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Every Perfect Gift
Book by Nye, Julie
201 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 17, 2018
I bought this book a few years ago, when I first realized that the author of my childhood favorite "Scout" had written other books as well, but I just got around to reading it. Looking back, I think I held off because I was afraid the "step-parent angst" angle would end up clouding my enjoyment.
I shouldn't have worried. This story was wonderful! Yes, Sherri has issues with her stepmother at first, but over the course of the book, we get to see the relationship move from anger and confusion through toleration and acceptance to gratitude and love. It's my favorite kind of story arc--so much better than the usual anger and hate through the whole book that's brought to sudden and dramatic resolution at the end. I really enjoy seeing a character learn and grow and walk with God little by little and day by day, the way it happens in real life. Yes, sometimes we face monumental crises, but other times we just look back and catch our breath at the way God's led us through the little moments. This story showed that beautifully.
I really liked the big family angle, something I know intimately, although I felt like that thread sometimes tended to get lost in the shuffle. On the other hand, the ranch and photography details completely pulled me in, even though I have no background in either one. I think one of the marks of a great author is making you think you understand the details of the character's world, especially if they can do it without long exposition dumps. I certainly got that feeling, especially in the horse and cattle-working scenes; a real accomplishment, as anyone who's ever seen me on top of a horse can attest! And I was absolutely aching for a glimpse of Sherri's photo arrangement at the end.
More than a story about stepmothers or ranches or art (all of which figure prominently), this is at its core a story about growing up, exploring God's plan for your life, and letting others help to mold you into more than you can be on your own. Now that I've finally read it, I know I'll be returning to it often! 4.5 stars
I shouldn't have worried. This story was wonderful! Yes, Sherri has issues with her stepmother at first, but over the course of the book, we get to see the relationship move from anger and confusion through toleration and acceptance to gratitude and love. It's my favorite kind of story arc--so much better than the usual anger and hate through the whole book that's brought to sudden and dramatic resolution at the end. I really enjoy seeing a character learn and grow and walk with God little by little and day by day, the way it happens in real life. Yes, sometimes we face monumental crises, but other times we just look back and catch our breath at the way God's led us through the little moments. This story showed that beautifully.
I really liked the big family angle, something I know intimately, although I felt like that thread sometimes tended to get lost in the shuffle. On the other hand, the ranch and photography details completely pulled me in, even though I have no background in either one. I think one of the marks of a great author is making you think you understand the details of the character's world, especially if they can do it without long exposition dumps. I certainly got that feeling, especially in the horse and cattle-working scenes; a real accomplishment, as anyone who's ever seen me on top of a horse can attest! And I was absolutely aching for a glimpse of Sherri's photo arrangement at the end.
More than a story about stepmothers or ranches or art (all of which figure prominently), this is at its core a story about growing up, exploring God's plan for your life, and letting others help to mold you into more than you can be on your own. Now that I've finally read it, I know I'll be returning to it often! 4.5 stars
June 26, 2019
The only girl in a family of males (Dad and 4 brothers) whose mother had died when she was about 7, Sherri is 15 and is adapting to life with a new stepmom. Sherri had been the chief caretaker of her family as far as taking care of her little brothers, doing dinner (the family did have a cook/caretaker for part of the weekdays), household chores, and ranch chores. She is a very capable horse woman who has won many awards, but she feels shy and awkward at school. She waits each day with bated breath until she can get off of the school bus and back to her family's ranch with its keen vistas and fresh air.
Her father is somewhat harsh with her when she doesn't toe the line, and she feels unable to express her deepest desire to get art lessons. Her mother was a very talented artist, and Sherri seems to not only resemble her physically but have her innate talent.
Sherri greatly resents her stepmother and her stepsister, but she begins to love them as she understands that their differences are something that she can benefit from. They are very patient with her, and help her out to fulfill her dreams. Her Dad becomes gentler, understanding that he needs to see her as not only a daughter but as an aspiring artist.
There are some exciting passages dealing with the family's ranch and its horses and cattle and majestic scenery. Well worth a read even if it may be geared toward a teenage crowd.
Her father is somewhat harsh with her when she doesn't toe the line, and she feels unable to express her deepest desire to get art lessons. Her mother was a very talented artist, and Sherri seems to not only resemble her physically but have her innate talent.
Sherri greatly resents her stepmother and her stepsister, but she begins to love them as she understands that their differences are something that she can benefit from. They are very patient with her, and help her out to fulfill her dreams. Her Dad becomes gentler, understanding that he needs to see her as not only a daughter but as an aspiring artist.
There are some exciting passages dealing with the family's ranch and its horses and cattle and majestic scenery. Well worth a read even if it may be geared toward a teenage crowd.
July 4, 2025
YA Fic book from my childhood. It's fun to reread a childhood favorite with grown up eyes. Surprisingly, this was still as good as I thought it was back then. I wonder why the author didn't write many books.
October 22, 2017
Probably 3.5 stars.
I liked re-reading this book to find that it held up pretty well from my childhood memories of being pretty good. All the things I loved in my teens—horses, drawing, and photography—were things Sherri also loved. And weaving these threads together in this "finding one's identity" story was the word and love of God.
*The text could have used a better editor, for sure.
I liked re-reading this book to find that it held up pretty well from my childhood memories of being pretty good. All the things I loved in my teens—horses, drawing, and photography—were things Sherri also loved. And weaving these threads together in this "finding one's identity" story was the word and love of God.
*The text could have used a better editor, for sure.
February 10, 2012
It was truly amazing. It is listed as a novel for young people.I was truly impressed with how much faith the main character had and her struggles accepting a step Mom and step sister.It was a can't put it down book for me.
I highly recommend it to people of all ages.
I highly recommend it to people of all ages.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews