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Paint Chips
Though haunted by her troubled past, Dot has found a safe haven. She has a fierce protector and a colorful collection of friends...but sometimes she wonders if her life will ever be normal again. Though college and romance await her, embracing them requires a new kind of strength-one she isn't sure she has. Emerging from years of confusion, Cora struggles to latch hold of the sanity she needs to return to the real world. She yearns to find a place of peace...but first she must deal with the ghosts of her past. Can this mother and daughter overcome abuse, betrayal, abandonment, and the horrors of sexual trafficking, and make it back into each others arms? Facing the past is never easy. But as they chip away the layers, they might just find something beautiful beneath the mess.
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2013
12 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
About the author
Susie Finkbeiner
10 books1,002 followersSusie Finkbeiner is the author of The All-American, All Manner of Things, and A Cup of Dust. She lives in West Michigan with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 8, 2015
Those of us who write often read what others have written and think, "Man! I wish I had written that!" This little novel is filled with sentences I wished I had written. The novel is basically about three women who have suffered through the terrors of human trafficking - Cora, Dot (Cora's daughter), and Lola. It is about their struggles to see past the damage of their lives and into the beauty that God intended for them. Sprinkled with humor, sadness, compassion and love, the author wrestles with the questions we all try to pin down: why do bad things happen to good people? If God is so good, why does He allow evil to exist? And how does my own free will play into this?
Each of the heroines desires to "paint over" their pasts. Instead, God helps them to clear away the paint chips - sometimes getting stuck painfully beneath their fingernails - in order to see the beauty underneath. At one point, Cora says of her friend Lisa, "Something within me needed to know that she understood what it meant to suffer." This resonated with me, and brought to my mind that Jesus does, indeed, understand suffering. Did He not suffer unto death, even death on a cross? And the author reminds us that, in the midst of all of our suffering, our God is there with us, suffering with us, bringing help to us even if we can't recognize it.
This novel is filled with strong characters, strong themes, and even humor. And the tension was exquisite! If your complaint is that the ending is too "pretty," too "perfect," consider what the author says: God loves happy endings. If you must, blame the genre - Christian fiction almost demands those happy endings. If you can, understand the author - being a woman of great faith herself, she has SEEN miracles and knows that of which she speaks.
Read this book and be blessed.
Each of the heroines desires to "paint over" their pasts. Instead, God helps them to clear away the paint chips - sometimes getting stuck painfully beneath their fingernails - in order to see the beauty underneath. At one point, Cora says of her friend Lisa, "Something within me needed to know that she understood what it meant to suffer." This resonated with me, and brought to my mind that Jesus does, indeed, understand suffering. Did He not suffer unto death, even death on a cross? And the author reminds us that, in the midst of all of our suffering, our God is there with us, suffering with us, bringing help to us even if we can't recognize it.
This novel is filled with strong characters, strong themes, and even humor. And the tension was exquisite! If your complaint is that the ending is too "pretty," too "perfect," consider what the author says: God loves happy endings. If you must, blame the genre - Christian fiction almost demands those happy endings. If you can, understand the author - being a woman of great faith herself, she has SEEN miracles and knows that of which she speaks.
Read this book and be blessed.
January 12, 2013
Make sure the tissue box is close by. This story weaves through the lives of two woman who have suffered deeply, but there is hope in the darkness. While reading, I became so wrapped up in the lives and memories of the characters it was difficult to put down. I was concerned that it would end too soon, but the author brings you to a gentle, thoughtful, and satisfying conclusion.
February 25, 2013
I am a bit torn between four and five stars. Paint Chips is a very well written, and finely constructed first novel. Tackling a difficult subject like sex trafficking, and writing it for the Christian market cannot have been an easy task, but we need more books like this that snap us out of our cocoons and make us realize what happens every day all around us. Even in places like the novel's setting of West Michigan, where it is easy to live isolated by church and prosperity and pretend nothing bad like this ever happens in 'The New Jerusalem.' It does, and this book tackles it. Having this story set in a religiously conservative, out of the way part of the country sets it apart from stories set in larger cities where it is easier to imagine this sort of thing happening.
