When the Last Leaf Falls

by Bill Myers

In a new telling of the classic O'Henry story, "The Last Leaf," a gravely ill adolescent girl--at death's door and angry at God--miraculously recovers when she views the last painting of her dying grandfather, who sought to capture on canvas the essence of God's love.

Genres: Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Bill Myers was born into a Christian home, and although as a child he became bored with Christianity, he decided at the University of Washington quote, to "make God my boss." Ironically, at the University his worst subject was writing. He claims to have prayed, and said that he would be able to do anything for God, except write. Even so, he has become a prominent Christian writer, and has a large amount of successful books and films to his credit.

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes, a book hits too close to home...this was difficult to read, but worth it.

[Teresa Burleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this novella, a pastor's teen age daughter is battling bone cancer and has to have part of her leg
amputated. As a result, every member of the family, including her grandfather, has to grow in
their walk with God. Despite the serious subject matter, Bill Myers made me laugh in several places.
It is an excellent retelling of the short story by O. Henry.

[Channelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was like... 10 or 12, and I still remember some parts of the story, which means this was good. Good enough for an impact to last past the elementary/middle-school years.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of surrender.

[Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good! Definitely thought Ally was going to die. I didn't full on cry but my vision did get blurred by tears. It was a sad book the entire time.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, but such a sad story. If you're struggling with depression or going through a hard time, wait to start reading.

[Kimberly Jordan]

What a great heart warming book.

[Magdalene Banman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, I just wish it would have been a little bit longer. A sad story with a very redeeming ending. Well written and would recommend

[Lee Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEN THE LAST LEAF FALLS is a powerful book that left a lasting impression on me long after the last page was turned. It shows the lengths a father will go to for his very ill daughter. It's a story of love, sacrifice, and determination. Although his child felt she would lose her battle with cancer, often saying, "When the last leaf falls, I'll be dead," her loving parents never gave up. And as I read the scenes when her parents entered her bedroom and checked the last leaf remaining on the tree, I cried and cheered simultaneously. And just as the leaf hung on for dear life, so did her father's love. This book is amazing!

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book and something that I needed to read just now. I struggled thru the book while I dealt with my own heavy load. I finished the book today and have found a new way to pray. I have begged God for strength and taken courage in the fact that I am his. I am now going to pray for his will. He knows what is best and I lift everything in my life to him. He takes it all and I am okay with what happens now believing finally that his will is best and he has complete control and the power to move any mountain. Praise God for this book!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who needs to read a long winded story. This short and sweet tale talks of a young girl who is dying. She watches as the leaves outside her window slowly turn to tones of red, vowing when the last leaf falls she will die. Its really a book all should read to encourage strength and faith at the worst time in your life.

[Liz]

What a heart warming story about a parent's and grandparent's love for their child. But even more, a story about the unconditional love of God and what happens when you turned everything over to Him.

[Cara Kelly Merrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touted as a retell of O'Henry's "The Last Leaf," this book is more than that. O'Henry's tale is just a minute part of the plot. Written beautifully, full of thought-provoking plot, When the Last Leaf Falls is a lovely tale that will make any reader stop and appreciate all that they have...

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. Very heart-warming. It should remind people to never give up on the Lord. That he is always with us.

[Glenette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very good book!!!!

[Eileen Rife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Such power packed in 133 pages. Tears of life-affirming faith.