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Alabaster Cross
A compelling novel that addresses a rising issue and tragic statistic of young men in America being raised without fathers. A captivating story that will stay in your heart, long after the book is back on the shelf.Trapped in a world of anger, 29 year old Bryan Whittaker cannot move on with his life until he takes a journey into his past a dangerous journey that will lead him into the heart of the Amazon Rain Forest. Instead of the revenge he seeks, Bryan finds redemption and in the process makes peace with his past.The only clue he has that will help him know if hes reached his destination is his memory of his fathers most treasured earthly possessiona beautiful alabaster cross.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
5 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Richard Exley
64 books4 followersRichard Exley is a man with a rich diversity of experiences. He has been a pastor, conference and retreat speaker, as well as a radio broadcaster. In addition he has written more than 30 books including The Rhythm of Life, Man of Valor, When You Lose Someone You Love, and The Alabaster Cross. The Making of a Man was one of five finalists for the Gold Medallion Devotional Book of the Year. The Methodist Episcopal Church USA and the National Clergy Council Board of Scholars awarded him the Doctorate of Divinity honoris causa for his life's work in ministry and writing.
As a boy, Richard lived part-time with his widowed grandmother. Her home had electricity but she didn't trust it, so she only used it to power her refrigerator. When darkness fell she lit the kerosene lamps, casting the tiny living room with its braided rag rugs and coal oil stove in its ambient light. During those long winter evenings she spun out the story of her life. It was there Richard learned the art of storytelling, a craft that enables him to touch the heart through both his writing and speaking.
He loves spending time with his wife, Brenda Starr, in their secluded cabin overlooking picturesque Beaver Lake. He enjoys quiet talks with old friends, kerosene lamps, good books, a warm fire when it's cold, and a good cup of coffee anytime. He's an avid Denver Broncos fan, an aspiring bass fisherman, and an amateur photographer. And he hopes to become one of your favorite authors.
As a boy, Richard lived part-time with his widowed grandmother. Her home had electricity but she didn't trust it, so she only used it to power her refrigerator. When darkness fell she lit the kerosene lamps, casting the tiny living room with its braided rag rugs and coal oil stove in its ambient light. During those long winter evenings she spun out the story of her life. It was there Richard learned the art of storytelling, a craft that enables him to touch the heart through both his writing and speaking.
He loves spending time with his wife, Brenda Starr, in their secluded cabin overlooking picturesque Beaver Lake. He enjoys quiet talks with old friends, kerosene lamps, good books, a warm fire when it's cold, and a good cup of coffee anytime. He's an avid Denver Broncos fan, an aspiring bass fisherman, and an amateur photographer. And he hopes to become one of your favorite authors.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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January 5, 2020Storyline was good. Not happy at all with the Helen & Carolyn ending - were heading to Brazil in a few weeks and nothing else is ever said? Nope, didn't like that at all.
February 27, 2020
Setting: Amazon Basin, Brazil
Time Period: 1970
The Alabaster Cross isn’t just a story, it’s a reality many people live and a powerful example of how you can change for the better when you face the past. Set in the 1970’s, Bryan Whittaker feels like a failure in life and decides to do something about it. To face the pain of the past, he returns to the Amazon Basin (very west part of Brazil) to try and find the mission station and/or tribe his missionary father died helping, hoping to find closure.
In many ways, this is a story of emotional healing. After his father's death, Bryan’s mother returned to the US and went on with life, while he never quite recovered from the loss. The book explores the consequences of children being raised in homes without fathers and how such losses can set children on the wrong track that can affect them even in adulthood. Bryan sets off to find answers in Brazil, and in turn, learns to deal with his personal issues and his struggles with faith in the jungle. In some ways, this novel is like a coming of age story for adults.
Another thing I didn’t expect from the book, but came to enjoy, was how the novel also incorporated Bryan’s sister, Helen. As much as his life turned out tragic after returning from the US as a child, Helen’s story seemed to be just the opposite. She grew up to be a pastor’s wife and from all appearances, seemed to have it all together. Yet, she faced her own share of unexpected trials in this story and I enjoyed how her life added another layer to the theme of the book.
Conclusion: Though Alabaster Cross had a lot of emotion in it, I really enjoyed this book. It had spiritual depth, adventure and a unique plot. Some may consider it a heavier read because the hero was fatherless, but in the end, it had a great message. If you’re looking for a “missionary story,” or, story about a missionary's children, I’d recommend “The Alabaster Cross.” Though I read this novel for a reading challenge, I have a feeling this book will stay with me for a long time.
Time Period: 1970
The Alabaster Cross isn’t just a story, it’s a reality many people live and a powerful example of how you can change for the better when you face the past. Set in the 1970’s, Bryan Whittaker feels like a failure in life and decides to do something about it. To face the pain of the past, he returns to the Amazon Basin (very west part of Brazil) to try and find the mission station and/or tribe his missionary father died helping, hoping to find closure.
In many ways, this is a story of emotional healing. After his father's death, Bryan’s mother returned to the US and went on with life, while he never quite recovered from the loss. The book explores the consequences of children being raised in homes without fathers and how such losses can set children on the wrong track that can affect them even in adulthood. Bryan sets off to find answers in Brazil, and in turn, learns to deal with his personal issues and his struggles with faith in the jungle. In some ways, this novel is like a coming of age story for adults.
Another thing I didn’t expect from the book, but came to enjoy, was how the novel also incorporated Bryan’s sister, Helen. As much as his life turned out tragic after returning from the US as a child, Helen’s story seemed to be just the opposite. She grew up to be a pastor’s wife and from all appearances, seemed to have it all together. Yet, she faced her own share of unexpected trials in this story and I enjoyed how her life added another layer to the theme of the book.
Conclusion: Though Alabaster Cross had a lot of emotion in it, I really enjoyed this book. It had spiritual depth, adventure and a unique plot. Some may consider it a heavier read because the hero was fatherless, but in the end, it had a great message. If you’re looking for a “missionary story,” or, story about a missionary's children, I’d recommend “The Alabaster Cross.” Though I read this novel for a reading challenge, I have a feeling this book will stay with me for a long time.
July 6, 2016
First, I love Richard Exley. He is a fantastic storyteller, and I have listened to him in person many times throughout my life. He, also, has great insight into the struggles we all have, at one point or another, with our relationship with God. This story of a man struggling to make sense of or come to terms with losing his father at a young age is no different.
This was not the greatest storytelling I have ever read. I thought there were inconsistencies in the writing, changing from active to passive voice or vice versa, throughout which made it hard to really sink myself into the story. At the end there were loose ends that were not "tied up," and left me wondering about the rest of the story. However, the struggles Bryan and his sister, Helen, deal with touched me deeply. I felt God while reading this story. I felt God dealing with me about my own walk with Him while reading the pages of this fictional story. That alone is what moves me to give this novel a higher rating, and made it worth reading to the finish. I did tear up in several places throughout the novel for the times that either character was dealing with very raw and very real spiritual and/or emotional battles. Those places in the novel were where I saw the writing shine and grip me as the reader. Richard Exley is annointed man.
This was not the greatest storytelling I have ever read. I thought there were inconsistencies in the writing, changing from active to passive voice or vice versa, throughout which made it hard to really sink myself into the story. At the end there were loose ends that were not "tied up," and left me wondering about the rest of the story. However, the struggles Bryan and his sister, Helen, deal with touched me deeply. I felt God while reading this story. I felt God dealing with me about my own walk with Him while reading the pages of this fictional story. That alone is what moves me to give this novel a higher rating, and made it worth reading to the finish. I did tear up in several places throughout the novel for the times that either character was dealing with very raw and very real spiritual and/or emotional battles. Those places in the novel were where I saw the writing shine and grip me as the reader. Richard Exley is annointed man.
July 10, 2011
Ok, I really enjoyed this book. It got me doing all kinds of google searches about interesting things related to the Amazon Basin. I loved reading about the missionaries lifestyles. I could appreciate both the reasons Bryan's father was a missionary and also the reasons Bryan questioned why he would do it. I was intrigued by the indigenous tribes of Indians and their beliefs. The ending was not as I expected though I see the reason for it. After reading the author's explanation for how life often has no "perfectly wrapped up" endings, I understand. I was saddened by the reasoning for why Bryan couldn't stay in the jungle. It brought up some hard truths in my own life that come from poor choices which limit my opportunities. Nevertheless, while this is all cryptic in order to not provide spoilers, I liked the book a lot. Very thought provoking read.
July 16, 2014
Fantastic Read!
Fantastic Read!
Reading this book wrung me out emotionally. The characters and their pain were so real that I teared up several times. I had mixed feelings at the end because while I loved the book, some relationships were not resolved. I hope there's a sequel to this excellent book.
Fantastic Read!
Reading this book wrung me out emotionally. The characters and their pain were so real that I teared up several times. I had mixed feelings at the end because while I loved the book, some relationships were not resolved. I hope there's a sequel to this excellent book.
May 26, 2015
It was a great story of forgiveness and reconciliation. Not my favorite writing style -- sometimes the descriptions gave so much detail that it seems to slow down the pacing of the story. I was also confused because sometimes the italicized passages were flashbacks, and other times the italicized passages were describing the person's thoughts in the present.
July 5, 2016
It took me a while to get into the book ... I almost quit reading. Overall, it was OK but I didn't feel like it wrapped up everyone's story. I would have liked to know what happened with Helen and Carolyn. Then the preview of the sequel leaves you hanging (of course) but when I went to look for the sequel, it doesn't look like one was ever written (or at least published). Very disappointed.
December 8, 2016
Plot line was the best part of this one! Loved it, and kept me on edge. Couldn't wait to find out what happened to his father! And also loved delving into the Amazon- don't know much about it and I found the details very interesting!
Only dislike was the unnecessary details-some of it could have been left out.
But was a wonderful read and loved Bryan the most!
Only dislike was the unnecessary details-some of it could have been left out.
But was a wonderful read and loved Bryan the most!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews