In Everything Give Thanks

by Terry Barnes

Growing up in a small Midwestern town in the 60s, Matt wants nothing more than to run cross-country, hang out with his friends, and act cool. When Matt's father dies unexpectedly in a tragic car accident, his world is turned upside-down. Bitter over the loss of his father, Matt wants everyone to leave him alone, including God. When Wade, a stuttering, handicapped young man, moves in next door and insists on making Matt his best friend, Matt wants nothing to do with him. Teased by some of his friends at school, Matt struggles with choosing to be accepted rather than doing what's right. Only when Matt is able to see the world through Wade's eyes will he truly understand the meaning of grace and forgiveness.

Genres: Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2007

About the author

Terry Barnes won the 2005 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest for his first novel, "In Everything Give Thanks." His second novel, "Whispered to the Heart," also explores the fundamental questions of life and faith. His latest novella, "As the Leaves Kiss the Stream," is a story of conflict and grace between a father and his seventeen-year-old daughter, in the context of fly fishing in the Ozarks.

His writing shows the quest for meaning in the swirl of life, a struggle common to humanity. As for literature, its purpose is to illustrate truth with such words that will capture the heart and soul of the reader.

Terry is also an online adjunct professor of religion for several major universities. His website is https://terrybarnesauthor.blogspot.com.

Reviews

[Barton Jahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book won first prize in 2005 in a Jerry B. Jenkins writer’s contest for debut novels…it deserves all the accolades it receives.

This is a wonderful book. I would give it 6 stars instead of 5 if I could.

Author Terry Barnes finds some explanations for the great mystery of evil events and suffering in this life and world…as the product and outworking of the insightful and imaginative storyline…that even some of the world’s leading contemporary apologists have either missed or not articulated clearly…yet when these reveals surface to resolve the story at the end of the book…we are left with a profound, deeply moving, almost life-changing, yet also easily recognizable as the truth that has always been there just below ground level…that needs the Holy Spirit to unearth (Jn. 16:13).

The profound reveal at the end of the story (spoiler alert) is that if we are a 15-year old in high school (Matt) who recently lost his father killed in an automobile accident…a father who survived the invasion of Iwo Jima as a marine during WWII and became a fox-hole Christian convert…instead of getting bitter against God…we give thanks for the 15 years we had with our earthly father…an inspirational role-model and a pillar of the small-town community.

This is a hard-earned lesson coming brilliantly from a mentally-retarded neighbor/friend (Wade) injured as an infant boy…who has learned the secret of “in everything give thanks.”

I would heartily recommend this book…I learned from it a valuable insight into the cross of Jesus Christ that better informs my outlook on tragedies occurring in life.

[Juanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great book I kept forgetting it was fiction! Very easy to read and get lost in.

[Abigail Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I cried nearly all through the story!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about the loss of faith and then regaining faith.

[Sue J · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Everything Give Thanks is beautifully written. It is heartbreaking and uplifting. The review says it is memoir-like. Very much so... it almost seems like a true memoir. Bravo!

[Joshua Rutledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I withheld that 5th star because it made me feel feelings that were too real and made me uncomfortable... which probably means you should read it.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and sweet, this book tackles the many questions that come with grief and our understanding of the goodness of God.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good view of a teenager trying to deal with his father's tragic death. The religious tone was almost too much for me. I did realize going in that it would be a Christian book, and I read it in its entirety, but I could see people losing interest in it.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A emotional coming of age novel that gripped me from the first chapter. I was able to feel what Matt was going through and could relate to Wade as well. This book is a keeper to reread again and I highly recommend it!

[Lenice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book once the story got going. It took a while for me to get into it. I think we can all learn something from this book. Very good lesson!!

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This worked well for me. My wife also enjoyed it.

[Kristine Edris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was touched until the end. Highly recommend this to everyone.