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Words
A child whose silence holds the truth captive. An artist whose work speaks the agony of her past. When drawn together, will they let the truth set them free? Ten-year old Kaylee Wren doesn't speak. Not since her drug-addled mother walked away, leaving her in a remote cabin nestled in the towering redwoods, in the care of a man who is as dangerous as he is evil. With silence her only refuge, Kaylee collects words she might never speak from the only memento her mother left a dictionary.
Sierra Daw is thirty-four, an artist, and alone. She has allowed the shame of her past to silence her present hopes and chooses to bury her pain by trying to control her circumstances. But on the twelfth anniversary of her daughter's death, Sierra's control begins to crumble as the God of her childhood woos her back to Himself.
Will Kaylee and Sierra let the truth set them free?
Ginny L. Yttrup is an award-winning author. Words won the Christy award for best first novel.
Buy Words today to follow Kaylee and Sierra on their journey to freedom.
"First-time novelist Yttrup writes a riveting, emotionally charged story about a 10-year-old sexual abuse victim, Kaylee Wren, who has literally lost her voice in the aftermath of ongoing trauma. Kaylee, living with her mom's abusive boyfriend after her mother abandons her, turns to the world of words for her comfort and sanity. Smart as a whip, Kaylee sounds out words in her mind and links words and phrases far beyond comprehension for her age as she puzzles out hour-by-hour survival. Enter the 30-ish Sierra Dawn, a grief-stricken artist whose own infant daughter died 12 years earlier. When these two meet, there is a supernatural connection. Rescuing Kaylee from her tormenter is only the first step to freedom for both of these characters, as they walk toward wholeness. Yttrup's story is particularly powerful as it in part mirrors her own painful past. Page by page, word by word, this talented author proves the adage 'Write what you know.'" Publishers Weekly
Words - second edition - updated February, 2018.
Sierra Daw is thirty-four, an artist, and alone. She has allowed the shame of her past to silence her present hopes and chooses to bury her pain by trying to control her circumstances. But on the twelfth anniversary of her daughter's death, Sierra's control begins to crumble as the God of her childhood woos her back to Himself.
Will Kaylee and Sierra let the truth set them free?
Ginny L. Yttrup is an award-winning author. Words won the Christy award for best first novel.
Buy Words today to follow Kaylee and Sierra on their journey to freedom.
"First-time novelist Yttrup writes a riveting, emotionally charged story about a 10-year-old sexual abuse victim, Kaylee Wren, who has literally lost her voice in the aftermath of ongoing trauma. Kaylee, living with her mom's abusive boyfriend after her mother abandons her, turns to the world of words for her comfort and sanity. Smart as a whip, Kaylee sounds out words in her mind and links words and phrases far beyond comprehension for her age as she puzzles out hour-by-hour survival. Enter the 30-ish Sierra Dawn, a grief-stricken artist whose own infant daughter died 12 years earlier. When these two meet, there is a supernatural connection. Rescuing Kaylee from her tormenter is only the first step to freedom for both of these characters, as they walk toward wholeness. Yttrup's story is particularly powerful as it in part mirrors her own painful past. Page by page, word by word, this talented author proves the adage 'Write what you know.'" Publishers Weekly
Words - second edition - updated February, 2018.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
385 people are currently reading
1420 people want to read
About the author
Ginny L. Yttrup
10 books360 followersGinny L. Yttrup is the Christy Award winning author of Words, and six other titles, the award-winning Mendocino Village Novels, Invisible and Illusion. She writes women's fiction and suspense. Ginny is also a sought after writing coach, developmental editor, and speaker. When not writing she loves to spend time with her adult children, and the circle of dear friends who enrich her life. She lives in northern California with the man in her life, her rescue pup Henry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
September 21, 2013
What I loved about this book is the underlying proof that a person's significance and 'success' does not hinge upon making a difference to many people. Being there for just one person is enough to change everything.
The story moves from the point of view of one of the main female protagonists to the other. Strangers at the start, they come to mean everything to each other. Sierra is a woman in her early 30s who lives with intense guilt over some lifestyle choices she made in her past which she's convinced contributed to the death of her baby daughter. Kaylee is a pre-adolescent living the unspeakable life of a precious girl whose innocence was stolen way too soon. Not only that but abuse keeps being inflicted on her, robbing her of the power of speech. Her dictionary, one of the only books she has access to, is all that holds her together, as she grows adept at switching her mind to the characteristics of different words when her life becomes too much to take. The story of these two coming together and learning to save each other is told with great tenderness and skill. Although Ginny Yttrup doesn't gloss over the horror of what happened to Kaylee, she tells it with sensitivity. This story is a wonderful testimony to the strength of the human spirit.
The story moves from the point of view of one of the main female protagonists to the other. Strangers at the start, they come to mean everything to each other. Sierra is a woman in her early 30s who lives with intense guilt over some lifestyle choices she made in her past which she's convinced contributed to the death of her baby daughter. Kaylee is a pre-adolescent living the unspeakable life of a precious girl whose innocence was stolen way too soon. Not only that but abuse keeps being inflicted on her, robbing her of the power of speech. Her dictionary, one of the only books she has access to, is all that holds her together, as she grows adept at switching her mind to the characteristics of different words when her life becomes too much to take. The story of these two coming together and learning to save each other is told with great tenderness and skill. Although Ginny Yttrup doesn't gloss over the horror of what happened to Kaylee, she tells it with sensitivity. This story is a wonderful testimony to the strength of the human spirit.
January 4, 2012
Wow! What a wonderful book.
I wasn't sure I would like this book because of the subject matter of child abuse, but the author did a wonderful job of telling the story without sensationalizing. The truth is horrible enough!
The story of 2 people who needed what each other had and the Providence of God is beautifully told.
This book will stay with me forever.
I wasn't sure I would like this book because of the subject matter of child abuse, but the author did a wonderful job of telling the story without sensationalizing. The truth is horrible enough!
The story of 2 people who needed what each other had and the Providence of God is beautifully told.
This book will stay with me forever.
September 28, 2012
It isn't often you find such a tender book dealing with such an evil topic. It was these two extremes that first griped me and then kept me reading. First there is Kaylee, a twelve year old girl abandoned by her mother and left in the car of a boyfriend that sexually abuses her. Then there is Sierra, struggling to get past the pain of loosing her nine day old daughter several years before.
When these two meet and share a sweet friendship, they begin to identify their enormous loss, pain and hurt and how the other deals with their burdens. For Kaylee, it's reading. She reads the dictionary and embraces the words she finds there. They are her sanctuary.
The author weaves in scenes of humor and fun which lifts the tone of such a heavy topic and uses very descriptive language for the scenery. These characters are endearing and believable. Wonder, in the eyes of a child, is explored beautifully, especially in the story of the red wood tree.
This is a novel that will linger with you after you finish it.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project
When these two meet and share a sweet friendship, they begin to identify their enormous loss, pain and hurt and how the other deals with their burdens. For Kaylee, it's reading. She reads the dictionary and embraces the words she finds there. They are her sanctuary.
The author weaves in scenes of humor and fun which lifts the tone of such a heavy topic and uses very descriptive language for the scenery. These characters are endearing and believable. Wonder, in the eyes of a child, is explored beautifully, especially in the story of the red wood tree.
This is a novel that will linger with you after you finish it.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project
January 14, 2019
Words by Ginny L. Yttrup
Genre: Contemporary Christian fiction
Format: Kindle
Timeframe: Present day
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Main Characters:
Kaylee Wren: Abused 10 year old
Sierra Dawn : Artist who takes Kaylee in
Peter Langstron: Child Welfare Services worker
Ruby: Sierra’s faithful friend
Jackson Tully: Child rapist
Kathryn Wren: Drug addict who left her daughter with an abuser
Wow. I’m so stunned I'm not sure what to type.
First off, I wasn’t aware it was based on the author’s life. The author experienced what Kaylee did, then put it to words. This is why I’m so stunned. What that child went through no 9-year old should have to endure. Nothing so traumatic to silence a child’s ability to speak or even scream should ever happen. A mother, even a drug addicted one, should never leave her child with a man who abuses a little girl every day.
I so wanted for this to have a happy ending, one where God was glorified and there’d be victory over the evil perpetrated on this child, that I kept reading to the end. But oh, was it hard to read.
I cannot in good conscience give this book less than 4 stars simply because it was hard to read. This was from the author’s heart. She lived it. She’s telling the world what drugs can do, what evil is in the world from which children need protection. She’s sharing what Romans 8:28 means. That there’s redemption from a life of terror in one person, and redemption from a life of sin in another. That God’s love can be found in an adult who cares, and in the person of Jesus Christ, who gave his life for anyone who seeks Him.
If anyone was sexually abused as a child, this might be a tough read. But nothing is explicit, thankfully. You may read that a belt was taken off. The next thing is a swollen face and limping. It’s deduction on our part rather than illustration on the author’s.
There’s a hard won HEA. Just getting there was pretty bumpy.
Also on a positive, this author can write!
Genre: Contemporary Christian fiction
Format: Kindle
Timeframe: Present day
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Main Characters:
Kaylee Wren: Abused 10 year old
Sierra Dawn : Artist who takes Kaylee in
Peter Langstron: Child Welfare Services worker
Ruby: Sierra’s faithful friend
Jackson Tully: Child rapist
Kathryn Wren: Drug addict who left her daughter with an abuser
Wow. I’m so stunned I'm not sure what to type.
First off, I wasn’t aware it was based on the author’s life. The author experienced what Kaylee did, then put it to words. This is why I’m so stunned. What that child went through no 9-year old should have to endure. Nothing so traumatic to silence a child’s ability to speak or even scream should ever happen. A mother, even a drug addicted one, should never leave her child with a man who abuses a little girl every day.
I so wanted for this to have a happy ending, one where God was glorified and there’d be victory over the evil perpetrated on this child, that I kept reading to the end. But oh, was it hard to read.
I cannot in good conscience give this book less than 4 stars simply because it was hard to read. This was from the author’s heart. She lived it. She’s telling the world what drugs can do, what evil is in the world from which children need protection. She’s sharing what Romans 8:28 means. That there’s redemption from a life of terror in one person, and redemption from a life of sin in another. That God’s love can be found in an adult who cares, and in the person of Jesus Christ, who gave his life for anyone who seeks Him.
If anyone was sexually abused as a child, this might be a tough read. But nothing is explicit, thankfully. You may read that a belt was taken off. The next thing is a swollen face and limping. It’s deduction on our part rather than illustration on the author’s.
There’s a hard won HEA. Just getting there was pretty bumpy.
Also on a positive, this author can write!
January 10, 2019
At times heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting, this is a story that will linger in readers' minds long after the last page is turned.
September 19, 2011
Story Description:
I collect words. I keep them in a box in my mind…I’d like to keep them in a real box, something pretty, maybe a shoe box covered with flowered wrapping paper. Whenever I wanted, I’d open the box and pick up the papers, reading and feeling the words all at once. Then I could hide the box. But the words are safer in my mind. There, he can’t take them.
Ten-year-old Kaylee Wren doesn’t speak. Not since her drug-addled mother walked away, leaving her in a remote cabin nestled in the towering redwoods – in the care of a man who is as dangerous as he is evil. With silence her only refuge, Kaylee collects words she might never speak from the only memento her mother left behind: a dictionary.
Sierra Dawn is thirty-four, an artist, and alone. She has allowed the shame of her past to silence her present hopes and chooses to bury her pain by trying to control her circumstances. But on the twelfth anniversary of her daughter’s death, Sierra’s control begins to crumble as the God of her childhood woos her back to Himself.
Brought together by Divine design, Kaylee and Sierra will discover together the healing mercy of the Word – Jesus Christ.
My Review:
I have never read a more sad story of abuse and have never felt so close to a character as I did little Kaylee Wren. What a beautiful, innocent little girl whose life circumstances have thrown her into a world of silence.
Kaylee was only 9-years-old when her mother, Kathryn, left her leaving her all alone with a horrendous man who lords his power over Kaylee and turns her into his own private play toy. Kaylee likes to collect words that she finds in a dictionary that was given to her parents as a wedding gift. Kaylee and her Mom used the dictionary often to look up words they didn’t know or understand. The dictionary makes Kaylee feel like part of her Mom is still there with her and takes special care of it so “he” won’t find it and take it away from her.
When Kaylee meets Sierra, an equally damaged soul, the two of them form a bond of trust, respect, love, and the belief that together they can conquer all things through Jesus Christ. However, the road to healing is a long and exhaustive one that comes with many, many pitfalls that must be traversed forward and sometimes backwards before moving on to a higher understanding of their positions and circumstances in this life.
The characters were so well developed in this story that I felt I was living with Sierra and Kaylee and could picture in my mind’s eye the house, Kaylee’s bedroom, Van the dog, their backyard and everything else involved in this story. My emotions were played like a flute in a concert while reading this book and it’s a story I won’t ever forget. The unfortunate part is that there are many, many Kaylee Wren’s in this world and not all of them are fortunate enough to find someone like Sierra. It breaks my heart to think of the number of children, who at this very moment while typing this review, are being abused in some form. Abuse, whether it be physical, sexual, verbal, financial doesn’t matter, abuse is a cancer in our society and I pray that someday it can be eradicated. No one deserves to live a life of abuse and the damage and fear it causes. This book really touched my heart and to the author, Ginny L. Yttrup, I’d like to say “thank you” for having the courage to write WORDS, your own life story but injecting Kaylee as the character instead of yourself. I’m sorry for the horror you faced as a child and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
I collect words. I keep them in a box in my mind…I’d like to keep them in a real box, something pretty, maybe a shoe box covered with flowered wrapping paper. Whenever I wanted, I’d open the box and pick up the papers, reading and feeling the words all at once. Then I could hide the box. But the words are safer in my mind. There, he can’t take them.
Ten-year-old Kaylee Wren doesn’t speak. Not since her drug-addled mother walked away, leaving her in a remote cabin nestled in the towering redwoods – in the care of a man who is as dangerous as he is evil. With silence her only refuge, Kaylee collects words she might never speak from the only memento her mother left behind: a dictionary.
Sierra Dawn is thirty-four, an artist, and alone. She has allowed the shame of her past to silence her present hopes and chooses to bury her pain by trying to control her circumstances. But on the twelfth anniversary of her daughter’s death, Sierra’s control begins to crumble as the God of her childhood woos her back to Himself.
Brought together by Divine design, Kaylee and Sierra will discover together the healing mercy of the Word – Jesus Christ.
My Review:
I have never read a more sad story of abuse and have never felt so close to a character as I did little Kaylee Wren. What a beautiful, innocent little girl whose life circumstances have thrown her into a world of silence.
Kaylee was only 9-years-old when her mother, Kathryn, left her leaving her all alone with a horrendous man who lords his power over Kaylee and turns her into his own private play toy. Kaylee likes to collect words that she finds in a dictionary that was given to her parents as a wedding gift. Kaylee and her Mom used the dictionary often to look up words they didn’t know or understand. The dictionary makes Kaylee feel like part of her Mom is still there with her and takes special care of it so “he” won’t find it and take it away from her.
When Kaylee meets Sierra, an equally damaged soul, the two of them form a bond of trust, respect, love, and the belief that together they can conquer all things through Jesus Christ. However, the road to healing is a long and exhaustive one that comes with many, many pitfalls that must be traversed forward and sometimes backwards before moving on to a higher understanding of their positions and circumstances in this life.
The characters were so well developed in this story that I felt I was living with Sierra and Kaylee and could picture in my mind’s eye the house, Kaylee’s bedroom, Van the dog, their backyard and everything else involved in this story. My emotions were played like a flute in a concert while reading this book and it’s a story I won’t ever forget. The unfortunate part is that there are many, many Kaylee Wren’s in this world and not all of them are fortunate enough to find someone like Sierra. It breaks my heart to think of the number of children, who at this very moment while typing this review, are being abused in some form. Abuse, whether it be physical, sexual, verbal, financial doesn’t matter, abuse is a cancer in our society and I pray that someday it can be eradicated. No one deserves to live a life of abuse and the damage and fear it causes. This book really touched my heart and to the author, Ginny L. Yttrup, I’d like to say “thank you” for having the courage to write WORDS, your own life story but injecting Kaylee as the character instead of yourself. I’m sorry for the horror you faced as a child and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
January 10, 2019
My first 5-stars of the year. Excellent story about redemption, pain, and most importantly, Truth.
July 8, 2015
“I can’t talk. I can’t breathe. Tears choke me.”
That’s exactly how I felt when I read the last page of this book. I’m thrilled to have received a review copy of such an astounding, debut novel. I haven’t read anything this profound, inspiring and life changing since Redeeming Love and June Bug. The author is a master wordsmith and trusts the readers’ imagination to fill in the blanks about the abuse Kaylee endures and talks about it without being graphic. Ginny L. Yttrup has overcome sexual abuse in her own life, is compassionate towards its victims and has penned a story filled with healing and hope. Ginny shows the reader a way to shine the light of Jesus in the darkest places of life in a real way.
Kaylee is a ten year old girl fascinated by words. Words are a colorful protective shield she uses to give her hope and clarify things she doesn’t quite understand. Kaylee is a bright and loving child surviving day after day anticipating her mother’s return.
I enjoyed Ginny Yttrup creative writing style. It was fun to read and had a powerful impact to the story, for example Kaylee says, “my favorite C word - co-loss-al. It means awesomely huge.”
She uses it to describe the colossal redwood trees she loves. The tree is her special place to hide her earthly treasures and new words. The author’s style adds richness to the novel and gives Kaylee a distinctive way of expressing herself.
“I’m so hungry I could eat the scrambled egg in one bite. Instead, I try to make it last, make it seem like more. I take tiny bites. I think of a word that I added to my box this week.
Sa-vor – verb 1) to perceive by taste or smell, esp, with realism 2) to give oneself to the enjoyment of: savor the best in life.
Yes, I savor each bit of my eggs.”
This author’s unique voice allows the reader to experience and see the healing power of love in action. This book is not preachy but potent. The message is clear “Jesus is the word – the most important word”
Ginny had me going in parts of the story I thought I had figured out, and threw in twists I didn’t see coming. Parts were surprising, suspenseful and I found myself nervous for the characters. This book is quite an experience, one you’ll never forget and don’t want to miss. This novel is one of the reasons why I read and promote Christian Fiction. I highly, highly recommend it. Treat yourself to reading Words. I don’t know where Ginny will go from here but I’ll be following.
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
That’s exactly how I felt when I read the last page of this book. I’m thrilled to have received a review copy of such an astounding, debut novel. I haven’t read anything this profound, inspiring and life changing since Redeeming Love and June Bug. The author is a master wordsmith and trusts the readers’ imagination to fill in the blanks about the abuse Kaylee endures and talks about it without being graphic. Ginny L. Yttrup has overcome sexual abuse in her own life, is compassionate towards its victims and has penned a story filled with healing and hope. Ginny shows the reader a way to shine the light of Jesus in the darkest places of life in a real way.
Kaylee is a ten year old girl fascinated by words. Words are a colorful protective shield she uses to give her hope and clarify things she doesn’t quite understand. Kaylee is a bright and loving child surviving day after day anticipating her mother’s return.
I enjoyed Ginny Yttrup creative writing style. It was fun to read and had a powerful impact to the story, for example Kaylee says, “my favorite C word - co-loss-al. It means awesomely huge.”
She uses it to describe the colossal redwood trees she loves. The tree is her special place to hide her earthly treasures and new words. The author’s style adds richness to the novel and gives Kaylee a distinctive way of expressing herself.
“I’m so hungry I could eat the scrambled egg in one bite. Instead, I try to make it last, make it seem like more. I take tiny bites. I think of a word that I added to my box this week.
Sa-vor – verb 1) to perceive by taste or smell, esp, with realism 2) to give oneself to the enjoyment of: savor the best in life.
Yes, I savor each bit of my eggs.”
This author’s unique voice allows the reader to experience and see the healing power of love in action. This book is not preachy but potent. The message is clear “Jesus is the word – the most important word”
Ginny had me going in parts of the story I thought I had figured out, and threw in twists I didn’t see coming. Parts were surprising, suspenseful and I found myself nervous for the characters. This book is quite an experience, one you’ll never forget and don’t want to miss. This novel is one of the reasons why I read and promote Christian Fiction. I highly, highly recommend it. Treat yourself to reading Words. I don’t know where Ginny will go from here but I’ll be following.
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
July 13, 2011
Well, this book left me a little speechless. Funny since it's about words, right? I loved the quirky way the main character, Kaylee, was obsessed with words as a way of coping with stress, yet the lack of words (speech) due to her trauma was a large obstacle in her life. Some parts of the story reminded me a little of the movie Nell, starring Jodie Foster. But this novel had a unique angle to it that I haven't seen in many books -- especially not Christian books.
At first I was a bit overwhelmed with some of the details, but those details also made the story more powerful. I suppose my background of working with hundreds of sexually abused children didn't help because it made me think of all of the Kaylees that I'd gotten to know over the years and reminded me of their horrible situations prior to CPS removing them from their sexually abusive families. Like Kaylee, those children were also very conflicted regarding their families and loyalties. The author expertly described the mindset of an abused child in this story, and because of this, I think this novel should be required reading for all foster parents who are considering taking a sexually abused child into their home. Then when the child does something that seems disloyal, mean, or that doesn't make sense hopefully they will realize it's not about them (foster parents,) but it's just part of the healing process.
Not only was I impressed with this story in a general sense, but the writing, plotting, and pacing were also very good. Women who have been sexually abused might find themselves reliving some of their trauma while reading the first part of Kaylee's story, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Like in this novel, the truth of what happened needs to be dealt with in order to heal...and to set the person held captive by the painful memories free from those chains.
There are so many good things that can result from reading this book. I found it deep, insightful, and a quality story worthy of an award. The fact that the author says that she was Kaylee makes it that much more meaningful to me. This novel is a great example of how God uses our pasts to help others. He can make beauty from the ashes of our lives. I can see this book helping a lot of broken people, and for that reason (plus the fact that it's great story) this book is making my top fiction list for 2011. Check it out. You'll be glad you did.
At first I was a bit overwhelmed with some of the details, but those details also made the story more powerful. I suppose my background of working with hundreds of sexually abused children didn't help because it made me think of all of the Kaylees that I'd gotten to know over the years and reminded me of their horrible situations prior to CPS removing them from their sexually abusive families. Like Kaylee, those children were also very conflicted regarding their families and loyalties. The author expertly described the mindset of an abused child in this story, and because of this, I think this novel should be required reading for all foster parents who are considering taking a sexually abused child into their home. Then when the child does something that seems disloyal, mean, or that doesn't make sense hopefully they will realize it's not about them (foster parents,) but it's just part of the healing process.
Not only was I impressed with this story in a general sense, but the writing, plotting, and pacing were also very good. Women who have been sexually abused might find themselves reliving some of their trauma while reading the first part of Kaylee's story, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Like in this novel, the truth of what happened needs to be dealt with in order to heal...and to set the person held captive by the painful memories free from those chains.
There are so many good things that can result from reading this book. I found it deep, insightful, and a quality story worthy of an award. The fact that the author says that she was Kaylee makes it that much more meaningful to me. This novel is a great example of how God uses our pasts to help others. He can make beauty from the ashes of our lives. I can see this book helping a lot of broken people, and for that reason (plus the fact that it's great story) this book is making my top fiction list for 2011. Check it out. You'll be glad you did.
February 24, 2011
Words took me for an emotional, heart-wrenching, thought-provoking journey. While this book touched on delicate subjects – sexual abuse and drug addictions – it breathed truth and honesty. Ginny wrote with such passion that I connect with Kaylee and Sierra almost instantly. They were so real. The emotional turmoil that Kaylee experienced was so well described it grabbed my heart. Having six sisters that are ten or younger, I can’t imagine one of them enduring what Kaylee endured.
You can’t help put want to reach out to Kaylee. Only ten years old, this girl held so much hurt and shame pent up in her little body she lost her ability to speak. I connect with Sierra the instant she saw Kaylee’s hurt and wanted to help her. It is exactly what I would do – what anyone with a heart would do. Even though Sierra carried her own guilt and hurt from her broken past, she set that aside to help Kaylee. In fact, reaching out to Kaylee helped her come to grips with her own sins and turned her back to the Lord after years of cold separation.
With all this praise, there comes a big warning. As I mentioned, this book deals with sexual abuse and drug addictions. While Ginny handled both subjects extremely well, the sexual abuse may be too much for teens. Nothing is outright described in detail, but enough is said and enough of Kaylee’s own emotions are conveyed to the reader to understand what is happening. I just urge caution for younger readers.
Ginny has done an amazing job in crafting this story. Her characters, scenes, and events come alive through her writing. The lesson that Sierra and Kaylee learn – The Truth shall set you free – is a lesson we could all learn. As I learned after I finished reading this book, Ginny learned this lesson herself, first hand. Now I understand the passion I feel in her writing. She sums it up well – “Part of (God’s) plan, I know, was to write this book – it is a means of sharing God’s hope, mercy, and grace with others and to let abuse survivors know that they’ll not only survive, but they can also thrive.” I highly recommend this book.
I reviewed this book for B&H Books. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.
You can’t help put want to reach out to Kaylee. Only ten years old, this girl held so much hurt and shame pent up in her little body she lost her ability to speak. I connect with Sierra the instant she saw Kaylee’s hurt and wanted to help her. It is exactly what I would do – what anyone with a heart would do. Even though Sierra carried her own guilt and hurt from her broken past, she set that aside to help Kaylee. In fact, reaching out to Kaylee helped her come to grips with her own sins and turned her back to the Lord after years of cold separation.
With all this praise, there comes a big warning. As I mentioned, this book deals with sexual abuse and drug addictions. While Ginny handled both subjects extremely well, the sexual abuse may be too much for teens. Nothing is outright described in detail, but enough is said and enough of Kaylee’s own emotions are conveyed to the reader to understand what is happening. I just urge caution for younger readers.
Ginny has done an amazing job in crafting this story. Her characters, scenes, and events come alive through her writing. The lesson that Sierra and Kaylee learn – The Truth shall set you free – is a lesson we could all learn. As I learned after I finished reading this book, Ginny learned this lesson herself, first hand. Now I understand the passion I feel in her writing. She sums it up well – “Part of (God’s) plan, I know, was to write this book – it is a means of sharing God’s hope, mercy, and grace with others and to let abuse survivors know that they’ll not only survive, but they can also thrive.” I highly recommend this book.
I reviewed this book for B&H Books. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.
March 19, 2011
A Novel
Ginny L. Yttrup
2011
B & H Books
Fiction/Christian/General
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
WOW! This book is not casual reading material. It does need to be said that this book deals with mature subject material. However the sad thing is mature subject material incidents, do not always apply to adults only. A story of redemption, a story of the grace of God and a story of the horrors of drugs, child pornography and child molestation. You may ask yourself, how does a story of this ramifications have a place in Christian fiction. Unfortunately in this fallen world we live in, horrible things happen to children every day and we as Christians can no longer turn a blind eye.
This is the story of two people, who you would never expect to find together, a successful artist, trying to escape the hell of the emotional darkness she lives in, after loosing her baby due to her own drug abuse. A little girl lost in the woods, trapped by her emotional muteness, hoping her mother will some day come back and take her away from the monster of a man who abuses her sexually. God in His mercy and His own understanding brings these two people together, not by chance but by plan, to each find their own healing and way through the darkness they are in.
This story will grip your heart. I cried buckets as I read of the horrors that young Kaylee faced daily. My heart broke with Sierra as she dealt with the guilt that she felt from her own actions. As I said earlier, not casual reading, nor would I suggest it for anyone under the age of sixteen. This book will heal people who allow the words to penetrate their hurts, it will cause them to look within themselves to find the Truth (Jesus) and to be set free by the Truth! Even with the tough subject matter, this book is not a dark book, it is a book filled with hope and a wonderful story of redemptive grace and mercy. A hard story to read because of the subject matter! A story however, worthy of 5 stars. 339 pages $US 14.99 Discussion guide included.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
Ginny L. Yttrup
2011
B & H Books
Fiction/Christian/General
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
WOW! This book is not casual reading material. It does need to be said that this book deals with mature subject material. However the sad thing is mature subject material incidents, do not always apply to adults only. A story of redemption, a story of the grace of God and a story of the horrors of drugs, child pornography and child molestation. You may ask yourself, how does a story of this ramifications have a place in Christian fiction. Unfortunately in this fallen world we live in, horrible things happen to children every day and we as Christians can no longer turn a blind eye.
This is the story of two people, who you would never expect to find together, a successful artist, trying to escape the hell of the emotional darkness she lives in, after loosing her baby due to her own drug abuse. A little girl lost in the woods, trapped by her emotional muteness, hoping her mother will some day come back and take her away from the monster of a man who abuses her sexually. God in His mercy and His own understanding brings these two people together, not by chance but by plan, to each find their own healing and way through the darkness they are in.
This story will grip your heart. I cried buckets as I read of the horrors that young Kaylee faced daily. My heart broke with Sierra as she dealt with the guilt that she felt from her own actions. As I said earlier, not casual reading, nor would I suggest it for anyone under the age of sixteen. This book will heal people who allow the words to penetrate their hurts, it will cause them to look within themselves to find the Truth (Jesus) and to be set free by the Truth! Even with the tough subject matter, this book is not a dark book, it is a book filled with hope and a wonderful story of redemptive grace and mercy. A hard story to read because of the subject matter! A story however, worthy of 5 stars. 339 pages $US 14.99 Discussion guide included.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
November 20, 2011
God loves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is. What a concept!! Love is more that just the definition of word. Sierra and Kaylee are going to find out what God's love can do. Kaylee is 10 years old and is living in the most worst situation imaginable. Someone is hurting her and there is no one she can turn to for help. Sierra is a woman who has been living in the grips of a tragedy for 12 years. One day would bring them together. That one day's chance meeting would change both of them forever. Kaylee is on a journey to find her voice, and her way to the truth that will set her free. Sierra is on a journey that will take her back to the faith she turned away from when her baby daughter died.
This story can't help but touch your heart. It is thought provoking, and helps to bring some simple truths home to rest in your heart. The things that Kaylee goes thorough are not an easy thing to read about, but when you see how God provides an escape and helps her to come to grips with her pain it will bring tears to your eyes.
Have some Kleenex ready and prepare your heart to be moved.
This story can't help but touch your heart. It is thought provoking, and helps to bring some simple truths home to rest in your heart. The things that Kaylee goes thorough are not an easy thing to read about, but when you see how God provides an escape and helps her to come to grips with her pain it will bring tears to your eyes.
Have some Kleenex ready and prepare your heart to be moved.
July 25, 2013
Words is a difficult read because it's dealing with some serious subject matter, but it's worth the effort. It's Ginny Yttrup's debut novel, and won her two Christy award nominations (and one win), an honour that is entirely deserved.
"... an innocent child paid the price for others' poor choices--just like Christ, who was also completely innocent, paid the price for my choices".
The innocent child is 10year-old Kaylee, who lives in a remote cabin with her mother's ex-boyfriend, her mother having abandoned her there. He is not a nice person, yet Kaylee's descriptions of him are understated (and prove authors don't need to use graphic language to describe abuse).
Sierra discovers Kaylee, and the young girl brings out her protective instincts, instincts she had long buried under the pain of her own sin and grief. As the relationship between the two grows, they are both able to face the past and find healing.
Ginny Yttrup doesn't write easy reads, but her books are well-written, dealing with real issues, and overcoming their hardships through faith in God.
"... an innocent child paid the price for others' poor choices--just like Christ, who was also completely innocent, paid the price for my choices".
The innocent child is 10year-old Kaylee, who lives in a remote cabin with her mother's ex-boyfriend, her mother having abandoned her there. He is not a nice person, yet Kaylee's descriptions of him are understated (and prove authors don't need to use graphic language to describe abuse).
