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Grace from the Rubble: Two Fathers' Road to Reconciliation after the Oklahoma City Bombing
Jeanne Bishop's powerful new book tells the heart-stirring story of how the father of a young woman killed in the Oklahoma City bombing and the father of her killer, Timothy McVeigh, forged an unlikely friendship and found forgiveness.
Grace from the Rubble is the remarkable journey of two men who, though destined to be enemies, forged an unexpected bond in the wake of terrorism and tragedy.
In what was to become the deadliest attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, the Oklahoma City bombing was one in a long line of violent attacks which have left communities across the nation searching for healing and hope. With the soaring message of the power of love to conquer evil, Grace from the Rubble tells the intertwining stories of four captivating individuals: Julie Welch, a young professional full of promise and Tim McVeigh, the troubled mind behind the horrific event; Bud Welch, a father whose only daughter (Julie) was murdered and Bill McVeigh, the father of her killer.
With searing details by first-hand witnesses, including the Governor of Oklahoma, masterful storyteller Jeanne Bishop describes the suspenseful scenes leading up to that fateful day and the dramatic events after as one father buried his daughter and the other saw his only son arrested and tried for mass murder.
Vivid and haunting, this true story is rich with memories and beautiful descriptions of the nation's heartland, a place of grit and love for neighbors and family. Bishop tells how murder affected her own family and led her to meet Bud and ultimately, how she learned to see humanity amidst inhuman violence.
With compassion for all who have been touched by tragedy, this poignant narrative will touch your heart with the astonishing forgiveness that led to an extraordinary friendship.
Grace from the Rubble is the remarkable journey of two men who, though destined to be enemies, forged an unexpected bond in the wake of terrorism and tragedy.
In what was to become the deadliest attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, the Oklahoma City bombing was one in a long line of violent attacks which have left communities across the nation searching for healing and hope. With the soaring message of the power of love to conquer evil, Grace from the Rubble tells the intertwining stories of four captivating individuals: Julie Welch, a young professional full of promise and Tim McVeigh, the troubled mind behind the horrific event; Bud Welch, a father whose only daughter (Julie) was murdered and Bill McVeigh, the father of her killer.
With searing details by first-hand witnesses, including the Governor of Oklahoma, masterful storyteller Jeanne Bishop describes the suspenseful scenes leading up to that fateful day and the dramatic events after as one father buried his daughter and the other saw his only son arrested and tried for mass murder.
Vivid and haunting, this true story is rich with memories and beautiful descriptions of the nation's heartland, a place of grit and love for neighbors and family. Bishop tells how murder affected her own family and led her to meet Bud and ultimately, how she learned to see humanity amidst inhuman violence.
With compassion for all who have been touched by tragedy, this poignant narrative will touch your heart with the astonishing forgiveness that led to an extraordinary friendship.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 14, 2020
43 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne Bishop
8 books7 followersJeanne Bishop is a criminal defense attorney, activist, and author. Since the murders of her family members, she has spoken around the U.S. and the world in support of gun violence prevention, abolition of the death penalty, forgiveness, and the role of victims in the criminal justice system. Her written work has appeared in The Huffington Post, CNN.com, Sojourners.net, The Christian Century, the Chicago Sun-Times, and the Chicago Tribune, among other publications. She has been featured in several documentary films, including Too Flawed to Fix, Deadline, and The Innocent. A graduate of Northwestern University School of Law and a recipient of its alumni award for public service, she practices law with the Office of the Cook County (IL) Public Defender.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 25, 2025
This is a heavy read. Its a good read though. The Oklahoma bombing was horrible.
May 11, 2020
Grace from the Rubble by Jeanne Bishop (#34 in 2020)
In what was to become the deadliest attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, the Oklahoma City bombing was one in a long line of violent attacks which have left communities across the nation searching for healing and hope. With the soaring message of the power of love to conquer evil, Grace from the Rubble tells the intertwining stories of four captivating individuals: Julie Welch, a young professional full of promise and Tim McVeigh, the troubled mind behind the horrific event; Bud Welch, a father whose only daughter (Julie) was murdered and Bill McVeigh, the father of her killer.
It's been a while since I've read any nonfiction, let alone one about an unlikely connection. Between the separate stories of Bud Welch and Bill McVeigh, Jeanne Bishop includes her own narrative that provides the backstory of why she was inspired to write a book about this unexpected relationship in the first place.
Bud Welch's perspective on life really sheds some light on how forgiveness plays an important role in healing. After his daughter's death, Bud seemed to take on a lot of the characteristics that made his daughter, Julie, such a remarkable person, and one of those qualities was that of understanding. At the same time, Bill McVeigh's story reminds us that we cannot punish everyone because of one person's wrongdoings. Despite his son's horrendous crimes, Bill was and has continued to be viewed as a good person.
I couldn't find much on the genre of this book beside nonfiction, but I think it could easily shift between adult and young adult. Depending on the reader's age, different themes can be derived as both fathers were victims in this atrocity. Without giving too much away, the relationship between Bud and Bill really puts life in perspective and is a firm reminder of being good to one's neighbor. 4 stars
In what was to become the deadliest attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, the Oklahoma City bombing was one in a long line of violent attacks which have left communities across the nation searching for healing and hope. With the soaring message of the power of love to conquer evil, Grace from the Rubble tells the intertwining stories of four captivating individuals: Julie Welch, a young professional full of promise and Tim McVeigh, the troubled mind behind the horrific event; Bud Welch, a father whose only daughter (Julie) was murdered and Bill McVeigh, the father of her killer.
It's been a while since I've read any nonfiction, let alone one about an unlikely connection. Between the separate stories of Bud Welch and Bill McVeigh, Jeanne Bishop includes her own narrative that provides the backstory of why she was inspired to write a book about this unexpected relationship in the first place.
Bud Welch's perspective on life really sheds some light on how forgiveness plays an important role in healing. After his daughter's death, Bud seemed to take on a lot of the characteristics that made his daughter, Julie, such a remarkable person, and one of those qualities was that of understanding. At the same time, Bill McVeigh's story reminds us that we cannot punish everyone because of one person's wrongdoings. Despite his son's horrendous crimes, Bill was and has continued to be viewed as a good person.
I couldn't find much on the genre of this book beside nonfiction, but I think it could easily shift between adult and young adult. Depending on the reader's age, different themes can be derived as both fathers were victims in this atrocity. Without giving too much away, the relationship between Bud and Bill really puts life in perspective and is a firm reminder of being good to one's neighbor. 4 stars
July 10, 2020
I was 6 months pregnant with our first child when I felt the walls of my 5th grade classroom shake in Edmond, Oklahoma, some 20 miles north of OKC on April 19th, 1995. So I read this book very familiar with the people, places, and events surrounding that horrific day. But I have always wondered about Timothy McVeigh’s father. I knew very little about him. I could only imagine how this day changed his life forever...like so many other people.
Author Jeanne Bishop writes from a perspective of personal loss herself. But the story of the relationship of two fathers who both lost their children to that day, Bud Welch and Bill McVeigh is the most compelling. A valuable, moving book on the topic of forgiveness, grace, and kindness.
Author Jeanne Bishop writes from a perspective of personal loss herself. But the story of the relationship of two fathers who both lost their children to that day, Bud Welch and Bill McVeigh is the most compelling. A valuable, moving book on the topic of forgiveness, grace, and kindness.
April 26, 2020
As a native Oklahoman I remember this day. Though I was only a child I remember what my parents describe. My mother was pregnant with my little sister could feel the ground shake from our childhood home, which was a little more than 100 miles away. I applaud Jeanne Bishop for writing this book and bringing these two mourning fathers to light. Along with the powerful note of forgiveness and what it can do. May we never forget this day and those affected by this horrible act of violence.
May 7, 2024
A shorter read than I was expecting, but so good and worth it. As a Social Studies teacher, I teach the OKC Bombing every year in April. Every year, I feel unqualified to do so since I wasn’t alive during the event. This book allowed me to understand better how truly shocking this was for Oklahoma City at the time and how to better teach my students the impact this terrible massacre has on OKC still today.
I am thankful I am to have grown up in Oklahoma, where people really take care of one another no matter what.
I am thankful I am to have grown up in Oklahoma, where people really take care of one another no matter what.
