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The Reason
WHAT DOES GOD LOOK LIKE?
Welcome to southeast Michigan and the small town of Carlson where faith, hope, and struggle are defined by the different faces of those who live there. An addict that sits at a bar to forget.
A mother whose five-year-old boy has leukemia. Two doctors. An atheist haunted by his past and a brilliant young oncologist that places all her hope in the power of modern medicine. A blind pastor whose son hasn’t spoken a single word in thirty-eight years.
But the minister sees by faith. He knows there are answers and believes that someone who cares is watching—someone with a greater purpose. Yet there is something he doesn’t know... that none of them know. In the midst of the ordinary and the devastating, there is a reason these lives will be changed forever. Lightning is about to strike.
The Reason opens with a thunderbolt and never lets up as it introduces us to everyday characters who are wrestling with questions: Where is God when bad things happen? Does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? The answer each character receives will astound readers while offering an unforgettable call to hope, to change, and to believe.
Welcome to southeast Michigan and the small town of Carlson where faith, hope, and struggle are defined by the different faces of those who live there. An addict that sits at a bar to forget.
A mother whose five-year-old boy has leukemia. Two doctors. An atheist haunted by his past and a brilliant young oncologist that places all her hope in the power of modern medicine. A blind pastor whose son hasn’t spoken a single word in thirty-eight years.
But the minister sees by faith. He knows there are answers and believes that someone who cares is watching—someone with a greater purpose. Yet there is something he doesn’t know... that none of them know. In the midst of the ordinary and the devastating, there is a reason these lives will be changed forever. Lightning is about to strike.
The Reason opens with a thunderbolt and never lets up as it introduces us to everyday characters who are wrestling with questions: Where is God when bad things happen? Does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? The answer each character receives will astound readers while offering an unforgettable call to hope, to change, and to believe.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
67 people are currently reading
1464 people want to read
About the author
William Sirls
4 books126 followersOver the course of his life, William Sirls has experienced both great highs and tremendous lows--some born of chance, some born of choice. Once a senior vice president at a major investment firm, he was incarcerated in 2007 for wire fraud and money laundering, where he learned a great deal more than he ever bargained for. Life lessons involving faith, grace, patience, and forgiveness are evident in his writing. He is the father of two and makes his home in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
June 15, 2016
I am soooo excited! I received this book in the mail today as the result of a giveaway I entered on goodreads first read. I just joined and I've already won something so I am going to get reading. OMG, I am so loving this book. I am literally shaking as I read. I love it when a book that is christian based even though it is fiction can be scripturally on point if you will. I have read some reviews alluding to The Shack and although I enjoyed The Shack, I really did...uhhhh, there is something about this book that brings out the preacher in me. It makes me want to preach. It makes me want to minister in compassion to the hurting and the lost. It makes me want to bring the people of God back to the place of waiting in expectancy for God to show up and do the miraculous...ONLY BELIEVE...While I can't wait to finish the book...I don't want the story to end...I am at page 205.William Sirls
I know it's only a book but I can vividly see little Alex fighting for his life! I want to skip to the back of the book to see what happens but I won't, I will do the right thing and keep reading but Macey just needs to humble herself and admit that there are some things she has no power over...I would love to see this as a movie. Did I say that already? OMG! I cried, oh the glory at the end of this book. I was getting a little uptight at the chapel scene but I cried because it turned around and I was crying like it was real story. I had a feeling 7:14 had some scriptural relevance but couldn't figure it out. I would advise everyone to read this. This book I will read again and again! Okay, I'm back...the chapel scene, I can just hear Jesus say, "I am the resurrection!" My God! Can we handle a modern day Lazarus miracle? What a story...Mr. Sirls, good luck with topping this one! Ask in faith believing...all that has been resonating in my spirit is 'I AM the resurrection'. When He speaks life, live...proceed! I am done really...did I say I love this book?
I know it's only a book but I can vividly see little Alex fighting for his life! I want to skip to the back of the book to see what happens but I won't, I will do the right thing and keep reading but Macey just needs to humble herself and admit that there are some things she has no power over...I would love to see this as a movie. Did I say that already? OMG! I cried, oh the glory at the end of this book. I was getting a little uptight at the chapel scene but I cried because it turned around and I was crying like it was real story. I had a feeling 7:14 had some scriptural relevance but couldn't figure it out. I would advise everyone to read this. This book I will read again and again! Okay, I'm back...the chapel scene, I can just hear Jesus say, "I am the resurrection!" My God! Can we handle a modern day Lazarus miracle? What a story...Mr. Sirls, good luck with topping this one! Ask in faith believing...all that has been resonating in my spirit is 'I AM the resurrection'. When He speaks life, live...proceed! I am done really...did I say I love this book?
July 8, 2012
This is a special book. Truth be told, I edited it, so I feel a unique kinship with the story and the author. This is not a literary read, but a popular one, accessible to all. I love that aspect of it; I can see myself handing it to a broad spectrum of friends and family and them all enjoying it.
THE REASON reminded me of THE SHACK, in its ability to bring a new spin to old, old subjects of faith and life and struggle and redemption...and yet this novel stays true to good theology. I loved the twists and turns, the way it encouraged me to remember the Giver of all miracles in a fresh way, and the hope we always have in tomorrow. It alternately made me giggle and then dissolve into tears. I'm talking SOBBING. While I was editing. Reading scenes for the third and fourth time. It was THAT moving.
And when I finished the book, I felt inspired and satisfied--which trust me, NEVER happens post-editing--because we writers and editors get seriously weary of a project by the time it goes to press. But not this one. Trust me when I say that THE REASON will be one that many, many readers insist all their friends pick up. Be one of the first--you won't regret it.
THE REASON reminded me of THE SHACK, in its ability to bring a new spin to old, old subjects of faith and life and struggle and redemption...and yet this novel stays true to good theology. I loved the twists and turns, the way it encouraged me to remember the Giver of all miracles in a fresh way, and the hope we always have in tomorrow. It alternately made me giggle and then dissolve into tears. I'm talking SOBBING. While I was editing. Reading scenes for the third and fourth time. It was THAT moving.
And when I finished the book, I felt inspired and satisfied--which trust me, NEVER happens post-editing--because we writers and editors get seriously weary of a project by the time it goes to press. But not this one. Trust me when I say that THE REASON will be one that many, many readers insist all their friends pick up. Be one of the first--you won't regret it.
March 12, 2014
It's pretty unlikely that I would ever buy a fiction Christian book. I find most of them to be predictable and hokey.
That being said...
I was at Baker Book Store and this guy comes up to me and gives me his card. His name is William Sirls. He gives me a little background info on his life and we start chatting about his books. I was honest and told him that non-fiction is more my style. He offers to give me his books if I promise to read them and then share with others if I like them. He actually pulled cash out of his wallet and sent me to the checkout counter.