Sierra discovers Kaylee, and the young girl brings out her protective instincts, instincts she had long buried under the pain of her own sin and grief. As the relationship between the two grows, they are both able to face the past and find healing.
Ginny Yttrup doesn't write easy reads, but her books are well-written, dealing with real issues, and overcoming their hardships through faith in God.
August 24, 2015
A little bit heavy in Christian beliefs for me but overall a good book.
November 19, 2019
Leave it to a book called Words to leave me speechless. I happened to snag a copy of this from a friend's bookshelf and was sucked so deeply into Kaylee and Sierra's world that I occasionally had to force myself to come up for air. I don't feel that I have the nearly the right words to do this novel justice.
I wouldn't call this a read for the faint at heart. Kaylee's childhood was nothing short of a nightmare. Although it was difficult to read, I believe the author did an amazing job of revealing what was happening without getting too graphic with the content. When I first started reading I didn't know if I'd be able to make it past the first chapter but I was encouraged on and it really was a remarkable story.
One thing that I know will stick with me from this one is that even though we have our broken pasts and can't change them, we can choose how to live now and what we are going to do for our future. Whether the pain in our past is from our own poor choices or those of someone else, we can continue to let it eat away at us or we can hand it over to the Lord and seek healing that can only come through Him.
I read this book after several recommendations and even though it was one that brought me to tears on more than one occasion, it was still a powerful read that managed to still find a way to end in hope. If you haven't given this one a read yet I'd highly recommend it, but be aware for trigger warnings in regards to drugs and child sexual abuse. I believe this would be a good read for those interested in or currently dealing with the foster care system. While Kaylee may be a fictional character, the horrors she experienced are unfortunately the true stories of many hurting children. This isn't a book to step into lightly, but it's one that will permanently etch it's way into your heart.
I wouldn't call this a read for the faint at heart. Kaylee's childhood was nothing short of a nightmare. Although it was difficult to read, I believe the author did an amazing job of revealing what was happening without getting too graphic with the content. When I first started reading I didn't know if I'd be able to make it past the first chapter but I was encouraged on and it really was a remarkable story.
One thing that I know will stick with me from this one is that even though we have our broken pasts and can't change them, we can choose how to live now and what we are going to do for our future. Whether the pain in our past is from our own poor choices or those of someone else, we can continue to let it eat away at us or we can hand it over to the Lord and seek healing that can only come through Him.
I read this book after several recommendations and even though it was one that brought me to tears on more than one occasion, it was still a powerful read that managed to still find a way to end in hope. If you haven't given this one a read yet I'd highly recommend it, but be aware for trigger warnings in regards to drugs and child sexual abuse. I believe this would be a good read for those interested in or currently dealing with the foster care system. While Kaylee may be a fictional character, the horrors she experienced are unfortunately the true stories of many hurting children. This isn't a book to step into lightly, but it's one that will permanently etch it's way into your heart.
April 6, 2021
It's hard to put into words my thoughts about this book. It was a beautifully written book. I have always been fascinated with words and their meanings, especially when comparing words from different languages. This part of the book tugs at my reader's heart strings. It actually had me opening up the dictionary to see the definition of some words. I am touching on this first because the actual topics covered in the book hit a little closer to home than I expected them too. I was never sexually abused, but I was abused physically and verbally. Like Kaylee, I built a lot of the same walls and defense mechanisms. A lot of the thoughts that she processed were exact replicas of my own for many years. For some time, I would win the "most quiet" award in school, because I was withdrawn. I felt very connected to Kaylee and her struggles, but I also connected with Sierra's character. Since Jesus set me free, I have been on a path of finding what His purpose and plan is for my life. Her questions and worries have been mine for a while too. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and being a part of their journey.
December 10, 2019
Wow - what a heart-rending beautiful read about the love of Christ and second chances. This book has 2 main perspectives - one from Kaylee, who is a 10 year old undergoing a great deal of abuse and other trauma. The other is from Sierra, who is struggling to heal from the 12 year old wound of losing her child. When the 2 find each other, the story is simply healing - and beautiful. With well developed characters, a very strong faith thread and a heart-rending message we all need to hear, I would highly recommend this to everyone who enjoys Christian fiction, regardless of genre.
December 9, 2021
Graži, jautri istorija remta tikrais faktais!
February 3, 2011
About the Book: Kaylee has been left with Jack, an abusive boyfriend of her mothers. She is only 10 years old and believes Jack when he tells her she can't leave as her mother will be back to get her sometime. She is repeatedly molested by him and has stopped speaking because of the trauma. Instead, she collects words in her head - words that she finds in a dictionary that she and her mother used to look at together.
Jack leaves Kaylee alone for long portions of the day, and she is pretty good at remembering his work schedule - so even though she wanders in the nearby redwood forest she is always home before he is. She has found a safe haven in a burnt out redwood tree. In this tree, inside a circle of pinecones, no one can hurt her. It is here that she first sees Sierra.
Sierra is an artist who has lived alone since the death of her baby daughter 12 years before. She had been a drug addict and her newborn baby, Annie, died because of it. She had been raised in a Christian home, but had wandered far off that path. She was still close to her parents, but refused to let go of the guilt and remorse of her daughter's death. It is on the anniversary of Annie's death that she thinks she sees the ghost of a little girl peering out of a redwood tree, when it is in fact Kaylee.
Although she leaves that day without investigating further, with the encouragement of her best friend Ruby, she ventures back to the spot to see if it was really a little girl. She can't help but wonder what a little girl would be doing out in the woods by herself. Kaylee feels pulled back to the spot to see if Sierra will return as she had been crying and Kaylee is curious as to why. What neither one of them realize is that they are both being nudged by God towards each other.
My thoughts: I really liked this book alot. Being a mom, I totally understood Sierra's need to find Kaylee and see why she was in the forest alone - and once she did, to follow up and try to learn more. You could feel Kaylee's struggle to speak, but also realize her reluctance is because she may have to answer some tough questions about things she doesn't want to talk about. It contains a great lesson in forgiveness and how God loves us, for us, regardless of what we might have done, and the importance of allowing God to do it His way, even when we don't think it is the right way.
Jack leaves Kaylee alone for long portions of the day, and she is pretty good at remembering his work schedule - so even though she wanders in the nearby redwood forest she is always home before he is. She has found a safe haven in a burnt out redwood tree. In this tree, inside a circle of pinecones, no one can hurt her. It is here that she first sees Sierra.