February 6, 2021
This book is an amazing work of God showing his grace and how man can ask for forgiveness also be forgiven and not hold onto hat. It shows me it is possible to forgive anyone anything and allow others to forgive you. Shows the love between men and women and how to offer love during difficult times.
May make one shed a tear or two but worth every one! read it straight through!
May make one shed a tear or two but worth every one! read it straight through!
July 2, 2024
An amazing story of two men, both who lost children because of the Oklahoma City Bombing. One lost his adult daughter in the Murrah building, the other's son was executed for the crime. A story of working through grief and tragedy, reconciliation, forgiveness, and rethinking the death penalty.
March 29, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75/ 3.75 stars
This book was nice, informative, and kind of a sad read. However it was a little repetitive and felt like a long research paper.
This book was nice, informative, and kind of a sad read. However it was a little repetitive and felt like a long research paper.
February 7, 2024
4.8/5 — I am so glad I came across this book in one of the little free library stands down the street. At first brief glance I thought I was snagging a book my wife would enjoy, but then upon further inspection when I got back home from my walk with my son I quickly realized that it was definitely more of a ‘me’ book than a ‘her’ book. (Thankfully I also grabbed a novel from the stand for her as well. ◡̈)
Jeanne Bishop wrote an outstanding book here, weaving together her, Bud Welch’s, and Bill McVeigh’s stories (particularly the latter 2) extremely well. There’s obviously an inevitable heaviness when one reads any account of the OKC bombing, so I knew going into it that it would be hard-hitting and emotional. I was totally okay with that, because my curiosity was winning out for 2 reasons:
1) Although I’ve known a little bit about that horrendous event in April of ‘95 for some time, I’ve never actually taken the time to do more of a deep dive into some of the details and particulars. The only extra look into it I had done was when I watched a searing, gripping documentary with a couple dozen others in our Group Crisis Intervention class for the chaplaincy program I went through. Through interviews with the first responders, victims’ families, and other eye witnesses, the documentarian displayed the utter devastation that Timothy McVeigh brought upon 168 victims along with countless others. So I wanted to know more.
2) I had never heard the story about one of the victims’ fathers befriending the terrorist’s father. I found that completely intriguing and worth my time getting to know more about. (And with words like Grace, Reconciliation, Friendship, and Forgiveness on the front and back of the book, I knew there was a good chance that the author was writing from a faith-based perspective, which I’d probably appreciate.)
Anyway, after starting out the first 1/3+ introducing us to the main people and their stories—Jeanne, Bud, Julie, Bill, and Tim—Ms. Bishop took us into the bombing itself, including the planning, the day of, and even the happenings beyond the immediate aftermath. This last part, Valley of the Shadow, is what I wish she would’ve spent a few more pages on. Or if not more pages, at least more ink spent on the responses from victims’ families or friends, statements from Timothy or the defense, or even some of the national coverage/general perception. I totally understand that she had to gear it back toward Bud and Bill, however, as they and their friendship were the thrust of the final chapters (and the main reason for the book).
I was impressed with the tone of the book. There was a brevity to it that didn’t wallow in the weeds, yet still took the appropriate time to pay tribute by name and story to dozens of those who perished that day. In general, Jeanne brought out the countless tragedies in a very effective, evocative way: honoring the victims without glorifying the horrific details of their deaths.
This was not a fun read, per se. But it was an important read— a significant, true tale (and reminder) of not only the perseverance and unity a city can have after a life-ending, life-altering, traumatic explosion rips through and reverberates around and beyond a community; but also of how compassion, grace, reason, and forgiveness can trump vengeance, bitterness, secondary/unfair accusations, and hatred by enduring an act of evil and turning every natural instinct on its head to form new beautiful bonds with the least likely of people.
Jeanne Bishop wrote an outstanding book here, weaving together her, Bud Welch’s, and Bill McVeigh’s stories (particularly the latter 2) extremely well. There’s obviously an inevitable heaviness when one reads any account of the OKC bombing, so I knew going into it that it would be hard-hitting and emotional. I was totally okay with that, because my curiosity was winning out for 2 reasons:
1) Although I’ve known a little bit about that horrendous event in April of ‘95 for some time, I’ve never actually taken the time to do more of a deep dive into some of the details and particulars. The only extra look into it I had done was when I watched a searing, gripping documentary with a couple dozen others in our Group Crisis Intervention class for the chaplaincy program I went through. Through interviews with the first responders, victims’ families, and other eye witnesses, the documentarian displayed the utter devastation that Timothy McVeigh brought upon 168 victims along with countless others. So I wanted to know more.
2) I had never heard the story about one of the victims’ fathers befriending the terrorist’s father. I found that completely intriguing and worth my time getting to know more about. (And with words like Grace, Reconciliation, Friendship, and Forgiveness on the front and back of the book, I knew there was a good chance that the author was writing from a faith-based perspective, which I’d probably appreciate.)
Anyway, after starting out the first 1/3+ introducing us to the main people and their stories—Jeanne, Bud, Julie, Bill, and Tim—Ms. Bishop took us into the bombing itself, including the planning, the day of, and even the happenings beyond the immediate aftermath. This last part, Valley of the Shadow, is what I wish she would’ve spent a few more pages on. Or if not more pages, at least more ink spent on the responses from victims’ families or friends, statements from Timothy or the defense, or even some of the national coverage/general perception. I totally understand that she had to gear it back toward Bud and Bill, however, as they and their friendship were the thrust of the final chapters (and the main reason for the book).
I was impressed with the tone of the book. There was a brevity to it that didn’t wallow in the weeds, yet still took the appropriate time to pay tribute by name and story to dozens of those who perished that day. In general, Jeanne brought out the countless tragedies in a very effective, evocative way: honoring the victims without glorifying the horrific details of their deaths.
This was not a fun read, per se. But it was an important read— a significant, true tale (and reminder) of not only the perseverance and unity a city can have after a life-ending, life-altering, traumatic explosion rips through and reverberates around and beyond a community; but also of how compassion, grace, reason, and forgiveness can trump vengeance, bitterness, secondary/unfair accusations, and hatred by enduring an act of evil and turning every natural instinct on its head to form new beautiful bonds with the least likely of people.
May 4, 2020
The author is so tender with each character and his/her story. Her description of the hours leading to the bombing is devastating, and heartbreaking. After reading the passage of the fathers' meeting, I was so struck by how much time we waste (I waste) in anger and vengeance and hate, when there is so much simple good and healing in forgiveness and listening and finding common ground. A beautiful, life-affirming read in this pandemic season.
January 31, 2024
This book discusses the Oklahoma City Bombing, which occurred on April 19, 1995. (I was 7 years old at this time, and all I remember about this happening was a Garth Brooks music video that had images from the news coverage of this event in it?) Timothy McVeigh and two cohorts planned and carried out this act of domestic terrorism. Unfortunately, the targets were simply innocent people going about their regular business. This book discusses several of the victims, but the main focus is on the father of Julie Welch and the father of Timothy McVeigh. These two dads both lost their children in this attack, one as a victim and the other as a perpetrator who was later executed. It was honestly heartwarming to see these two be able to form a relationship with each other. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to do so. Many times, as soon as some type of incident happens, parents are immediately blamed. While I believe parents have a great role in these events, such as not monitoring what their children are doing, not keeping weapons locked away, not reporting behavior to police and doctors, etc., it isn't always the parent's fault. People in the perpetrator's family are often overlooked as well in cases like this. Society is so focused on the actions of the person and finding a resolution and some justice that their families are often dismissed or overlooked. They have lost someone as well, and are struggling to come to terms with what their loved one has done and if they bear any responsibility in those actions. This book serves as a great reminder to look at all sides of an issue and extend compassion in other places as well.
I bought this book with my Audible credits. The narration was pleasant to listen to, and the book was something around 7ish hours to listen to. I started it last night, but I was able to finish it out during work today. I am so grateful to have a job where I can listen to what I want while I work. If you are interested in the physical copy, it is under 300 pages. The book was written in a way that really made you feel like you knew the people in the story, from the victims to the parents. It was very tastefully done, and not a gory sensationalism of the attack, which is the avenue that some writers in this genre go towards. I really thought this was a great book.
I bought this book with my Audible credits. The narration was pleasant to listen to, and the book was something around 7ish hours to listen to. I started it last night, but I was able to finish it out during work today. I am so grateful to have a job where I can listen to what I want while I work. If you are interested in the physical copy, it is under 300 pages. The book was written in a way that really made you feel like you knew the people in the story, from the victims to the parents. It was very tastefully done, and not a gory sensationalism of the attack, which is the avenue that some writers in this genre go towards. I really thought this was a great book.
August 16, 2020
The author herself lost a sister, brother-in-law and unborn niece or nephew when they were killed by coming in on a guy burglarizing their home. So she knows first hand the pain, the criminal justice system, and the spiritual needs required to go on with such pain. This short book reviews the events of the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing in 1995, but the main focus is on 4 characters, Bud, Julie, Bill and Timothy. Bud lost his 23 year-old daughter in the destruction, and Bill lost his son Timothy to Tim's hatred and finally his execution. Both men are devout Christians and were brought together in friendship by a nun who works in reconciliation ministry. They had many similarities in their backgrounds, but different approaches to their grief. Bill has become a spokesperson against the death penalty, and Bill, who is very reserved and shy, continues his life in small-town New York State while doing good for his neighbors and community, but otherwise keeping a low profile. For he feels he doesn't "deserve" to have any publicity, as well as his reserved nature. What I found inspiring is that Bill, as a mass-murderer's father, was accepted and supported by his community. They knew there were no signs of the son's radicalization when he was a boy and youth, and there was nothing about the father that would have promoted such violence. He was just a good guy. Both loved their children dearly, and still do. The sad point is made that by executing Timothy while he was still young and unrepentant, he had no further chance to ask forgiveness and repent. He went to his death knowing he deserved to die, but still holding that he did the right thing to get revenge on "the government" for all its sins. PTSD from the Gulf War, and meeting radicals who seem just like some of the ones we have around still today, probably contributed to his determination to kill as many as he possibly could. A clear look into a terrorist's background and the power of Christian reconciliation
April 9, 2021
This may be me most emotionally touching, socially relevant and timely work I've ever read.
Its heartbreaking, heartwarming and extremely relevant today. In a time of suspicion and divisiveness this reminds me that even at the epicenter of mass murder, one person removed is far enough to find a person good. Blame is a blanket of grief and anger that everyone close gets trapped under. It crosses continents, skin color, religeon and invades generations. This is a very moving story of people who decided to cross those boundaries and recognize each other as individuals- shocked and in pain. Its unique in its access to families and outcomes.
This book is about survivors (Tim McVeigh's parent's included) and the families addressing the emotional aftermath with compassion or rage and how the two influenced the community and justice system. Its a unique story. In 2021 the result is almost as inconceivable as the bombing, in the best possible way. I think everyone could learn from this.
Its not at all about the bombing or how law enforcement forensically analyzed the evidence to catch a mass murderrer . "True crime" category may give readers who don't check the book jacket the wrong idea. Its not at all about forensics or pathology.
I do recommend you Skip the audio version- the narrator is terrible. in an attempt to enunciate she butchers the language on top of the mic. Not only can you hear wet sounds of her tounge moving in her mouth, She does this thing where the "g" on an "ing" ending becomes an additional syllable. Making = "may- KIng-GUH." They eat at burger KINK-Kuh.
It starts annoy-IN-guh and after an hour its enrage-GEEN-kink", so I recommend reading the text version.
Its heartbreaking, heartwarming and extremely relevant today. In a time of suspicion and divisiveness this reminds me that even at the epicenter of mass murder, one person removed is far enough to find a person good. Blame is a blanket of grief and anger that everyone close gets trapped under. It crosses continents, skin color, religeon and invades generations. This is a very moving story of people who decided to cross those boundaries and recognize each other as individuals- shocked and in pain. Its unique in its access to families and outcomes.
This book is about survivors (Tim McVeigh's parent's included) and the families addressing the emotional aftermath with compassion or rage and how the two influenced the community and justice system. Its a unique story. In 2021 the result is almost as inconceivable as the bombing, in the best possible way. I think everyone could learn from this.
Its not at all about the bombing or how law enforcement forensically analyzed the evidence to catch a mass murderrer . "True crime" category may give readers who don't check the book jacket the wrong idea. Its not at all about forensics or pathology.
I do recommend you Skip the audio version- the narrator is terrible. in an attempt to enunciate she butchers the language on top of the mic. Not only can you hear wet sounds of her tounge moving in her mouth, She does this thing where the "g" on an "ing" ending becomes an additional syllable. Making = "may- KIng-GUH." They eat at burger KINK-Kuh.
It starts annoy-IN-guh and after an hour its enrage-GEEN-kink", so I recommend reading the text version.
September 10, 2020
The title of the book says it all: This is a story about how a father of a victim who died in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing reconciled and developed friendship with the father of the domestic terrorist Timothy McVeigh. I was really moved by the narrative that described the day of the bombing. The author made a beautiful effort in commemorating the people who died in the attack. So many innocent lives lost. That chapter was really memorable. I also appreciated the epilogue, in which the author contrasted Timothy McVeigh's response to injustice to that of Bud Welch, the victim's father spotlighted in the book. She made a convincing argument forgiveness is the right path to take.
But the voice in which the book is written is too....overtly sentimental for me. I think it's because the author couldn't get Timothy McVeigh's father to provide too much detail, so she had to use a lot of her own imagination to help the reader admire or feel sympathetic with his situation. The father seems to be a very private man, very reluctant to share his inner thoughts and feelings. For example, he talked to his son for two hours before his execution, but when the author asked him what they talked about, he told her he didn't remember. I think he just doesn't want to share.
But the voice in which the book is written is too....overtly sentimental for me. I think it's because the author couldn't get Timothy McVeigh's father to provide too much detail, so she had to use a lot of her own imagination to help the reader admire or feel sympathetic with his situation. The father seems to be a very private man, very reluctant to share his inner thoughts and feelings. For example, he talked to his son for two hours before his execution, but when the author asked him what they talked about, he told her he didn't remember. I think he just doesn't want to share.
April 8, 2024
This is a very short read. It's really about an event of reconciliation, but there is background and epilogue information as well. There were some interesting thoughts I had not considered about dealing with forgiveness.
Bud's thoughts after meeting Bill: "I felt this tremendous wait falling off my shoulders. I've never felt closer to God than in that moment."
Bud promised he would fight against the death penalty for Timothy and he did.
Bill feels he has no right to talk about his son (Timothy) and no right to visit Oklahoma City. He recognized the guilt of his son but refused to disown him. He still loved him. He does not feel he has the right to call Bud, so Bud checks on him.
Strikingly different paths: Bud is still outspoken against the death penalty in the public spotlight, speaks all over the country, serves on the OK city Memorial Foundation, leads parent groups. In contrast, Bill lives in a small rural area and rarely leaves his hometown. Bud can travel the world and tell about his child. Bill cannot. He neither wants or seeks attention. Both men are responding to loss by doing good, in different ways.
Side quote- "parents are usually only as happy as their least happy child".
Bud's thoughts after meeting Bill: "I felt this tremendous wait falling off my shoulders. I've never felt closer to God than in that moment."
Bud promised he would fight against the death penalty for Timothy and he did.
Bill feels he has no right to talk about his son (Timothy) and no right to visit Oklahoma City. He recognized the guilt of his son but refused to disown him. He still loved him. He does not feel he has the right to call Bud, so Bud checks on him.
Strikingly different paths: Bud is still outspoken against the death penalty in the public spotlight, speaks all over the country, serves on the OK city Memorial Foundation, leads parent groups. In contrast, Bill lives in a small rural area and rarely leaves his hometown. Bud can travel the world and tell about his child. Bill cannot. He neither wants or seeks attention. Both men are responding to loss by doing good, in different ways.
Side quote- "parents are usually only as happy as their least happy child".
January 20, 2021
This book shattered my heart. I am not much of a crier, but I teared up many times throughout this book. Initially, the lyricism surprised me. It is disconcerting to get swept up in lyricism when you know that you’re about to read about a bombing, but I should have anticipated it; the author does speak of grace emerging from rubble. After the bombing, I wanted the lyricism back. You will want it back, too. Bishop’s descriptions of the crime scene made me want to close the book even as I felt ethically and empathetically obliged to bear witness. I cannot imagine the pain these families must feel.
My only criticism of this book is that the marketing and book cover are not representative of the content. The fathers in the book, Bill and Bud, only meet one time while Bishop more or less presents two separate portraits of grief. It is a powerful moment when they do meet, but whoever marketed the text treated forgiveness like an epiphany confined to one conversation. For Bishop, the paradigmatic waves of grief mean that forgiveness comes in waves as well and I think that that is a more accurate representation of trauma recovery.
My only criticism of this book is that the marketing and book cover are not representative of the content. The fathers in the book, Bill and Bud, only meet one time while Bishop more or less presents two separate portraits of grief. It is a powerful moment when they do meet, but whoever marketed the text treated forgiveness like an epiphany confined to one conversation. For Bishop, the paradigmatic waves of grief mean that forgiveness comes in waves as well and I think that that is a more accurate representation of trauma recovery.
November 23, 2020
Gripping from first page to last, this journalistic endeavor seamlessly converges the paths of assassin and victims, plus their unsuspecting families, to the achingly awful Oklahoma City bombing of 1995 and its aftermath. The resulting unlikely, and slowly evolving, reconciliation--and actual kinship--between perpetrator Timothy McVeigh's taciturn dad Bill and the passionate victim advocate Bud Welch, whose pregnant daughter Julie was one of McVeigh's mortal victims becomes the book's focus. It would be hard to find a more compelling testament to not just the grace of wounded individuals recognizing and assuaging each other's pains on a personal level, but also to the grace of a whole community so attuned to loving one's neighbor without any resentments or selfish ulterior motives. Bravo to the Bills, the Buds, the Oklahoma City citizens of this world--hope springs eternal! Thank you to Ms. Bishop for this electrifying inspirational real-life lesson (on so many levels!)--your Christopher Award for this book was exceedingly well-deserved!
March 12, 2024
I lived in OKC for six years, so I have a soft spot for the area. I visited the OKC National Memorial and Museum once, and it strongly affected me. If you were touched by this book, I highly recommend visiting and experiencing that museum. ❤️
I feel like any of the personal experiences of the author could have been condensed into a forward at the beginning of the book. It was a little jarring every time I was pulled out of the story of Bill and Bud to listen to the author talk about herself and her experiences.
This book really got me thinking about the death penalty. Bud became staunchly against it (even for the man that murdered his daughter), and it was interesting to read why.
I thought the author did a good job of humanizing Timothy McVeigh while also being respectful to the bombing victims.
The part that got me good was when Bud talked about how Bill had it worse than him. Both men had lost a child, but Bill was able to freely talk about his daughter while Bud really couldn’t talk about his son.
I feel like any of the personal experiences of the author could have been condensed into a forward at the beginning of the book. It was a little jarring every time I was pulled out of the story of Bill and Bud to listen to the author talk about herself and her experiences.
This book really got me thinking about the death penalty. Bud became staunchly against it (even for the man that murdered his daughter), and it was interesting to read why.
I thought the author did a good job of humanizing Timothy McVeigh while also being respectful to the bombing victims.
The part that got me good was when Bud talked about how Bill had it worse than him. Both men had lost a child, but Bill was able to freely talk about his daughter while Bud really couldn’t talk about his son.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2021
Although her words are powerful and beautiful, and the ideas profound, it is Love that wins, and why i gave this book 5 stars. Love always wins, and Jeanne Bishop is the greatest spokesperson i know of to acknowledge and share that, through her faith and love. This is the story of 3 families, each with 3 children, and one of those children was murdered. Jeanne Bishop’s sister, Nancy, was brutally murdered at home, Bud Welch’s daughter, Julie was among the 168 people murdered in the Oklahoma City bombing and Bill McVeigh’s son, Tim, was murdered our justice system for that crime. Jeanne, Bud and Bill come together in this book to celebrate love, forgiveness and redemption. Oklahoma city brought them together, and love, reconciliation and forgiveness binds them together forever. Whew. Jeanne is an inspiration, always. Love. ❤️
December 5, 2020
A tragedy of gargantuan proportions, the Oklahoma City bombing still evokes pain and indignation twenty-five years later. With a deeply personal connection, Jeanne Bishop weaves a tale of observation, explanation and reconciliation from the tragedy's rubble. She's a skilled writer who works both sides of the table - from victims' and offenders' points of view. Even though the topics covered are difficult, the author's gentle writing style make this book easy to read.
"Grace" is also a story of faith. That said, it's a type of steady background faith that doesn't try to clobber readers over their heads with churchy convictions. Highly recommended.
"Grace" is also a story of faith. That said, it's a type of steady background faith that doesn't try to clobber readers over their heads with churchy convictions. Highly recommended.
February 18, 2024
This book tells the true story of a father who lost his daughter (Julie Welch) in the OKC bombing and his journey through grief and how he heals through connecting with the father of Timothy McVeigh This story is told through an author who herself endured tragedy. This book gives a behind the scenes story of numerous lives before, during, and after the bombing and how grief and tragedy impacted individuals and families and the varied roads of coping/healing afterward. An important topic brought up was war and the ensuing mental health/PTSD and how that played a pivotal role in what became a national tragedy.
December 9, 2022
I honestly did not expect to like this book. I was expecting it to be super cheesy. And it was, a bit, but I also thought it was interesting. It's about the father of Tim McVeigh and the father of one of the OKC bombing victims who became friends, and about how the victim's father protested against the death penalty and McVeigh's execution. Most of the book is just background about the bombing and the characters' life stories. I had never read in detail about the OKC bombing before so I found the book really informative and it was an easy read.
October 7, 2020
Great account.
I didn't think I would like this book. I thought it would be a sappy feel-good story but it was actually a very good account of the Oklahoma city bombing. Most of the time we tend to focus on the victims and their families but we forget the families of the perpetrators suffer also.
I didn't think I would like this book. I thought it would be a sappy feel-good story but it was actually a very good account of the Oklahoma city bombing. Most of the time we tend to focus on the victims and their families but we forget the families of the perpetrators suffer also.
November 19, 2020
This is a heart breaking true story that's hard to comprehend The peace forgiveness compassion given
The .most rewarding things In this book is the relationship between Bud and Bill proof you can forgive love console the very person you want to hate if you let God guide you
The .most rewarding things In this book is the relationship between Bud and Bill proof you can forgive love console the very person you want to hate if you let God guide you
June 28, 2024
Too many years have passed since this horrible tragedy and I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t remember a lot of the horror. Stories like this should never be forgotten.
A beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption. There will always be tragedies in the world, but God never forgets His children and His hand is always there when we look for it.
A beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption. There will always be tragedies in the world, but God never forgets His children and His hand is always there when we look for it.
October 6, 2024
I enjoyed this book as it shares the story of the Oklahoma City Bombing from the perspective of 2 fathers—one was a victim’s father and one was Timothy McVeigh’s father. McVeigh was one of the conspirators and executioners of the plot to bomb the Murrah Federal Building. This is the story of reconciliation, forgiveness. It was beautifully difficult to read.
August 28, 2021
Whew
This was a hard book to read but I am so glad I did. While I support the death penalty I feel amazed at the forgiveness these 2 men showed. I believe that the Lord gave them the strength to do it
This was a hard book to read but I am so glad I did. While I support the death penalty I feel amazed at the forgiveness these 2 men showed. I believe that the Lord gave them the strength to do it
December 17, 2021
Heart wrenching and thoughtful - the story of the friendship between two men, one, the father of Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber and the other, the father of one of his victims and the woman who brought them together.
May 22, 2022
I very much enjoyed this book it tells the story about the Oklahoma City bombing and how a couple of teenagers were able to pull this off. But it also shine a light on two fathers who meet up and learn about the power of forgiveness. This is a must read book.
October 1, 2022
Wow. What an incredible story of forgiveness. Growing up in Oklahoma, you know about the bombing and the lives it impacted.
This story of forgiveness from the father of a girl who died to the father of the bomber was just… amazing. Truly amazing.
This story of forgiveness from the father of a girl who died to the father of the bomber was just… amazing. Truly amazing.
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