The characters felt real and believable, well thought out, and the story and writing style were engaging, making you want to read just one more chapter before going to bed. Despite the obvious religious themes running throughout the book, it does not read like a 'Christian' novel (bland), and that is a good thing. My only criticism was that I felt like parts of it weren't gritty enough to fully convey the darkness, and that some of the healing that takes place seemed to occur too easily. I think that perhaps some of this is due to Christian publishers fears of offending their target market, and I am very happy to see that Paint Chips pushes this edge further than I've ever seen it, and that also is a good thing.
Excellent first novel. Where is the second?
The characters felt real and believable, well thought out, and the story and writing style were engaging, making you want to read just one more chapter before going to bed. Despite the obvious religious themes running throughout the book, it does not read like a 'Christian' novel (bland), and that is a good thing. My only criticism was that I felt like parts of it weren't gritty enough to fully convey the darkness, and that some of the healing that takes place seemed to occur too easily. I think that perhaps some of this is due to Christian publishers fears of offending their target market, and I am very happy to see that Paint Chips pushes this edge further than I've ever seen it, and that also is a good thing.
Excellent first novel. Where is the second?
May 29, 2016
Paint Chips, debut novel by Susie Finkbeiner, is about three women and the impact of the sex trade on their lives. The novel is at once horrifying and hopeful. The author does a stellar job of unfolding the story through the eyes of Cora and Dot. Among the pain, there is the light of Jesus time and time again. This novel was a page turner and highly recommended for adult readers that can stomach this difficult subject matter.
August 20, 2013
Outrageous neglect. Horrific emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Human trafficking. Life on the streets. A state mental hospital. From the woods of the mountains to sparkling lakeshores, the trek of this family is one you will not soon forget.
I struggled to continue with daily life, as I found myself wondering what would happen next in the story of Cora and her daughter, Dot. As the chapters transition back and forth between the two main characters, the lives of both women weave a tapestry of endurance and grief, healing and peace.
Raised in a backwoods, mountain community of Tennessee, Cora and her family are terrorized by the local crime boss, Ducky. Ducky runs their entire coal-mining area, including the local sheriff. HIs office is his claim to fame, the local bar/casino/whorehouse. Cora’s father becomes indebted to Ducky and the dissolution of their family begins. With her father’s alcoholism comes neglect and abuse. Cora’s twin, Marlowe, is used to pay off a debt to Ducky. Cora’s mother retreats to her bed, neglecting Cora and her brother, Titus. Titus is eventually lost. Cora finds herself alone with her heart-broken, bed-ridden mother, fighting off the sexual abuse of her mostly absent father. Cora’s escape from the mountain leaves the reader breathless.
Cora’s daughter, Dot, is born to the idyllic life Cora and Steven created from their mutual love of each other and their Christian faith. When Steven is lost to the war following 9/11, Cora follows her mother’s example and becomes undone, leaving Dot and her older brother, Peter to fend for themselves. The West’s, the neighbors across the street and the parent’s of Peter’s best friend, Paul, looked after Dot and Peter, while the children kept reaching out to their emotionally challenged mother. Just when it seems this family of three may be on the mend, Cora’s abusive father finds them. What happens next is explosive.
The introduction of character’s Lola, the house mother at Dot’s residential home and Lisa, the pastor that regularly visits the local mental hospital, provides perfect examples of grace-personified. While Cora dreams of reuniting with Dot, Dot is pursued by her childhood friend, Paul. Does this broken family stand a chance at happiness?
Author, Susie Finkbeiner, delves into this often heart-wrenching tale with a raw truth, which is covered with grace. The slow transition of Dot and Cora from terror and pain to safety and wholeness is worth the reader’s investment. To learn this story repeats itself all around us, throughout the United States, is worth our acknowledgement. To support the work of those restoring lives is worth our wholehearted support. To introduce living victims of human trafficking to the one, true God, an honor worth pursuing.
Thank you, Susie, for a gripping, family story. Interesting and touching, contemporary and tragic, you have found the perfect way to open our eyes to the plight of trafficking victims in our own communities. Well done.
I struggled to continue with daily life, as I found myself wondering what would happen next in the story of Cora and her daughter, Dot. As the chapters transition back and forth between the two main characters, the lives of both women weave a tapestry of endurance and grief, healing and peace.
Raised in a backwoods, mountain community of Tennessee, Cora and her family are terrorized by the local crime boss, Ducky. Ducky runs their entire coal-mining area, including the local sheriff. HIs office is his claim to fame, the local bar/casino/whorehouse. Cora’s father becomes indebted to Ducky and the dissolution of their family begins. With her father’s alcoholism comes neglect and abuse. Cora’s twin, Marlowe, is used to pay off a debt to Ducky. Cora’s mother retreats to her bed, neglecting Cora and her brother, Titus. Titus is eventually lost. Cora finds herself alone with her heart-broken, bed-ridden mother, fighting off the sexual abuse of her mostly absent father. Cora’s escape from the mountain leaves the reader breathless.
Cora’s daughter, Dot, is born to the idyllic life Cora and Steven created from their mutual love of each other and their Christian faith. When Steven is lost to the war following 9/11, Cora follows her mother’s example and becomes undone, leaving Dot and her older brother, Peter to fend for themselves. The West’s, the neighbors across the street and the parent’s of Peter’s best friend, Paul, looked after Dot and Peter, while the children kept reaching out to their emotionally challenged mother. Just when it seems this family of three may be on the mend, Cora’s abusive father finds them. What happens next is explosive.
The introduction of character’s Lola, the house mother at Dot’s residential home and Lisa, the pastor that regularly visits the local mental hospital, provides perfect examples of grace-personified. While Cora dreams of reuniting with Dot, Dot is pursued by her childhood friend, Paul. Does this broken family stand a chance at happiness?
Author, Susie Finkbeiner, delves into this often heart-wrenching tale with a raw truth, which is covered with grace. The slow transition of Dot and Cora from terror and pain to safety and wholeness is worth the reader’s investment. To learn this story repeats itself all around us, throughout the United States, is worth our acknowledgement. To support the work of those restoring lives is worth our wholehearted support. To introduce living victims of human trafficking to the one, true God, an honor worth pursuing.
Thank you, Susie, for a gripping, family story. Interesting and touching, contemporary and tragic, you have found the perfect way to open our eyes to the plight of trafficking victims in our own communities. Well done.
January 20, 2013
Excellent read. Any book that keeps me reading until the wee hours of the morning is worth recommending..and reading again. I don't re-read many authors, but this one is on that 'shelf'. Susie Finkbeiner's characters drew me in, showed me their world and helped me become more empathetic to an issue that is going largely ignored by most of society: sexual trafficking. Don't get me wrong--we all know it's out there, but it's ugly and we'd rather not think about it. There are a lot of books out there that might glorify the issue-but this one shows the damage done to families and then communities when it's permitted to exist. And then she proceeded to show us the power of redemption for the least of these. I won't be forgetting Dot, Lola or Cora any time soon!
February 6, 2014
I can't really put into words how much this novel moved me. The interwoven stories of mother and daughter were so well-developed. Though there are horribly sad events that occur throughout, the light of God's love shines through this entire book, challenging the reader to probe deep and embrace the good God brings into our lives.
This is definitely one of my new favorite novels, and I look forward to Finkbeiner's future releases.
This is definitely one of my new favorite novels, and I look forward to Finkbeiner's future releases.
February 11, 2013
I normally despise Christian fiction because of the syrupy and shallow characters and predictable story lines. Paint Chips broke the mold! Authentic and raw and full of suspense. A beautiful story.
March 28, 2023
This is an extraordinarily powerful and beautiful story. There are some very intense and painful moments that the characters experience, but God's love and healing power shine through.
January 11, 2016
"Paint Chips" reveals the painful life stories of three women whose lives were very nearly destroyed as young children. Their stories are interwoven in a remarkable manner, each sharing a common thread. Abuse is no stranger to these women as their childhood lives were brutally torn from them, innocence and youth destroyed. These atrocities are all too common in our society, emotional, verbal, physical and sexual abuse. As the stories of these three women unfold realism becomes so profoundly cruel that you'll never see life the same way again. The atrocities of what these women suffered are happening all around us, in the slums, in the suburbs, in our own backyards, even here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Due to the risk of spoilers I am not going into further detail regarding a description of this book.