So, I read the book. I admit now that I was too quick to judge Christian fiction. This book is better than most. It has a lot of twists and the characters are very relatable and realistic. It kept my attention throughout the story. I am looking forward to reading the second book "The Sinners Garden". As promised, I highly recommend this book. I will be promoting this one to all my friends. :)
Mr. Sirls, Thank you for your kind gift. I hope your daughter won. :)
That being said...
I was at Baker Book Store and this guy comes up to me and gives me his card. His name is William Sirls. He gives me a little background info on his life and we start chatting about his books. I was honest and told him that non-fiction is more my style. He offers to give me his books if I promise to read them and then share with others if I like them. He actually pulled cash out of his wallet and sent me to the checkout counter.
So, I read the book. I admit now that I was too quick to judge Christian fiction. This book is better than most. It has a lot of twists and the characters are very relatable and realistic. It kept my attention throughout the story. I am looking forward to reading the second book "The Sinners Garden". As promised, I highly recommend this book. I will be promoting this one to all my friends. :)
Mr. Sirls, Thank you for your kind gift. I hope your daughter won. :)
November 5, 2020
Sirls pens a uniquely touching novel filled with memorable characters. Although the book is sometimes sad, the ultimate story about believing in God even when things don’t make sense shines through every page. Hope resonates throughout the tale, and the realistic characters and situations can’t help but draw the reader closer to the Lord. Humorous moments lighten up situations that could be heavy.
When Alex is diagnosed with leukemia, the doctors and nurses at the hospital take a special interest in him and the church. Miraculous things begin to happen, many in the presence of a strangely appealing man named Kenneth, who asks them to only believe.
When Alex is diagnosed with leukemia, the doctors and nurses at the hospital take a special interest in him and the church. Miraculous things begin to happen, many in the presence of a strangely appealing man named Kenneth, who asks them to only believe.
Want to read
June 22, 2017I received this in the mail today having won it in a Goodreads giveaway. It had a beautiful note enclosed from the author and the book was also personally signed. I am very excited to begin reading The Reason and a review will follow.
August 1, 2012
"The Reason" is a book that I won through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway. And, I am so very glad that I was chosen to receive this book. It is marvelous and inspiring.
From the very first page I was hooked. It is a book that I will surely reread again and again; clearly one of my favorites by far. The final pages had me in tears and it was hard to see the print on the page. This is a very awe inspiring book giving us life's lesson in faith, patience, forgiveness and the ability to JUST BELIEVE.
You will grow to love all the characters in this book as I did. I felt I knew them and wanted to go up to each one and give them all a hug. A lot of compassion and love went into the writing of this great story of a little boy named Alex who goes through a very difficult period in his young life. Many miracles occur too and many come to find their faith in God once again.
Please read this book if you ever get the chance. I recommend it highly. I would give it 10 stars or more if I could.
From the very first page I was hooked. It is a book that I will surely reread again and again; clearly one of my favorites by far. The final pages had me in tears and it was hard to see the print on the page. This is a very awe inspiring book giving us life's lesson in faith, patience, forgiveness and the ability to JUST BELIEVE.
You will grow to love all the characters in this book as I did. I felt I knew them and wanted to go up to each one and give them all a hug. A lot of compassion and love went into the writing of this great story of a little boy named Alex who goes through a very difficult period in his young life. Many miracles occur too and many come to find their faith in God once again.
Please read this book if you ever get the chance. I recommend it highly. I would give it 10 stars or more if I could.
October 2, 2012
ARC received courtesy of Goodreads.com Giveaway
This was such a touching and thought provoking book, I'm sure that I will re-read it. The people of a small church in a small Michigan town learn what it really means to live by faith. The steeple of the church is struck by lightning and destroyed; that's when the miracles really begin! I don't want to say more about the plot because I want each reader to be able to have his/her own experience with the book. Even though this book is about God, it isn't about religion. The central theme is simply believing. Are we able to believe in something bigger than us even when it's difficult? What about if miracles and wonders are happening all around us, but not to us? This is a book that will "stick with you" long after you've turned the last page. Only believe....
This was such a touching and thought provoking book, I'm sure that I will re-read it. The people of a small church in a small Michigan town learn what it really means to live by faith. The steeple of the church is struck by lightning and destroyed; that's when the miracles really begin! I don't want to say more about the plot because I want each reader to be able to have his/her own experience with the book. Even though this book is about God, it isn't about religion. The central theme is simply believing. Are we able to believe in something bigger than us even when it's difficult? What about if miracles and wonders are happening all around us, but not to us? This is a book that will "stick with you" long after you've turned the last page. Only believe....
June 6, 2016
The Reason is definitely in the top 10 books that I have read this year.
I honestly wasn’t sure that it would be the type of book that I would like to read but it was fantastic!
The funny thing about this book is that before I even read it; God used it to teach me a lesson.
When the author contacted me about reading this book I had told them yes and a few days later it came in the mail. It so happens that I got this book during a time when I was having some financial struggles. I was being negative about the situation and I certainly wasn’t trusting in God even though He has never failed me. I opened my package and the author wrote in the inside of the book, “Only Believe.” Which was also the theme throughout the entire story but from that very small phrase I was reminded to believe and the Lord would provide!
This author and book is such a blessing!
When a terrible storm destroys the cross in front of a small town church it seems rather hopeless that it will ever be repaired as the blind minister, James Lindy and his family doesn't have the financial means to do so!
In a somewhat extraordinary twist of fate this broken and destroyed cross brings about a series events that will forever alter the lives of an entire group of people. A mysterious stranger is at the midst of a strange set of occurrences surrounding the cross and also in intertwining the lives of a group of people that started out as strangers.
When the Lindy’s “adopted” daughter, Brooke’s young son is diagnosed with leukemia; The Lindy’s, Brooke, her friend Carla and the medical team treating young Alex’s cancer learn that they must “Only Believe.”
Each of these people has their own private pain or their own set of obstacles that keep them from a personal relationship with Christ and it seems that the mysterious stranger, Kenneth is just what is needed to bring them to God.
I don’t want to spill too much of this story—it was somewhat of a modern day Lazarus tale that many may find too hard to believe—but then again? One must, “Only Believe.”
Fantastic 5 star story of redemption and grace which will mean even more to you once you read the biography of the author in the back of the book. If you decide to pick up this book I hope that it blesses you as much as it did me!
View all my reviews|Read an Excerpt
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I honestly wasn’t sure that it would be the type of book that I would like to read but it was fantastic!
The funny thing about this book is that before I even read it; God used it to teach me a lesson.
When the author contacted me about reading this book I had told them yes and a few days later it came in the mail. It so happens that I got this book during a time when I was having some financial struggles. I was being negative about the situation and I certainly wasn’t trusting in God even though He has never failed me. I opened my package and the author wrote in the inside of the book, “Only Believe.” Which was also the theme throughout the entire story but from that very small phrase I was reminded to believe and the Lord would provide!
This author and book is such a blessing!
When a terrible storm destroys the cross in front of a small town church it seems rather hopeless that it will ever be repaired as the blind minister, James Lindy and his family doesn't have the financial means to do so!
In a somewhat extraordinary twist of fate this broken and destroyed cross brings about a series events that will forever alter the lives of an entire group of people. A mysterious stranger is at the midst of a strange set of occurrences surrounding the cross and also in intertwining the lives of a group of people that started out as strangers.
When the Lindy’s “adopted” daughter, Brooke’s young son is diagnosed with leukemia; The Lindy’s, Brooke, her friend Carla and the medical team treating young Alex’s cancer learn that they must “Only Believe.”
Each of these people has their own private pain or their own set of obstacles that keep them from a personal relationship with Christ and it seems that the mysterious stranger, Kenneth is just what is needed to bring them to God.
I don’t want to spill too much of this story—it was somewhat of a modern day Lazarus tale that many may find too hard to believe—but then again? One must, “Only Believe.”
Fantastic 5 star story of redemption and grace which will mean even more to you once you read the biography of the author in the back of the book. If you decide to pick up this book I hope that it blesses you as much as it did me!
View all my reviews|Read an Excerpt
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
April 9, 2013
Lightning strikes the cross outside a small church in Michigan and the pastor, wondering how the congregation will afford to mend it, hears the words, “Only believe.”
Belief is powerful theme in William Sirls’ novel The Reason—belief, the possibility of miracles, and the certainty that God always has a reason for what happens in this world. Doctors and nurses in the hospital, pastor and wounded child, single mom, friends who drink too much, and many more townspeople will be drawn together in a circle where unbelief draws ever closer to something true. And a curious carpenter, at work on the long-delayed hospital extension, might lead them.
I enjoyed this novel. I like its gentle wisdom and convincing faith, reminding me sometimes of The Shack, sometimes of Taylor Caldwell’s Man who listens, and sometimes of all those hospital dramas we love to watch on TV. The well-orchestrated coincidences and pleasing moments of all-important guidance are well-timed and convincingly unforced. And there’s a deep Christian faith, making it a good book for seekers and believers, though perhaps not for those turned off by any mention of God. I love the final scene too, but I have to confess, while the ending truly is almost perfect, absolutely true to scripture’s promises, I still wish there’d been a balance somewhere of something less easy to believe—at first reading, I even wished for a different ending, and I’m not entirely sure what that says about me. Still, it’s an enjoyable, thought-provoking read, one I picked up eagerly for the cover and blurb and couldn’t put down until I’d finished.
Disclosure: I won a copy of this novel in a blog contest.
Belief is powerful theme in William Sirls’ novel The Reason—belief, the possibility of miracles, and the certainty that God always has a reason for what happens in this world. Doctors and nurses in the hospital, pastor and wounded child, single mom, friends who drink too much, and many more townspeople will be drawn together in a circle where unbelief draws ever closer to something true. And a curious carpenter, at work on the long-delayed hospital extension, might lead them.
I enjoyed this novel. I like its gentle wisdom and convincing faith, reminding me sometimes of The Shack, sometimes of Taylor Caldwell’s Man who listens, and sometimes of all those hospital dramas we love to watch on TV. The well-orchestrated coincidences and pleasing moments of all-important guidance are well-timed and convincingly unforced. And there’s a deep Christian faith, making it a good book for seekers and believers, though perhaps not for those turned off by any mention of God. I love the final scene too, but I have to confess, while the ending truly is almost perfect, absolutely true to scripture’s promises, I still wish there’d been a balance somewhere of something less easy to believe—at first reading, I even wished for a different ending, and I’m not entirely sure what that says about me. Still, it’s an enjoyable, thought-provoking read, one I picked up eagerly for the cover and blurb and couldn’t put down until I’d finished.
Disclosure: I won a copy of this novel in a blog contest.
May 3, 2013
***Spitirual tale with a supernatural twist from debut author***
The Reason, a story of supernatural suspense with a spiritual twist by debut author William Sirls, asks readers to set reason aside and “only believe” when belief in anything seems impossible. It’s a courageous story of hope from viewpoints of a terminally ill child, a single mother without hope and the surrogate family they live with, a blind pastor, wife and mute son. Then there’s the addicted friend, the month’s long comatose patient, a mysterious carpenter and doctors and nurses who only seem to believe in their medical training, until....
…a series of extraordinary events arise after the “…fifteen-foot wooden cross centered on St. Thomas’s church front lawn…” is struck by lightning and split in two by a sudden thunder storm. Although the church can’t afford to fix the cross the damaged cross draws unrelated people together by accidental circumstance—or is it, could there be a larger force at work in this small Michigan community?
Readers meet genuine characters such as five-year-old Alex who struggles with cancer treatments, Macey Lewis, the brilliant pediatric oncologist who treats him while she worries about her $140,000 student loan, his mother Brooke who pleads with God to know why and the strange “Mr. Mysterious” who quotes scripture and asks everyone he meets to “only believe.”
Then there’s Dr. Zach who’s hidden…Full Review: www.examiner.com/list/the-reason-by-w...
The Reason, a story of supernatural suspense with a spiritual twist by debut author William Sirls, asks readers to set reason aside and “only believe” when belief in anything seems impossible. It’s a courageous story of hope from viewpoints of a terminally ill child, a single mother without hope and the surrogate family they live with, a blind pastor, wife and mute son. Then there’s the addicted friend, the month’s long comatose patient, a mysterious carpenter and doctors and nurses who only seem to believe in their medical training, until....
…a series of extraordinary events arise after the “…fifteen-foot wooden cross centered on St. Thomas’s church front lawn…” is struck by lightning and split in two by a sudden thunder storm. Although the church can’t afford to fix the cross the damaged cross draws unrelated people together by accidental circumstance—or is it, could there be a larger force at work in this small Michigan community?
Readers meet genuine characters such as five-year-old Alex who struggles with cancer treatments, Macey Lewis, the brilliant pediatric oncologist who treats him while she worries about her $140,000 student loan, his mother Brooke who pleads with God to know why and the strange “Mr. Mysterious” who quotes scripture and asks everyone he meets to “only believe.”
Then there’s Dr. Zach who’s hidden…Full Review: www.examiner.com/list/the-reason-by-w...
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February 15, 2017My mom really enjoyed this book!
I never could get into the story... I felt so bad about that, because I really wanted to read it!
So I passed it on to my mom. She finished it in record time and just couldn't stop telling me about it!
I guess it's just a matter of taste?
I never could get into the story... I felt so bad about that, because I really wanted to read it!
So I passed it on to my mom. She finished it in record time and just couldn't stop telling me about it!
I guess it's just a matter of taste?
August 8, 2012
I'm so excited to have won this book - it sounds wonderful - thank you!!!
February 23, 2017
While reading this book, I was hooked from the first chapter. William Sirls sure knows how to tell a story!
I fell in love with the characters in the book, felt like part of the community as I read, and wanted more!
This book reminded me of the movie, The Encounter, and also the novel, The Shack. It involves several main characters including two doctors, a nurse, a pastor, his wife and son, along with a young woman and her five year old son. Some of these characters believe in God and attend church, others are more skeptical and possibly even atheistic. Each of them has a story, and behind the story the reason for what they believe. It's a story about mistakes made, understanding God, fear, anger, disbelief, and faith. If you have every questioned your faith or the reason why things happen, this book empathizes with those questions.
The story begins with a local church, whose cross is damaged when lightning hits. A crew of people led by a doctor, get together with the a carpenter to repair the cross. Oddly when he shows up, things seem to happen - unexplainable things. Miracles maybe? No one can quite put their finger on it, but he seems to just know things. Each person in the story is affected differently by his presence. Each person is uniquely drawn to the cross by their own set of circumstances. Ultimately the cross changes lives.
I enjoyed the story line and how it all played out, although, it didn't end the way I expected it to. It was thought provoking and intense at times. The answer to the "reason" wasn't what I thought it would be, but it all made perfect sense in the end. When we "only believe", a phrase used often in this book, things may not turn out the way we think, or God's way of doing things may be different than ours, but ultimately, He knows best, and has our best interest at heart. The author did a great job of encouraging complete surrender, trust, and obedience to God in-spite of the outcome.
I would recommend this book and be thrilled to read another by this author. His personal story is also very moving and interesting. I was blessed with a free copy of this book by the author and bookfun.org to read. I was not asked to review it positively and all opinions are my own.
I fell in love with the characters in the book, felt like part of the community as I read, and wanted more!
This book reminded me of the movie, The Encounter, and also the novel, The Shack. It involves several main characters including two doctors, a nurse, a pastor, his wife and son, along with a young woman and her five year old son. Some of these characters believe in God and attend church, others are more skeptical and possibly even atheistic. Each of them has a story, and behind the story the reason for what they believe. It's a story about mistakes made, understanding God, fear, anger, disbelief, and faith. If you have every questioned your faith or the reason why things happen, this book empathizes with those questions.
The story begins with a local church, whose cross is damaged when lightning hits. A crew of people led by a doctor, get together with the a carpenter to repair the cross. Oddly when he shows up, things seem to happen - unexplainable things. Miracles maybe? No one can quite put their finger on it, but he seems to just know things. Each person in the story is affected differently by his presence. Each person is uniquely drawn to the cross by their own set of circumstances. Ultimately the cross changes lives.
I enjoyed the story line and how it all played out, although, it didn't end the way I expected it to. It was thought provoking and intense at times. The answer to the "reason" wasn't what I thought it would be, but it all made perfect sense in the end. When we "only believe", a phrase used often in this book, things may not turn out the way we think, or God's way of doing things may be different than ours, but ultimately, He knows best, and has our best interest at heart. The author did a great job of encouraging complete surrender, trust, and obedience to God in-spite of the outcome.
I would recommend this book and be thrilled to read another by this author. His personal story is also very moving and interesting. I was blessed with a free copy of this book by the author and bookfun.org to read. I was not asked to review it positively and all opinions are my own.
September 2, 2012
Brooke Thomas is cleaning her small church with her son, Alex, when the lights go out in an electrical storm, and the huge wooden cross outside the building is destroyed by lightening. She lives with the Lindy family: Pastor Jim, the blind pastor, his wife Shirley, and Charlie, their seven-foot, 355-pound son who hadn’t spoken a single word in his life.
Carla Miller is Brooke’s best friend, and has her own problems. A mysterious stranger appears in a bar, shows Carla an apple, tells her she has to learn to forgive, then leaves. Macey Lewis, paediatric oncologist at the local hospital, meets Brooke and Alex when they are having some medical tests. She offers to help rebuild the cross, and enlists the help of colleagues Dr Zach Norman, nurse Kaitlyn Harby and Kenneth, a carpenter who is working on the new wing of the hospital and who has been a man of God 'forever'.
The first couple of chapters introduced all the main characters, which had the potential to get a little confusing, but the different characters were soon linked together, and from then on, The Reason was a gripping contemporary story, a combination between medical and speculative fiction, centered around Brooke and Alex, but impacting all the characters in different ways.
While The Reason is most definitely a Christian novel, the characters aren't perfect. They visit bars, smoke, drink, get drunk and make wrong decisions as they deal with their present problems and confront their pasts. Their faith is challenged by circumstances, and by the carpenter who seems to know everything each of them has ever done. This is William Sirls’ first novel, and it is an outstanding debut with realistic characters facing difficult situations and learning to only believe. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
Carla Miller is Brooke’s best friend, and has her own problems. A mysterious stranger appears in a bar, shows Carla an apple, tells her she has to learn to forgive, then leaves. Macey Lewis, paediatric oncologist at the local hospital, meets Brooke and Alex when they are having some medical tests. She offers to help rebuild the cross, and enlists the help of colleagues Dr Zach Norman, nurse Kaitlyn Harby and Kenneth, a carpenter who is working on the new wing of the hospital and who has been a man of God 'forever'.
The first couple of chapters introduced all the main characters, which had the potential to get a little confusing, but the different characters were soon linked together, and from then on, The Reason was a gripping contemporary story, a combination between medical and speculative fiction, centered around Brooke and Alex, but impacting all the characters in different ways.
While The Reason is most definitely a Christian novel, the characters aren't perfect. They visit bars, smoke, drink, get drunk and make wrong decisions as they deal with their present problems and confront their pasts. Their faith is challenged by circumstances, and by the carpenter who seems to know everything each of them has ever done. This is William Sirls’ first novel, and it is an outstanding debut with realistic characters facing difficult situations and learning to only believe. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
October 24, 2012
A mysterious stranger comes to town, and keeps telling people to “only believe.” It quickly becomes apparent that he’s responsible for a number of healings and miracles that happen in the town, including restoration of a cross that’s been nearly destroyed by lightning.
I really enjoyed The Reason. It is a book full of miracles, with very likable yet authentic characters. The main characters are Alex, a little boy who has cancer, and Brooke, his single mother who wrestles with why God would allow her child to suffer. A host of other characters all intersect in a variety of subplots to this one.
I love when stories give you spiritual insights into the very things you’re struggling with. The Reason made me really think about some deep questions—why does God seem to answer some prayers but not others, what is the nature of healing, why do bad things happen to good people? Anyone wrestling with their faith, or asking big questions of God and his “reasons” should read this book. The Reason is a great story about faith, healing, and the incredible things that can happen when you "only believe."
Follow the author on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Willia...
I really enjoyed The Reason. It is a book full of miracles, with very likable yet authentic characters. The main characters are Alex, a little boy who has cancer, and Brooke, his single mother who wrestles with why God would allow her child to suffer. A host of other characters all intersect in a variety of subplots to this one.
I love when stories give you spiritual insights into the very things you’re struggling with. The Reason made me really think about some deep questions—why does God seem to answer some prayers but not others, what is the nature of healing, why do bad things happen to good people? Anyone wrestling with their faith, or asking big questions of God and his “reasons” should read this book. The Reason is a great story about faith, healing, and the incredible things that can happen when you "only believe."
Follow the author on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Willia...
March 20, 2013
This book started out great. I was zipping through the pages. I enjoyed the supernatural element in the book and I liked the characters, especially Charlie. The author did well with keeping the suspense going.
Unfortunately, after about 1/3 of the way in, the book became very predictable. The pacing slowed quite a bit, too. It wasn't hard to figure out cause of all the strange occurrences. I guess for someone who enjoys mysteries, I felt a little let down that I figured it out so soon. I was hoping the book didn't end the way I suspected, but unfortunately, it did. I found it hard to accept the ending, even thought it was a positive ending. Without giving too much away, I found myself not enjoying the "Kenneth" plotline, either. The faith element was pretty strong, but it actually fit the book. It was a little preachy, but given the premise, that was to be expected.
I would read another book by this author, maybe just not speculative Christian fiction.
Unfortunately, after about 1/3 of the way in, the book became very predictable. The pacing slowed quite a bit, too. It wasn't hard to figure out cause of all the strange occurrences. I guess for someone who enjoys mysteries, I felt a little let down that I figured it out so soon. I was hoping the book didn't end the way I suspected, but unfortunately, it did. I found it hard to accept the ending, even thought it was a positive ending. Without giving too much away, I found myself not enjoying the "Kenneth" plotline, either. The faith element was pretty strong, but it actually fit the book. It was a little preachy, but given the premise, that was to be expected.
I would read another book by this author, maybe just not speculative Christian fiction.
February 16, 2013
In the beginning of the book, I was having trouble keeping track of who was who. Was Macey the doctor and Kaitlyn the nurse? Which one dated Dr. Zach? Once I got the characters down, it was smooth sailing.
This book is a must read! It made me laugh, get angry, become frustrated and heartbroken. Keep the tissues around; this book will make you cry. These characters become a little family through the instances in the story and the book makes you feel like you are a part of that family as well. This book will leave you wondering, confused, and second-guessing with a sense of unbelievable.
I cannot say much more about this book to show you how great is it. There are no words. Just know that your faith may be challenged. You may cry. And you just might love this book as much as I do. If you only believe.
Until next time, take life one page at a time!
This book is a must read! It made me laugh, get angry, become frustrated and heartbroken. Keep the tissues around; this book will make you cry. These characters become a little family through the instances in the story and the book makes you feel like you are a part of that family as well. This book will leave you wondering, confused, and second-guessing with a sense of unbelievable.
I cannot say much more about this book to show you how great is it. There are no words. Just know that your faith may be challenged. You may cry. And you just might love this book as much as I do. If you only believe.
Until next time, take life one page at a time!
August 2, 2012
ARC Review - THE REASON, by William Sirls
Bravo! THE REASON is heartfelt and beautifully told. Sirls is both gifted and clever. A wonderful read.
God is definitely in this book throughout! His breath, His love, His grace--his presence--is felt on every page.
THE REASON is delightful. William Sirls is here to stay. His debut novel has the power to transform lives. His characters are rich in depth and arc, yet highly genuine--each like a good friend.
Truly remarkable. One of the best books I've ever had the pleasure to read.
Bravo! THE REASON is heartfelt and beautifully told. Sirls is both gifted and clever. A wonderful read.
God is definitely in this book throughout! His breath, His love, His grace--his presence--is felt on every page.
THE REASON is delightful. William Sirls is here to stay. His debut novel has the power to transform lives. His characters are rich in depth and arc, yet highly genuine--each like a good friend.
Truly remarkable. One of the best books I've ever had the pleasure to read.
November 16, 2013
Run, don't walk, to your nearest library, bookstore or ebook retailer. This is a must read! I cried like a baby. The author captured my attention and kept it. Awesome!
July 20, 2014
I would give this book more gold stars if I could. This is an extraordinary book! I will be reading it again and taking notes. God is good, ALL the time! I'm so thankful I have Him in my life!
November 24, 2020
I enjoy well written Christian fiction, like this one. Not only does it give my own faith a little boost, but allows me to think about my beliefs and where I might need some healing and growing.
This story pulls at the heart strings and asks the question -- Do you believe?
This story pulls at the heart strings and asks the question -- Do you believe?
October 29, 2012
Bringing God's word to life in today's world is a basic tenet of contemporary fiction and most readers come away with a warm, fuzzy feeling after reading such titles. We feel comfortable with the life and faith changes made by the characters and are assured that God has good things in store for their future. Novels like William Sirls' The Reason moves beyond those comfortable boundaries into a modern setting which is visited by a presence that surely is directly from God. When miraculous events begin to happen, observers must make the choice to "Just Believe."
The Reason centers around a small Michigan town and the aftermath of a sudden thunderstorm which splintered the wooden cross outside St. Thomas Church. When a small boy Alex tells Macey, an oncology doctor at the local hospital, about the cross, she spearheads a group to fix the cross. Within the group is Kenneth, a carpenter she has just met and who appears to be part of a work crew at the hospital.
As the gathered "cross rescuing" group scatters to take care of repair details, only three are left by the broken cross -- Pastor Jim, the blind minister of the congregation; Charlie, his disabled, mute son; and the unknown carpenter. Within minutes the scattered group gathers again at the cross to assess the damage and probably to haul away the unfixable structures. What they find is a perfect cross, complete with fresh lacquer. What has happened? Pastor Jim can't say because he didn't see it, although he heard something. Charlie obviously saw something, but cannot speak. And Kenneth's only message is "Just Believe."
Uneasy to accept that the group has just seen the product of a miracle, each person within the group comes to some kind of relationship with Kenneth and with God over the ensuring weeks. As the miracles continue, no one is left untouched by Kenneth's message. Everyone's faith and resolve will be tested though as young Alex begins to lose his battle against leukemia. How can this messenger from God stand by as the young boy slips into a coma? Was his mother tricked when she was told to "just believe?"
I have to admit I am more comfortable with the nice, neat stories of those contemporary novels which portray the characters within the parameters of life as we "see it." Stories with angelic strangers and miracles reach beyond that safeness, but it is a reach that we need to consider. I always wonder why
God would select a certain little town or group of people to visit, but then isn't that the real miracle of faith - that God choses each of us to love, choses us despite our mistakes and preoccupations and failures? And really miracles happen everyday, probably in every town, but we accept them as the way it was meant to be. Stories like The Reason highlight who is really behind those happenings and why they happen.
The story behind The Reason is its own plot of twists, turns, and changes. Author William Sirls had the idea for a story about a child with leukemia and had sketched out characters and scenes. When he was sent to prison for money laundering and fraud, Sirls had plenty of time on his hands. Time to learn about forgiveness, faith, and new chances -- lessons which he translated into his book.
Determined to self-publish the book after his release, Sirls worked on all the details, when miraculously he received an offer from Thomas Nelson Publishing. Months of fine tuning the book preceded the final release. I believe Sirls has a real talent, especially in character development. I can't pick a favorite, but Pastor Jim and Carly stand out. They go beyond the typical side characters and instead add depth to the story.
I received a copy of this title from BookSneeze for review purposes. All opinions are mine. I am so glad for the opportunity to read and review this title since it is the type of book that I usually bypass.
I highly recommend it.
The Reason centers around a small Michigan town and the aftermath of a sudden thunderstorm which splintered the wooden cross outside St. Thomas Church. When a small boy Alex tells Macey, an oncology doctor at the local hospital, about the cross, she spearheads a group to fix the cross. Within the group is Kenneth, a carpenter she has just met and who appears to be part of a work crew at the hospital.
As the gathered "cross rescuing" group scatters to take care of repair details, only three are left by the broken cross -- Pastor Jim, the blind minister of the congregation; Charlie, his disabled, mute son; and the unknown carpenter. Within minutes the scattered group gathers again at the cross to assess the damage and probably to haul away the unfixable structures. What they find is a perfect cross, complete with fresh lacquer. What has happened? Pastor Jim can't say because he didn't see it, although he heard something. Charlie obviously saw something, but cannot speak. And Kenneth's only message is "Just Believe."
Uneasy to accept that the group has just seen the product of a miracle, each person within the group comes to some kind of relationship with Kenneth and with God over the ensuring weeks. As the miracles continue, no one is left untouched by Kenneth's message. Everyone's faith and resolve will be tested though as young Alex begins to lose his battle against leukemia. How can this messenger from God stand by as the young boy slips into a coma? Was his mother tricked when she was told to "just believe?"
I have to admit I am more comfortable with the nice, neat stories of those contemporary novels which portray the characters within the parameters of life as we "see it." Stories with angelic strangers and miracles reach beyond that safeness, but it is a reach that we need to consider. I always wonder why
God would select a certain little town or group of people to visit, but then isn't that the real miracle of faith - that God choses each of us to love, choses us despite our mistakes and preoccupations and failures? And really miracles happen everyday, probably in every town, but we accept them as the way it was meant to be. Stories like The Reason highlight who is really behind those happenings and why they happen.
The story behind The Reason is its own plot of twists, turns, and changes. Author William Sirls had the idea for a story about a child with leukemia and had sketched out characters and scenes. When he was sent to prison for money laundering and fraud, Sirls had plenty of time on his hands. Time to learn about forgiveness, faith, and new chances -- lessons which he translated into his book.
Determined to self-publish the book after his release, Sirls worked on all the details, when miraculously he received an offer from Thomas Nelson Publishing. Months of fine tuning the book preceded the final release. I believe Sirls has a real talent, especially in character development. I can't pick a favorite, but Pastor Jim and Carly stand out. They go beyond the typical side characters and instead add depth to the story.
I received a copy of this title from BookSneeze for review purposes. All opinions are mine. I am so glad for the opportunity to read and review this title since it is the type of book that I usually bypass.
I highly recommend it.
February 4, 2020
I read this back 6 years ago. There was more impact at this tme in my life. A wonderful story that helps me understand more of what faith is about.
October 1, 2012
I often begin a review with "This is a story about", list the main character and describe the story from that character's viewpoint. That approach doesn't work with The Reason, by William Sirls. There is no main character. Instead, there are many lovable, memorable characters.
The story is centered around Alex, a five-year old who is diagnosed with leukemia early in the book. He and his mother Brooke, a single mother who was never married, live with Jim and Shirley Lindy. Jim, who has been blind for twenty years, is the pastor of St. Thomas Church. Their son, Charlie Lindy, is thirty-eight, seven-feet tall, weighs 355 pounds and has never said a word. He is a giant filled with love and a special tenderness for others. He is the one who found pregnant Brooke beaten and left for dead in the woods and carried her home.
Carla Miller is Brooke's twenty-seven-year-old friend who is struggling with alcohol abuse. She was sexually abused by a father who killed himself when Carla told her mother about what he was doing. Oncologist Macey Lewis and nurse Kaitlyn Harbey as well as Dr. Zach Norman, get involved with Alex before they know he is sick because they volunteered to help rebuild the church's cross that had been severely damaged during a storm. Treating him becomes even more difficult after they grow to love him and his extended family.
The Lindy's, Brooke and Alex are all believers of Jesus Christ and active in church. Still, Alex's illness is hard for them to understand and accept. Especially for Brooke. Carla, Macey, and Kaitlyn are believers too, but have been inactive for so long they are not used to praying. Zach helps the church for the publicity it gives him and the hospital.
"Only believe" is a theme repeated over and over in the book. This is a story about what happens to people from a variety of backgrounds and levels of belief when bad things happen to good people.
I enjoyed getting to know these people and following along with them during the painful and intense journey they faced. I have to admit to crying as I read and not knowing how the story would end. I feel my faith is stronger for reading this fantastic story and I hope everyone will read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
The story is centered around Alex, a five-year old who is diagnosed with leukemia early in the book. He and his mother Brooke, a single mother who was never married, live with Jim and Shirley Lindy. Jim, who has been blind for twenty years, is the pastor of St. Thomas Church. Their son, Charlie Lindy, is thirty-eight, seven-feet tall, weighs 355 pounds and has never said a word. He is a giant filled with love and a special tenderness for others. He is the one who found pregnant Brooke beaten and left for dead in the woods and carried her home.
Carla Miller is Brooke's twenty-seven-year-old friend who is struggling with alcohol abuse. She was sexually abused by a father who killed himself when Carla told her mother about what he was doing. Oncologist Macey Lewis and nurse Kaitlyn Harbey as well as Dr. Zach Norman, get involved with Alex before they know he is sick because they volunteered to help rebuild the church's cross that had been severely damaged during a storm. Treating him becomes even more difficult after they grow to love him and his extended family.
The Lindy's, Brooke and Alex are all believers of Jesus Christ and active in church. Still, Alex's illness is hard for them to understand and accept. Especially for Brooke. Carla, Macey, and Kaitlyn are believers too, but have been inactive for so long they are not used to praying. Zach helps the church for the publicity it gives him and the hospital.
"Only believe" is a theme repeated over and over in the book. This is a story about what happens to people from a variety of backgrounds and levels of belief when bad things happen to good people.
I enjoyed getting to know these people and following along with them during the painful and intense journey they faced. I have to admit to crying as I read and not knowing how the story would end. I feel my faith is stronger for reading this fantastic story and I hope everyone will read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 15, 2014
Where do I even start? This book is in no way a light read. It is not one you can easily read in a couple of hours. It is thought-provoking, emotional, and extremely well written. This is the first book I've read that has literally brought me to tears.
As I began reading, I thought the fact that there were several "main" characters would be distracting. William Sirls did a great job of weaving all of the characters stories together in a way that made sense. Following the different points of view was not at all difficult because all of the characters stories were inter-related and pretty much picked up where another left off. The development of each of the characters was well thought out, and natural. I could relate to each of their struggles to "only believe" (the main theme throughout the book).
There were several parts in the book that stuck out to me. I don't want to list them out because I don't want to give any spoilers away. I can, however, list a few quotes that particularly meant something to me:
"Everything happens for a reason, Zach. Every single thing."
"Believing is a choice..."
"What we need to understand is that it isn't about what we want. It's about what God wants for us. It's about God's plan and God's will. And if we want something and pray for it, we will get it if.. it is God's will"
I actually underlined this one: "..if we didn't experience pain and hardship, we would never know the full measure of triumphs and joy."
This particularly stood out to me as well because everyone, at one time or another, in their Christian walk will ask themselves this question: Why do bad things happen to good people? "His promise isn't that bad things don't happen...His promise is that God can turn every circumstance into something good. Every circumstance. Sometimes we just need to look... Sometimes it takes a lot of time to see it. Sometimes we don't get to see it at all - but somehow our suffering aids others. The key is trusting the master through it all."
And finally, the reason God does everything that He does is God loves you. This book will have you laughing, crying, and examining your own faith. All God wants us to do is "only believe." (Luke 8:50 - But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.) Do you believe?
View my review here: http://faithlovebooks.blogspot.com/20...
As I began reading, I thought the fact that there were several "main" characters would be distracting. William Sirls did a great job of weaving all of the characters stories together in a way that made sense. Following the different points of view was not at all difficult because all of the characters stories were inter-related and pretty much picked up where another left off. The development of each of the characters was well thought out, and natural. I could relate to each of their struggles to "only believe" (the main theme throughout the book).
There were several parts in the book that stuck out to me. I don't want to list them out because I don't want to give any spoilers away. I can, however, list a few quotes that particularly meant something to me:
"Everything happens for a reason, Zach. Every single thing."
"Believing is a choice..."
"What we need to understand is that it isn't about what we want. It's about what God wants for us. It's about God's plan and God's will. And if we want something and pray for it, we will get it if.. it is God's will"
I actually underlined this one: "..if we didn't experience pain and hardship, we would never know the full measure of triumphs and joy."
This particularly stood out to me as well because everyone, at one time or another, in their Christian walk will ask themselves this question: Why do bad things happen to good people? "His promise isn't that bad things don't happen...His promise is that God can turn every circumstance into something good. Every circumstance. Sometimes we just need to look... Sometimes it takes a lot of time to see it. Sometimes we don't get to see it at all - but somehow our suffering aids others. The key is trusting the master through it all."
And finally, the reason God does everything that He does is God loves you. This book will have you laughing, crying, and examining your own faith. All God wants us to do is "only believe." (Luke 8:50 - But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.) Do you believe?
View my review here: http://faithlovebooks.blogspot.com/20...
October 5, 2012
A nearly seven foot man, who cannot speak, a blind pastor, a single mother with a little boy, and on the fringe of it all a drunk fallen woman who is just trying to keep her life together. This is the Lindy household, all managed and cared for by Shirley Lindy, the pastor's wife. What brought such an odd group together? Their love for each other, and the love of the pastor and his wife. Brooke and her little boy Alex live with Pastor Lindy and his wife Shirley and their very large son Charlie. They are not your typical family, but they are family all the same. Brooke's best friend Carla, is a woman who has lived hard, and is now trying to get her life back together. Enter a man who will change all their lives, Kenneth. After a storm destroys the cross in front of St. Thomas, the church where James Lindy pastors, a group from the hospital come to help fix it, including Kenneth. Something happens that day, that Jim hears, and Charlie sees but cannot tell. It seems to be a miracle has taken place. The cross that looked irreparable is back together, better than it had been in years. Kenneth says he just fixed it, but the others believe that a higher power is at work, especially since wherever Kenneth goes strange things happen. Leukemia strikes little Alex, and hard. It will change the way everyone involved from his mom, to the absentee dad who is now on the scene, to the doctors and nurses working his case. Their lives will all be changed, with some painful lessons learned during the process. Let me say this book was a wonderful debut novel. Very well written, and while it was a long book, I am not sure the story could have been told any faster or better. Things I loved about this book: They were all willing to accept the fact that a higher power was at work, and they were willing to believe it was God. The miracles in the book were wonderful, I cried happy tears of joy with each miracle. Things I did not love about this book: It was hard to see little Alex go through so much pain, but I understand it was part of the story, so really I cannot say there is anything I didn't love about this book. This book is a MUST read!! If you need a miracle, ONLY BELIEVE!!! A wonderful book, with a great message! 396 pages US $12.99 5 stars This book was provided by Book Sneeze for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
November 14, 2012
A storm decimates a large cross outside a local church. A young oncologist works with a beloved patient who doesn't respond to treatment, and his young mother fights to have faith in what she can't see. Meanwhile, the so-called construction worker who miraculously restored the cross has a hand in many unexplainable events throughout town. Could there be more to him than meets the eye? If so, does that mean that there is a Creator behind this life we try to control?
Sirls writes an exciting and suspenseful story showing what can happen when our mustard seed-sized faith encounters the One who makes it grow. Both fantastical and possible, this story will both stretch your faith and make you reaffirm your belief in a powerful, loving God.
As a kid I always thought that the amazing stories of the Bible were history accounts - stories of things that God did long ago but didn't do anymore. At the same time, I was fascinated with the stories of angels in my great-grandmother's Guideposts magazines. A few years ago I realized that God still does amazing things every day - we just don't always recognize them as such.
That's why I like this story. It's like reading one of those amazing stories of angels saving the day, only this one is fictional. Reading it made me think about what I believe in terms of angels and prophets, about Jesus on earth, about miracles and heaven and hell.
It's important that we know what we believe about these things - both the what and the why. The Reason makes you think about all of these things in a realistic and thoughtful way, all the while turning page after page to find each player's outcome. I couldn't put this one down.
I received a free copy of The Reason from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.
http://anestintherocks.blogspot.com/2...
Sirls writes an exciting and suspenseful story showing what can happen when our mustard seed-sized faith encounters the One who makes it grow. Both fantastical and possible, this story will both stretch your faith and make you reaffirm your belief in a powerful, loving God.
As a kid I always thought that the amazing stories of the Bible were history accounts - stories of things that God did long ago but didn't do anymore. At the same time, I was fascinated with the stories of angels in my great-grandmother's Guideposts magazines. A few years ago I realized that God still does amazing things every day - we just don't always recognize them as such.
That's why I like this story. It's like reading one of those amazing stories of angels saving the day, only this one is fictional. Reading it made me think about what I believe in terms of angels and prophets, about Jesus on earth, about miracles and heaven and hell.
It's important that we know what we believe about these things - both the what and the why. The Reason makes you think about all of these things in a realistic and thoughtful way, all the while turning page after page to find each player's outcome. I couldn't put this one down.
I received a free copy of The Reason from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.
http://anestintherocks.blogspot.com/2...
September 12, 2012
This is a story with a history. William Sirls began writing this book several years ago, but rewrote it after spending time in prison for wire fraud and money laundering. He intended to self-publish through WestBow Press, but God had other ideas. WestBow Press is the self-publishing arm of Thomas Nelson and, due to the amazing reader response it received, the division passed the book to its partner. The rest, as they say, is history.
I’m brave enough to admit that I didn’t want to like this book. I tend to avoid anything that gets hyped. Maybe it’s because I fear it won’t measure up to expectations. Then there was the whole, ‘child with cancer’ plot that hit a little too close to home. But I couldn’t help it; barely a quarter of the way through, I fell in love with this book. And when I cried at a pivotal moment, I knew there was no going back!
Sirls’s characters are flawed creatures. They are people with whom I can relate. No one has it all together in life. They try to do good, but fear they are too far gone. How can they be loved with all they’ve done? And how can God love them with all they’ve endured? They are desperate to cling to the control they have over their lives. But then Kenneth, a carpenter, enters their lives and they are forced to rethink everything they knew. To say much more would give too much away. What I can say is that this is a poignant novel that you’ll be thinking about long after you turn the final page.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for my free copy of The Reason, which I received in exchange for an honest review.
I’m brave enough to admit that I didn’t want to like this book. I tend to avoid anything that gets hyped. Maybe it’s because I fear it won’t measure up to expectations. Then there was the whole, ‘child with cancer’ plot that hit a little too close to home. But I couldn’t help it; barely a quarter of the way through, I fell in love with this book. And when I cried at a pivotal moment, I knew there was no going back!
Sirls’s characters are flawed creatures. They are people with whom I can relate. No one has it all together in life. They try to do good, but fear they are too far gone. How can they be loved with all they’ve done? And how can God love them with all they’ve endured? They are desperate to cling to the control they have over their lives. But then Kenneth, a carpenter, enters their lives and they are forced to rethink everything they knew. To say much more would give too much away. What I can say is that this is a poignant novel that you’ll be thinking about long after you turn the final page.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for my free copy of The Reason, which I received in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2012
Ok, so.... stunning cover.
I can't really think of any other stalling points so let's just get down to this.
I didn't like it. At all.
I found it really far fetched and unbelievable, and I get that that was the point. Only believe. But still. I just really didn't care for the whole idea that this Jesus-man was walking around on earth when, in reality, we know He's not coming back before the last day. And I get that it's fiction, as a fiction novelist I can fully appreciate that. But I still didn't like it.
I think it has everything to do with the fact that I am a YA (Young Adult) writer and therefore a YA reader. Adult books just don't do much for me. And that's fine. I'm not saying you won't enjoy this book. In fact, I'm saying you probably will -- provided that you like adult fiction.
I will even admit that this book made me cry. More than once.
What didn't I like about it? There were far too many characters, the dialogue felt like it was inappropriate for the age group of the characters, I couldn't get into it.
What did I like about it? It was a clever idea. A few of the characters felt real to me. Namely Kenneth and Pastor Jim. I really liked those guys as characters. The rest felt underdeveloped. Oh, sorry, this is my positive point section. It definitely addresses pain and issues that we deal with in society. It doesn't cover them up like most books do.
All in all, I give this book 2 stars. But don't take my word for it. If adult fiction is your thing, you'll more than likely love this.
I can't really think of any other stalling points so let's just get down to this.
I didn't like it. At all.
I found it really far fetched and unbelievable, and I get that that was the point. Only believe. But still. I just really didn't care for the whole idea that this Jesus-man was walking around on earth when, in reality, we know He's not coming back before the last day. And I get that it's fiction, as a fiction novelist I can fully appreciate that. But I still didn't like it.
I think it has everything to do with the fact that I am a YA (Young Adult) writer and therefore a YA reader. Adult books just don't do much for me. And that's fine. I'm not saying you won't enjoy this book. In fact, I'm saying you probably will -- provided that you like adult fiction.
I will even admit that this book made me cry. More than once.
What didn't I like about it? There were far too many characters, the dialogue felt like it was inappropriate for the age group of the characters, I couldn't get into it.
What did I like about it? It was a clever idea. A few of the characters felt real to me. Namely Kenneth and Pastor Jim. I really liked those guys as characters. The rest felt underdeveloped. Oh, sorry, this is my positive point section. It definitely addresses pain and issues that we deal with in society. It doesn't cover them up like most books do.
All in all, I give this book 2 stars. But don't take my word for it. If adult fiction is your thing, you'll more than likely love this.
December 5, 2012
At St. Thomas Church, the cross on the front lawn is a beacon of hope; that is, until a lightning strike leaves it in splinters. Many of the people around the church are as broken as the cross: Carla, who can't forgive or forget the secrets of her childhood; Brooke, who faced life alone as a single mother until meeting the minister and his family; and Zach, the doctor who cannot forgive himself for a past failure. But when a mysterious stranger arrives on the scene to repair the cross, they find that there is hope for their broken lives, as well. All they need to do is . . . "only believe" . . .
Forgiveness is as much the central theme of this novel as is faith. The author has, in his first novel, found a way to express that most basic tenet of the Gospel. There is forgiveness for all, if we only believe.
5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Forgiveness is as much the central theme of this novel as is faith. The author has, in his first novel, found a way to express that most basic tenet of the Gospel. There is forgiveness for all, if we only believe.
5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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