend this read.

[Tasha]

Have to read second book now!

[Anino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously talented author who should not be ignored.

[Larisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual warfare is real and constant, and anyone who does not know or believe this may not realize the profoundness of this novel.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

To read my review go to my Book Blog at http://eveineden.blogspot.com/ please follow me and leave a comment. Happy reading 📚