Susie Finkbeiner has researched a very difficult topic, sex trafficking in all its basal forms, how it begins, where it is found, how it travels, the effects of this ever-growing cancer in our society. This is a Christian reality fiction story that you need to read for yourself. The author is very careful in not becoming graphic in her descriptions of the abuses that occur throughout this story. Openness and honesty are at the core of this difficult tale told with compassion that encompasses the lives described throughout "Paint Chips," and those who reach out to help them. When I took "Paint Chips" off the shelf I knew I was in for a ride into the dark side of life, but I found the hand of God within the pages of this book. At times I felt I couldn't read fast enough, and then I had to stop, lay the book aside, and process the images that raced through my mind.
The author is very gifted at painting a realistic portrait of life at ground level. Mental images created through her descriptive talents revealed authentic impressions of the various locations throughout the book. The inhumanity of life in its most barbarous form is revealed in a very tasteful and sensitive manner. The brutal honesty in "Paint Chips" occurs in every community, today, tonight, tomorrow and until our society puts a stop to the practice.
Pick up a copy of this book and educate yourself to the activities going on around you, and take a stand to help cure this cancer of the human spirit. I highly recommend this book, particularly to those who work with children. You could be the one to identify an issue that may be happening to a child in your life.
Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading pleasure, with no expectations from the author or publisher to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Susie Finkbeiner has researched a very difficult topic, sex trafficking in all its basal forms, how it begins, where it is found, how it travels, the effects of this ever-growing cancer in our society. This is a Christian reality fiction story that you need to read for yourself. The author is very careful in not becoming graphic in her descriptions of the abuses that occur throughout this story. Openness and honesty are at the core of this difficult tale told with compassion that encompasses the lives described throughout "Paint Chips," and those who reach out to help them. When I took "Paint Chips" off the shelf I knew I was in for a ride into the dark side of life, but I found the hand of God within the pages of this book. At times I felt I couldn't read fast enough, and then I had to stop, lay the book aside, and process the images that raced through my mind.
The author is very gifted at painting a realistic portrait of life at ground level. Mental images created through her descriptive talents revealed authentic impressions of the various locations throughout the book. The inhumanity of life in its most barbarous form is revealed in a very tasteful and sensitive manner. The brutal honesty in "Paint Chips" occurs in every community, today, tonight, tomorrow and until our society puts a stop to the practice.
Pick up a copy of this book and educate yourself to the activities going on around you, and take a stand to help cure this cancer of the human spirit. I highly recommend this book, particularly to those who work with children. You could be the one to identify an issue that may be happening to a child in your life.
Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading pleasure, with no expectations from the author or publisher to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
April 4, 2013
I knew from the get-go that Paint Chips would not be a fluffy read. I expected it to be deep and profound, but before starting to read, I secretly cringed that it might be just too sad. To my surprise, the book held me from page one and would not let go. Yes, it started out sad, but in each sentence lay the nugget of hope. I turned the pages quickly salivating for that hope that I knew was coming. The author did not keep me waiting long. Hope shone through the chapters.
Paint Chips was all I expected--deep, profound, and I loved the way the author wove the past with the present, in a very enjoyable read.
Not only does this book deal with a realistic topic we all need to be aware of, but it is entertaining, and ultimately a truly feel-good book. I loved it.
As a woman who has given up a child to adoption, I am familiar with the miracles that happen in everyday life when God reunites people in extraordinary and quixotic ways. This fictional telling is simply showing the truth of such miracles of healing.
Highly recommend it to all broken people, and those who know broken people. That ought to cover about 100% of the audience.
Paint Chips was all I expected--deep, profound, and I loved the way the author wove the past with the present, in a very enjoyable read.
Not only does this book deal with a realistic topic we all need to be aware of, but it is entertaining, and ultimately a truly feel-good book. I loved it.
As a woman who has given up a child to adoption, I am familiar with the miracles that happen in everyday life when God reunites people in extraordinary and quixotic ways. This fictional telling is simply showing the truth of such miracles of healing.
Highly recommend it to all broken people, and those who know broken people. That ought to cover about 100% of the audience.
January 24, 2013
This book is a roller coaster for emotions. Everyone was stating in reviews they couldn't put it down. Honestly I could at the beginning but around 47% or so I couldn't. Then it almost took me to the end before I just had to go to sleep!!
I laughed, I cried-both tears of joy and sorrow. The ending was perfect! It made everything tie up nicely so you weren't guessing about what happened to everyone, I hate when books don't tie it up!
I really recommend this book to every person. You don't really think about sex trafficking very much, you know it's out there but you just kind of turn a blind eye to it. You don't think it's in smaller towns like it is in this book. The reality of it portrayed in this book is perfect and it really gets in your bones how heart breaking it is!
Definite must read for everyone! If I had major celebrity friends, I would send them this book and make them promote it! For now I'll leave it up to Susie's Twitter to figure it out :)
I laughed, I cried-both tears of joy and sorrow. The ending was perfect! It made everything tie up nicely so you weren't guessing about what happened to everyone, I hate when books don't tie it up!
I really recommend this book to every person. You don't really think about sex trafficking very much, you know it's out there but you just kind of turn a blind eye to it. You don't think it's in smaller towns like it is in this book. The reality of it portrayed in this book is perfect and it really gets in your bones how heart breaking it is!
Definite must read for everyone! If I had major celebrity friends, I would send them this book and make them promote it! For now I'll leave it up to Susie's Twitter to figure it out :)
March 13, 2014
I was introduced to Paint Chips by Susie Finkbeiner at her book signing in Grand Rapids, Mi. I bought the book sight unseen, but ended up reading the e-book edition.
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the detailed characters and storyline. It was one of those novels that you can't wait to get back to reading.
The setting of West Michigan was familiar and the story brought awareness that sex trafficking is present in every city.
I am anticipating another great story in her second book, My Mother's Chamomile.
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the detailed characters and storyline. It was one of those novels that you can't wait to get back to reading.
The setting of West Michigan was familiar and the story brought awareness that sex trafficking is present in every city.
I am anticipating another great story in her second book, My Mother's Chamomile.
January 13, 2013
I purchased this book not knowing what to expect. I was doing it to support a friend. I was hooked from the beginning. Susie just draws you into the characters and their lives. I loved reading about Cora and Dot and their healing. She tells you a great story while informing you about the realities of human trafficking right here in Grand Rapids. Definitely a must read!!!
March 17, 2014
*I edited this book*
I like to say that Susie Finkbeiner rights books that break my heart--and then put it together again. Her debut novel did just that, with the story of two people (mother and daughter) who suffer so much, lose so much...and find so much as they heal. This is a story of hope amidst the darkness, of beauty under the pain.
I like to say that Susie Finkbeiner rights books that break my heart--and then put it together again. Her debut novel did just that, with the story of two people (mother and daughter) who suffer so much, lose so much...and find so much as they heal. This is a story of hope amidst the darkness, of beauty under the pain.
January 13, 2013
This book is an honest, startling look at sex-trafficking in the United States, surrounded by a story full of beauty and hope. That these kinds of evil happen in cities all around us is a truth that many of us ignore. This important story is told with sincerity and heart, giving us characters to love, mourn, cheer on and hope for. Susie Finkbeiner reveals a painful truth through a tender story.
January 14, 2013
Once I picked up my reader to begin, I couldn't put this one down. Cora and Dot became real to me, and their lives opened my eyes even further to the reality of this world. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
February 19, 2013
Loved the book! I would sit down to read and time would fly by. The characters were so real! I can't tell you how wonderful this book was! I highly recommend reading it!
May 18, 2020
Christian fiction is so often saccharine and bland. Susie Finkbeiner skillfully breaks the mold. The Jesus her characters get to know feels closer to the real and powerful Jesus of the Bible. This book is raw and heartbreaking, but all-in-all a beautiful story of family and God.
July 6, 2020
Wow! There isn’t one emotion I didn’t feel reading this book. From severe anger and hate to joy and peace and everything in between. Amazing!
April 13, 2013
I do not know if Susie Finkbeiner has written any more books but if she has or does I will not hesitate to pick it up.
Paint Chips delves into the nightmare that is child enslavement and prostitution. And through it all it talks about how God can take the ugly, scrape it away and make it beautiful again.
A story that stays with you days after you have finished it is a strong story. And this is not a story I will soon forget.
Also, on a lighter note, it is mentioned to sprinkle cinnamon on your coffee grounds when you brew your coffee. I had never heard of such a thing! So, I tried it and, oh my, it makes my coffee extra special and every time I make it I think of how this book again.
One of the best chapters in the book is one page long.
"I had a dream. I was eleven years old and wore a bright pink dress. My hair fell in sausage curls around my round, freckled face. I sobbed and smiled at the same time.
Cans full of paint sat all around me. Different colors. Green. Orange. Blue. Yellow. They filled the living room of the mountain shack. I stuck my hands in the cans and covered my hair and face and body with layers of paint. The more I spread across myself, the less recognizable I became. A glob of ugly color, misshpaen and stiff.
Suddenly, Jesus walked near me. I couldn't see His face or robe. I just saw a shape that glowed. I knew it was Him, though. He used His fingers to break off the paint. Little paint chips fell away and onto the floor. Soon, discarded color mounded all around my feet.
And after all the paint chips had been pulled away, there stood the adult me. I looked like myself, but more alive, more radiant. It took Jesus breaking all the layers off to see the glory of what God created me to be.
With all the weight stripped away I began to run alongside Jesus."
Great visual.
As an added bonus, this story takes place in Grand Rapids, Michigan (partly) and it sure changed the way I view the city I often visit. It also was fun to suddenly say "I know where that is!"
Paint Chips delves into the nightmare that is child enslavement and prostitution. And through it all it talks about how God can take the ugly, scrape it away and make it beautiful again.
A story that stays with you days after you have finished it is a strong story. And this is not a story I will soon forget.
Also, on a lighter note, it is mentioned to sprinkle cinnamon on your coffee grounds when you brew your coffee. I had never heard of such a thing! So, I tried it and, oh my, it makes my coffee extra special and every time I make it I think of how this book again.
One of the best chapters in the book is one page long.
"I had a dream. I was eleven years old and wore a bright pink dress. My hair fell in sausage curls around my round, freckled face. I sobbed and smiled at the same time.
Cans full of paint sat all around me. Different colors. Green. Orange. Blue. Yellow. They filled the living room of the mountain shack. I stuck my hands in the cans and covered my hair and face and body with layers of paint. The more I spread across myself, the less recognizable I became. A glob of ugly color, misshpaen and stiff.
Suddenly, Jesus walked near me. I couldn't see His face or robe. I just saw a shape that glowed. I knew it was Him, though. He used His fingers to break off the paint. Little paint chips fell away and onto the floor. Soon, discarded color mounded all around my feet.
And after all the paint chips had been pulled away, there stood the adult me. I looked like myself, but more alive, more radiant. It took Jesus breaking all the layers off to see the glory of what God created me to be.
With all the weight stripped away I began to run alongside Jesus."
Great visual.
As an added bonus, this story takes place in Grand Rapids, Michigan (partly) and it sure changed the way I view the city I often visit. It also was fun to suddenly say "I know where that is!"
February 12, 2017
I had a little difficulty with the beginning of the book due to every other chapter being first person by two different protagonists. Once I got the hang of it, I was fine. Knowing up front that every other chapter is from Cora's point of view and the other is Dot's, does help, so this is your heads up. ;)
This is not your "feel good" type of novel. In fact, it's rather deep and heartbreaking. With that said, you will become very attached to the characters.
It takes a while to see how these ladies are connected but it is all worth the wait. The story intensifies the further you get into the story. So, be prepared to find a quiet spot to read this book as you will not want to put it down.
The author does a great job in bringing the characters to life and she gives the book enough depth to hold your attention throughout.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys true-to-life women's fiction. This is a VERY well written story. I look forward to reading more by Susie Finkbeiner.
This is not your "feel good" type of novel. In fact, it's rather deep and heartbreaking. With that said, you will become very attached to the characters.
It takes a while to see how these ladies are connected but it is all worth the wait. The story intensifies the further you get into the story. So, be prepared to find a quiet spot to read this book as you will not want to put it down.
The author does a great job in bringing the characters to life and she gives the book enough depth to hold your attention throughout.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys true-to-life women's fiction. This is a VERY well written story. I look forward to reading more by Susie Finkbeiner.
January 2, 2014
This book was one of the most beautiful pictures of redemption I have read in a long time. I so appreciated the author's willingness to address the grit and gruesome aspects of sex trafficking without exploiting them in a way that was too graphic. Because of the author's personal experience with sex trafficked women, I believe she handled it delicately without pushing it too far.
Also, as much as I love Christian fiction, I was skeptical that this could stand up to the exceptional writing abilities of my favorite CF author, Francine Rivers. I was more than pleasantly surprised. I felt she wove two stories together beautifully while keeping the ending wonderful. In fact, I passed along the book to an English major friend who works for a non-profit organization helping girls in just this situation. She also loved it.
I will absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a wonderful story with an honest but beautifully redeemed ending.
Also, as much as I love Christian fiction, I was skeptical that this could stand up to the exceptional writing abilities of my favorite CF author, Francine Rivers. I was more than pleasantly surprised. I felt she wove two stories together beautifully while keeping the ending wonderful. In fact, I passed along the book to an English major friend who works for a non-profit organization helping girls in just this situation. She also loved it.
I will absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a wonderful story with an honest but beautifully redeemed ending.
March 27, 2013
Susie Finkbeiner writes Paint Chips with poise and courage. The stories of Dot and Cora will simultaneously break and encourage you as they work through unimaginable suffering towards beautiful healing.
Paint Chips exposes the brutal realities of abuse and exploitation in our world. It is not a book to be taken lightly. Finkbeiner displays an astounding capacity to write in a way that speaks to the heart. She tears away the facade of perfection and completion, and let's the reader dwell in the rawness of the ways we wound each other. But this story is not without hope. An authentic process of redemption is at work in the pages of this book, and can open up the messy way of Jesus to us all.
Paint Chips exposes the brutal realities of abuse and exploitation in our world. It is not a book to be taken lightly. Finkbeiner displays an astounding capacity to write in a way that speaks to the heart. She tears away the facade of perfection and completion, and let's the reader dwell in the rawness of the ways we wound each other. But this story is not without hope. An authentic process of redemption is at work in the pages of this book, and can open up the messy way of Jesus to us all.
July 26, 2013
I couldn't put this down. It kept me up until 3AM before I gave in and went to sleep--and then I finished it the next day. That's a rare thing to happen to me. I found the characters to be authentic in their pain, trials, redemption and joys. I loved the way the author's empathy for the subject matter shone through and helped me see the world through the character's eyes. Homelessness and sex trafficking are ugly reminders of our broken world, and it's easier for us to look the other way than to do something about it. This book reminded me not only of their awful realty (there are plenty of books doing that), but that there are ways to help and people out there making a difference in young people's lives. Inspiring read--I recommended it!
September 29, 2013
Loved this book. It wasn't an easy book to read, but then most of the best ones aren't. I didn't want to dig deeply into the ugliness of sex trafficking; like most of us, I'd rather keep my lenses rose-tinted. But Susie handled the raw ugliness of that underworld with a deft touch and occasional humor. I appreciate that she didn't offer platitudes to excuse inequities, that she allowed the questions to surface, the ones we all ask that have no simple answers. Seldom does a writer of Christian fiction handle such questions as adroitly as this author did. Brava. And kudos to WhiteFire for publishing this work.
April 18, 2013
There's a lot of beauty, injustice and pain in this novel, side by side, along with empathy, grace and kindness. The ugliness, injustice and pain of abuse, sexual trafficking and emotional trauma aren't glossed over, nor are the inexplicable tragedy and incomprehensible grief. This is beautifully written, and dares to hope in a world that doesn't seem to sustain it. But the empathy and beauty keep this book afloat, and make a worthwhile, compassionate read.
February 19, 2013
This was such a compelling story! I didn't want to put it down, because I wanted to find out what was going to happen to the characters. Susie did a wonderful job keeping my attention, drawing me into her characters, and writing a believable story with not only happiness involved. It is a great story of God's healing hand in hurting lives.
July 8, 2013
I could not put this book down! It takes you to a place where you can't help but become emotionally attached to the characters. It's one that makes me wonder where life took them. It also opens up your eyes that sex trafficking sadly happens everywhere. This book is eye opening. can't wait to read her next book!!!
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February 3, 2016Heartbreaking and beautiful
This book was amazing! A sad story but filled with God's redemptive mercy. Engaging characters and a gripping plot line. Be careful or it will keep you up late unto the night! I highly recommend this book. Now I'm going to finish this review so that I can go order another of Susie Finkbeiner's books!
This book was amazing! A sad story but filled with God's redemptive mercy. Engaging characters and a gripping plot line. Be careful or it will keep you up late unto the night! I highly recommend this book. Now I'm going to finish this review so that I can go order another of Susie Finkbeiner's books!
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