Sierra is an artist who has lived alone since the death of her baby daughter 12 years before. She had been a drug addict and her newborn baby, Annie, died because of it. She had been raised in a Christian home, but had wandered far off that path. She was still close to her parents, but refused to let go of the guilt and remorse of her daughter's death. It is on the anniversary of Annie's death that she thinks she sees the ghost of a little girl peering out of a redwood tree, when it is in fact Kaylee.
Although she leaves that day without investigating further, with the encouragement of her best friend Ruby, she ventures back to the spot to see if it was really a little girl. She can't help but wonder what a little girl would be doing out in the woods by herself. Kaylee feels pulled back to the spot to see if Sierra will return as she had been crying and Kaylee is curious as to why. What neither one of them realize is that they are both being nudged by God towards each other.
My thoughts: I really liked this book alot. Being a mom, I totally understood Sierra's need to find Kaylee and see why she was in the forest alone - and once she did, to follow up and try to learn more. You could feel Kaylee's struggle to speak, but also realize her reluctance is because she may have to answer some tough questions about things she doesn't want to talk about. It contains a great lesson in forgiveness and how God loves us, for us, regardless of what we might have done, and the importance of allowing God to do it His way, even when we don't think it is the right way.
April 11, 2013
How the heck I read this without crying, I'm not sure. This book touched me in so many different ways. I hate abuse in any form, but when it happens to innocent children, it's just... cruel. And I wonder why it has to happen.
The opening paragraph is beautiful but haunting: "I collect words. I keep them in a box in my mind. I'd like to keep them in a real box, something pretty, maybe a shoe box covered with flowered wrapping paper. Whenever I wanted, I'd open the box and pick up the papers, reading and feeling the words all at once. Then I could hide the box. But the words are safer in my mind. There, he can't take them."
Words follows the story of 10-year-old Kaylee Wren. Her mother abandoned her a year earlier, leaving her with the mother's abusive ex-boyfriend in a secluded cabin. Traumatized from losing her mother and being molested, she loses the ability to speak. One of the only things she has left from her mother is a dictionary, and she becomes obsessed with words, memorizing definitions.
And then one day while playing among the redwoods, Kaylee sees an unfamiliar car drive up and a woman gets out. The woman is crying and Kaylee watches, unobserved. Or so she thinks.
The woman named Sierra returns the next day, thinking she's crazy because she could've sworn she saw a face among the trees the last time she was there. But it turns out the little girl isn't a ghost and she reaches out to Kaylee. This brings them both on an emotional journey of redemption, love, and honesty.
I just... gah. I'm speechless here. Warning: this book is a tear-jerker, an emotional read, and sometimes downright difficult to get through simply because of the subject matter. But it's also beautiful, a story that shows hope can bloom in even the darkest times and none of us are beyond redemption. The writing is also phenomenal, spectacular, stupendous :p Now I'm going to start using big words! But seriously, this author has amazing talent. This is the easiest 5 stars I've ever given and my favorite read so far this year.
The opening paragraph is beautiful but haunting: "I collect words. I keep them in a box in my mind. I'd like to keep them in a real box, something pretty, maybe a shoe box covered with flowered wrapping paper. Whenever I wanted, I'd open the box and pick up the papers, reading and feeling the words all at once. Then I could hide the box. But the words are safer in my mind. There, he can't take them."
Words follows the story of 10-year-old Kaylee Wren. Her mother abandoned her a year earlier, leaving her with the mother's abusive ex-boyfriend in a secluded cabin. Traumatized from losing her mother and being molested, she loses the ability to speak. One of the only things she has left from her mother is a dictionary, and she becomes obsessed with words, memorizing definitions.
And then one day while playing among the redwoods, Kaylee sees an unfamiliar car drive up and a woman gets out. The woman is crying and Kaylee watches, unobserved. Or so she thinks.
The woman named Sierra returns the next day, thinking she's crazy because she could've sworn she saw a face among the trees the last time she was there. But it turns out the little girl isn't a ghost and she reaches out to Kaylee. This brings them both on an emotional journey of redemption, love, and honesty.
I just... gah. I'm speechless here. Warning: this book is a tear-jerker, an emotional read, and sometimes downright difficult to get through simply because of the subject matter. But it's also beautiful, a story that shows hope can bloom in even the darkest times and none of us are beyond redemption. The writing is also phenomenal, spectacular, stupendous :p Now I'm going to start using big words! But seriously, this author has amazing talent. This is the easiest 5 stars I've ever given and my favorite read so far this year.
March 24, 2013
I am so glad that Ginny wrote this book for every woman who has went through some kind of sexual abuse! "Words" is such a deep, heart-wrenching, and powerful novel! You can see it in every page and every word as Ginny pours our her heart with every joy and pain!
"Words" is one of those books that you might not first pick up because you know it's going to cut straight through your heart, but you also know it's one of those books that you NEED to read! Their were times where I just wanted to put the book down and not finish it because it just broke my heart, but I kept pushing on because I knew redemption would be found. And WOW! Redemption was definitely found and it brought such an amazing freedom that only Jesus can give!
I loved reading their story of redemption in how through all the pain they experienced that they both came to find freedom from bondage. It did not come easily, but it did come once they understood what Christ was offering them through His truth!
It is hard in what to say about Words overall because again it's just one of those books you need to read. To hear the story of a little girl who is sexually abused and abandoned by her mother for drugs while having to live through the tornado-like emotions it wrecks upon her is life-changing to read! We might not relate to Kaylee's story, but like Ginny mentions in her letter to the Reader, we all can relate to Sierra in that she is Sinner in need of salvation from the sin that is plaguing her.
I encourage anyone who is looking for a novel that goes skin deep and makes us reflect on our relationship with Christ in that are we truly surrendering everything to Him while letting Him make us free from bondage! I left this novel feeling encouraged because I know that there is hope not only for me, but every other person who has experienced abuse, pain, abandonment, loneliness, and every other feeling that has torn at our heart!
I give this novel an overall 4.5 out of 5 stars!
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32)
"Words" is one of those books that you might not first pick up because you know it's going to cut straight through your heart, but you also know it's one of those books that you NEED to read! Their were times where I just wanted to put the book down and not finish it because it just broke my heart, but I kept pushing on because I knew redemption would be found. And WOW! Redemption was definitely found and it brought such an amazing freedom that only Jesus can give!
I loved reading their story of redemption in how through all the pain they experienced that they both came to find freedom from bondage. It did not come easily, but it did come once they understood what Christ was offering them through His truth!
It is hard in what to say about Words overall because again it's just one of those books you need to read. To hear the story of a little girl who is sexually abused and abandoned by her mother for drugs while having to live through the tornado-like emotions it wrecks upon her is life-changing to read! We might not relate to Kaylee's story, but like Ginny mentions in her letter to the Reader, we all can relate to Sierra in that she is Sinner in need of salvation from the sin that is plaguing her.
I encourage anyone who is looking for a novel that goes skin deep and makes us reflect on our relationship with Christ in that are we truly surrendering everything to Him while letting Him make us free from bondage! I left this novel feeling encouraged because I know that there is hope not only for me, but every other person who has experienced abuse, pain, abandonment, loneliness, and every other feeling that has torn at our heart!
I give this novel an overall 4.5 out of 5 stars!
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32)
October 22, 2013
When I saw what this book was about, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to read it. It sat on my stack of books mocking me. Being a writer and an avid reader, I love words, so the title and the cover drew me, but each time I picked it up, I wondered if it would be too heavy for me to enjoy. Though I’ve been a reader all my life, I’m a mom first. When a child is injured or deliberately hurt, it’s difficult for me to read. But I heard such great and beautiful things (and I got a couple of copies in the mail- that’s usually a good sign I should give it a shot) that I decided to give it a chance.
I am so glad that I did. Yttrup’s journey of healing, redemption, and faith is gorgeous and uplifting. The story is difficult at times, but beautiful and stunning. I loved Kaylee and the mom in me wanted to reach out, love her, and give her peace and comfort. I’ve got three children and I could understand Sierra’s doubts. Was she doing the right thing? Did she give Kaylee what she needed?
Ginny Ytrrup’s book is such a gorgeous journey that you can’t help but be affected. It’s deeper than mere storytelling and it transcends entertainment. This is a life changing experience and one that I can’t recommend highly enough.
Give Words a chance. You’ll be glad you did.
PG-13/R. – this is a story about abuse and the journey back from that abuse. Though Yttrup handles it with deft style and seeming sleight of hand, it’s still gritty, real, and heart-wrenching. I wouldn’t recommend this book for anyone under at least the age of 16 . The emotional journey is too difficult.
Review copy provided by B&H Publishing
I am so glad that I did. Yttrup’s journey of healing, redemption, and faith is gorgeous and uplifting. The story is difficult at times, but beautiful and stunning. I loved Kaylee and the mom in me wanted to reach out, love her, and give her peace and comfort. I’ve got three children and I could understand Sierra’s doubts. Was she doing the right thing? Did she give Kaylee what she needed?
Ginny Ytrrup’s book is such a gorgeous journey that you can’t help but be affected. It’s deeper than mere storytelling and it transcends entertainment. This is a life changing experience and one that I can’t recommend highly enough.
Give Words a chance. You’ll be glad you did.
PG-13/R. – this is a story about abuse and the journey back from that abuse. Though Yttrup handles it with deft style and seeming sleight of hand, it’s still gritty, real, and heart-wrenching. I wouldn’t recommend this book for anyone under at least the age of 16 . The emotional journey is too difficult.
Review copy provided by B&H Publishing
October 21, 2020
Sierra -
Sierra’s heart is still healing twelve years after tragedy strikes from her life choices as a young adult.
Kaylee -
Abandoned by her mother, Kaylee has been left to live with her mother’s abusive boyfriend. Her circumstances leave her without the ability to speak, and instead she finds that words and their meanings help her to focus on something the than the torment she must endure at home.
When circumstances bring them together, God will use Sierra and Kaylee to impart His healing into each of their shattered hearts, which only one Word can truly heal.
I had this book in my lineup to read for so long before I could convince myself (with a nudge from a friend!) to read it. Reading about child abuse is just hard, hard, hard. And yet, Ginny L. Yttrup does such a beautiful job navigating through the narrative of Kaylee’s experience in a way that neither diminishes what she went through, nor sensationalizes it. This was a wonderful story of healing, redemption and love.
Sierra’s heart is still healing twelve years after tragedy strikes from her life choices as a young adult.
Kaylee -
Abandoned by her mother, Kaylee has been left to live with her mother’s abusive boyfriend. Her circumstances leave her without the ability to speak, and instead she finds that words and their meanings help her to focus on something the than the torment she must endure at home.
When circumstances bring them together, God will use Sierra and Kaylee to impart His healing into each of their shattered hearts, which only one Word can truly heal.
I had this book in my lineup to read for so long before I could convince myself (with a nudge from a friend!) to read it. Reading about child abuse is just hard, hard, hard. And yet, Ginny L. Yttrup does such a beautiful job navigating through the narrative of Kaylee’s experience in a way that neither diminishes what she went through, nor sensationalizes it. This was a wonderful story of healing, redemption and love.
December 7, 2011
This is a book I just grabbed from the library new book shelf (along with two others) for a cold and rainy weekend. I just read the first few sentences on the back cover and thought it sounded like a great book,that night as I put the book down to go to sleep I thought again it was a great book. The next morning I read the rest of the back cover to see what was coming and saw that it mentioned that the characters discover the healing mercy of the Word- Jesus Christ. I am not a religous person in ANY WAY and almost quit reading with the thought that it would become overly preachy and I am so glad that I did not do that. This is a wonderful book,with a few preachy parts for the non religous,about coping with abuse,guilt and coming to terms with bad decisions in the past. The character are real and easy to like which makes it easy to cheer for them when you can. I would recommend this book to everyone.
May 13, 2012
Excellent. A very hard subject- sexual abuse, parental abandonment, drug addiction and their effect on one little girl but yet there is healing in the pages too and you are left with hope. It will not be an easy read but one, in my opinion, well worth your time and possibly life changing- heart changing
December 30, 2011
This book was simply wonderful. The author achieved success in so many ways with this book. It is touching, and says so much about healing, and the transforming power of love....and words. I wish I could buy you all a copy! READ IT.
May 5, 2014
WOW!!! What a wonderful powerful book!!! I picked this up last night n didn't start it till this evening.......I finished it 5 hours later! I just could not put it down! This is one that will be n my heart for along time!!!
Read
June 6, 2016Words was an amazing book that really shows you how things can turn around again in your life. It had a heart warming story about a young girl who had an awful life. An older woman with a past of her own, finds her. She finds her faith through this young girl. This is a must read!
Read
June 19, 2011Excellent read! I was very impressed by the strong story.
May 1, 2012
A beautiful, difficult, gut retching story.
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