What do you think?
Rate this book
Shot: A Couple, A Country, and the Stubborn Quest For Hope
Do you trust Me?
The words flashed across Peter DeSoto's brain, not in the form of an audible voice, but more like a question welling inside him. A question he felt God was asking.
Do you trust Me, Peter?
He looked down. "No, I don't," he said aloud.
The thought stung a bit. "But I want to."
So begins the true story of Pete and Dara DeSoto, a Southern California couple who chooses to press into their fears and walk by faith. They sell everything they own, uprooting their young family to work as missionaries in El Salvador. While Dara struggles to assimilate to her new world, Pete has few problems immersing himself in his job, making connections and planting roots in the community.
Until one fateful day when his trust is tested. A mysterious gunman stops Pete's car in the thick of the Salvadoran jungle, shooting Pete in the throat. After an intense fight to save him, complicated and heartbreaking questions emerge. Saving Pete's life is just the beginning.
A dual narrative of both a couple and a country, SHOT is about making peace with the parts of life we can't control, finding hope in the aftermath of trauma, and wrestling with the messiness of faith.Christy Krumm Richard's clear-eyed reporting and rich storytelling will leave you convicted and awed, empowered by Pete and Dara's tale of survival and resolve.
The words flashed across Peter DeSoto's brain, not in the form of an audible voice, but more like a question welling inside him. A question he felt God was asking.
Do you trust Me, Peter?
He looked down. "No, I don't," he said aloud.
The thought stung a bit. "But I want to."
So begins the true story of Pete and Dara DeSoto, a Southern California couple who chooses to press into their fears and walk by faith. They sell everything they own, uprooting their young family to work as missionaries in El Salvador. While Dara struggles to assimilate to her new world, Pete has few problems immersing himself in his job, making connections and planting roots in the community.
Until one fateful day when his trust is tested. A mysterious gunman stops Pete's car in the thick of the Salvadoran jungle, shooting Pete in the throat. After an intense fight to save him, complicated and heartbreaking questions emerge. Saving Pete's life is just the beginning.
A dual narrative of both a couple and a country, SHOT is about making peace with the parts of life we can't control, finding hope in the aftermath of trauma, and wrestling with the messiness of faith.Christy Krumm Richard's clear-eyed reporting and rich storytelling will leave you convicted and awed, empowered by Pete and Dara's tale of survival and resolve.
260 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2017
8 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 22, 2017
This book reminds me a bit of Ismael Beah's "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier." The author does a fantastic job of telling the DeSoto's story from a third-person point of view, but still interjects occasionally to insert important ideas or interpretations of the events from a spiritual perspective (which for me was actually the most enjoyable part of the book). She also captures and describes the emotional highs and lows of the DeSoto's so vividly and precisely. Other third-person narrations sometimes miss the mark in illustrating those emotions, but the author spends a good amount of time really focusing on what was going though the DeSoto's minds as different events unfold. Because of that, I connected more with the DeSoto's on a personal level and was emotionally moved as well throughout the entire story. Would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for an honest story that highlights the highs and lows of taking risks and having faith in your purpose.
June 13, 2017
As someone acquainted with the Desotos and who has been to El Salvador many, many times, I thought I knew both well. Christy Krumm Richard upends that self-delusion by telling a story of the people and the place with Michener-like richness. The characters and the country live vibrantly in SHOT, and the messages of courage and hope leapt from the pages straight to my heart. Rather than leaning on gore and anger, SHOT takes a tragic event and weaves it into an auriferous story of courage, determination and love.
It now sits on the top row of my bookshelf of “favorites”. I can think of many who will benefit from reading it. In fact, for the first time, I now have a head start on my Christmas shopping!
It now sits on the top row of my bookshelf of “favorites”. I can think of many who will benefit from reading it. In fact, for the first time, I now have a head start on my Christmas shopping!
June 21, 2017
Incredible, brave, and inspirational are the first few words that came to mind after reading SHOT by Christy Krumm Richard. The author captures a frightening yet enlightening true story about a family called to serve in the country of El Salvador. The author does a thorough job of paralleling the trials of a war-torn country with the DeSoto Family’s journey as missionaries. It can be difficult to publicly divulge our spiritual battles and our difficulties in trusting God completely. But, Pete and Dara share this so humbly and honestly that their story makes them truly relatable to everyone. This story will inspire anyone to reevaluate their relationship with God and better trust in his love, grace, and mercy.
June 22, 2017
Faith, hope, family, trust, tragedy, love and forgiveness all come to mind when reflecting on SHOT. The DeSoto family has been on an incredible journey and Christy Krumm Richard does a beautiful job navigating the many stages of their journey and bringing it to life for the reader. The DeSoto's unwavering faith, even in the face of tragedy and adversity, is uplifting and inspiring. You will find yourself questioning your own faith at times and often asking yourself what would you do if faced with the same circumstances. You will laugh, you will cry, and your soul will feel nourished. This is a story worth reading.
June 19, 2017
Shot by Christy Krumm Richard
Exciting and Inspiring
This compelling true story of the challenges a young and idealistic missionary family faced in war-torn El Salvador provides a striking portrait of triumphant faith despite tremendous hardship and the unexpected and unsettling realities of life. Christy Krumm Richard’s thoughtful, well researched, and fast-paced book brings an extraordinary adventure to life, inspiring readers to reconsider priorities.
Exciting and Inspiring
This compelling true story of the challenges a young and idealistic missionary family faced in war-torn El Salvador provides a striking portrait of triumphant faith despite tremendous hardship and the unexpected and unsettling realities of life. Christy Krumm Richard’s thoughtful, well researched, and fast-paced book brings an extraordinary adventure to life, inspiring readers to reconsider priorities.
June 22, 2017
Wow, what a gripping read. "Shot" does a wonderful job of taking you to another world, hooking you on the characters, and keeping you on the edge of your seat. It's a great story, well told. Highly recommended.
June 21, 2017
Well the first word that came to mind when I finished this book was wow. Wow at the ease of reading and how the narrative is so captivating. But also, wow that this is a REAL story about a family that is relatable, yet also unbelievable. I really enjoyed how the portrayal of the DeSoto's was honest by including their fears and hesitations. It makes their journey and their feelings empathetic. I also liked how Christy Richard told the story of the DeSotos alongside the story of El Salvador. This is a book that is not only page turning and exciting, but it also allowed me to reflect on parts of my own faith. Especially the parts that are unexplained and where I personally struggle. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs to be reminded of the little things in life and wants a good read that will make you smile at times and tear up at others.
August 6, 2017
Shot is a well-written, compelling, and real-life example of what it looks like to follow Jesus in the midst of darkness and uncertainty. This book allows you to dive into the private thoughts of a couple who desires to live a faithful life yet are confronted with challenges beyond their imaginations. This book is an honest story of the struggle to surrender our human desires in exchange for an obedient life. I loved how Christy was able to tell such a personal story, fill the pages with rich historical context, and draw out such a vivid picture of El Salvador. I could not drop this book and would highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews