Bootprints

by Deborah Beachy, Sharon Beachy

As a boy, Jason Kauffman feared his father. As a man, he hated him. Jason thought this was normal. Fathers and sons do not get along, do they? Then why did it bother him when his own sons began to fear him? There was no way to break the cycle. Everything was his father’s fault. His addictions. His anger. His bitterness. There was no way he could change until his father died, Jason thought. Then Jason discovered someone else. A new Father, who loved him. Could this new Father break the cycle, or would it have to go on forever?

Genres: Christian

358 pages, Paperback

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

First, the good.

The authors made the emotions feel very real. I felt Jason’s fear and shame as he grew up with an abusive father. I felt the sorrow of Jason’s wife when she realized that her husband was becoming just like his father. I felt the anxiety of Jason’s little boys as they cowered in fear, never knowing when their daddy would lash out again.

But I believe the authors are sadly, dangerously amiss in some of their beliefs. The underlying assumption appears to be that silent submission and prayer are the only recourse for Gods women in dealing with brokenness, dysfunction and abuse in their marriages and families. And folks, I can’t be silent on this subject any longer because I’ve seen this mindset wreck disaster in the life of a friend. Bootprints may have a happy ending, but her story doesn’t.

When verbal and physical abuse is happening in the home, godly women have a moral responsibility to humbly confront the issues. Don’t try to deal with it alone—seek outside help.

Women, God gave you a voice for a reason. Use it. Submission under God is never mindless.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. It's the story of a man who, hurt and abused by his father, started acting just like him when he became a father. The emotional journey of the characters was well done. My pick with the book is that it may make abused wives or children feel like they need to stay in dangerous situations and pray for their abusers rather than getting out of the situation for the best of all involved.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really, really good. I'd give it six stars if i could. :)

[Shari Cummings]

Enjoyed every page

Hoping there's a sequel

[Sharita Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to everyone! It showcases sad truths in some Amish & Mennonite homes. I really appreciated the truth brought to light as well as showing how to work through the abuse and how to overcome it in a new generation. An encouragement to do better than those before us who failed!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought provoking. I don't agree with this books definition of repentance, or confession of sins. But it does raise very important questions about fatherhood and the issues of breaking chains of habit and abuse.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites! I've read it through multiple times.

[Emily Gingrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Fits in the “unputdownable” category.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a very hard time putting this book down. Though there is no mystery, and no romance, which I appreciate, by the way, I was kept turning page after page. I wanted resolution to the abuse that was happening, and could hardly wait until I reached the end to find out if change ever came to Jason and his father. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Niv · Rating 5 out of 5]

The downside: I found quite a few grammar mistakes in this book -- mostly the problem of than and then.
The upside: the story is really good. I enjoyed it heaps and had to 'ration' my reading so I wouldn't finish it all in a day. Or two… I will be reading it again.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of grammar mistakes but has a lot of life lessons. A story I can relate to having three kids of my own close in age.