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On The Divinity Of Second Chances
Kaya McLaren, author of Church of the Dog, celebrates moments of pure beauty and wonder in her widely anticipated second novel, On the Divinity of Second Chances. Overflowing with a zany and spirited cast of characters, it revels in the miracle of second chances as an extended family searches for true contentment.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2004
23 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Kaya McLaren
7 books262 followersIn January 2020, my new title will be released, WHAT'S WORTH KEEPING, a story of healing and renewal inspired by but not based on my own experience with breast cancer, treatment, and recovery. My other titles include: THE ROAD TO ENCHANTMENT (Jan. 2017), THE FIRELIGHT GIRLS (2014), HOW I CAME TO SPARKLE AGAIN (2012), ON THE DIVINITY OF SECOND CHANCES (2009), and CHURCH OF THE DOG (2008).
In addition to being an author, I've been an archaeologist, a massage therapist, an art teacher, an elementary teacher. After spending a couple winters in Mexico, I've returned to my roots in Washington, where I'm teaching middle school art.
When I'm not working, I love to play outside-- kayak, telemark ski, cross-country ski, stand-up paddleboard, skate ski, bicycle, ride horses, and attempt to surf. And if I can't be outside, I like to play cello and bass, guitar, and banjo. I enjoy painting, sculpting, and every once in a while I make a quilt or stained glass window. I love to spend time in my garden, too.
My dog, Frida Kahlo, adopted me on the streets of Mexico and has been enriching my life ever since.
In addition to being an author, I've been an archaeologist, a massage therapist, an art teacher, an elementary teacher. After spending a couple winters in Mexico, I've returned to my roots in Washington, where I'm teaching middle school art.
When I'm not working, I love to play outside-- kayak, telemark ski, cross-country ski, stand-up paddleboard, skate ski, bicycle, ride horses, and attempt to surf. And if I can't be outside, I like to play cello and bass, guitar, and banjo. I enjoy painting, sculpting, and every once in a while I make a quilt or stained glass window. I love to spend time in my garden, too.
My dog, Frida Kahlo, adopted me on the streets of Mexico and has been enriching my life ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
December 25, 2015
I enjoyed it so much. The story follows the members of a family, each one enjoyable and worth rooting for. I loved the feminine wisdom, the organic richness (literally; some of the characters live in farming country), and the amusing depiction of human beings who are forced to change. Among others, we have a husband and wife at midlife who have fallen out of love, their daughter who knows she's been here before, a wise grandmother, and several others. A very good read.
February 11, 2008
I wrote the book I wanted to read. It's beautiful, quirky, full of heart, and kind of magical too. You'll love it! It will be out in paperback in February 2009.
October 7, 2009
I came across so many glowing reviews of this book, I decided to give it a try. In fact, I actually purchased the book, just knowing that it would be one I'd want to pass around. Alas, it didn't meet my expectations. I really liked the narrative style--alternating narrators every few pages, each sharing their disparate point of view. Even the moon, from its(her?)omniscient position, weighs in from time to time. This is the story of a family in crisis--a loveless marriage; a menopausal mother; a criminal son; an unwed pregnant daughter; a trigger-happy grandma. They are some of the quirkiest characters I've met in a long time. So what's not to like? There was simply too much offensive language. I was vigilant with my correction fluid through most of the book, but by the end, I realized that I wouldn't be keeping this book on my shelf, and I ceased my censoring. Too bad, because I really did love the message of the book--it's never too late for second chances; "ultimately, our lives are measured in forgiveness"; and both forgiveness and second chances are divine. Maybe I should give this book a second chance. . . but I don't think I will.
January 15, 2014
Just as much fun for me as her first book "Church of the Dog," although I don't think everyone would enjoy her writing as much as I do. I find McLaren very insightful and spiritual, without being religious, which I wouldn't mind; but either way (spiritual and/or religious) it's a real treat to find an author whose lens on life includes deep caring and affection for others, loves forgiveness and in this case second chances. While some of her characters are probably more quirky than I would choose for a close friend, I'm happy when I'm in their presence in her books.
Funny, I first gave this book 4 stars because I remember a good friend looking at me very strangely after reading McLaren's first book on my recommendation. But as time passes, I wish I had not yet finished the book, so I realize for me this is a 5-star book. I don't care what anyone else thinks! I'm ready for her 3rd book to come out this year!
Funny, I first gave this book 4 stars because I remember a good friend looking at me very strangely after reading McLaren's first book on my recommendation. But as time passes, I wish I had not yet finished the book, so I realize for me this is a 5-star book. I don't care what anyone else thinks! I'm ready for her 3rd book to come out this year!
July 14, 2018
I hate first person present tense. Even worse, though, is a story told from the alternating viewpoints of five separate characters, when all five use first person present tense. ALL FIVE. The only exception is the opening passage, which is written from the moon’s (literally, the moon) POV… in third person present tense. Hell, for all I know, we are also treated to the dog and the imaginary friend as narrators in first person present tense, but I only got to page 37 before I closed the book and threw it across the room at the garbage can.
Paperback, which has been sitting unread on my bookshelf for so long that I no longer remember when or why I even bought it. I suspect it was a recommendation from the (now defunct) Books on the Nightstand podcast.
Paperback, which has been sitting unread on my bookshelf for so long that I no longer remember when or why I even bought it. I suspect it was a recommendation from the (now defunct) Books on the Nightstand podcast.
July 28, 2017
Not sure what type book to categorize this as. It was ok, but switching between the characters as the voice of narrator every few pages does not make it flow well. Interesting story of the different lives the three adult children lead and how it interacts with their parents and grandmother. Has a spiritual side to it in the form of spirit guides which one daughter sees and talks to. Mostly put in a comical way.
August 4, 2013
(1.5 stars) The least annoying characters in this book were stale and flawed, but bearable:
Anna, the mother, spends all day painting various kinds of raisins, as a none-too-subtle representation of her own fear of her aging body. She evolves throughout the story, eventually transferring her artistic energy to equally banal but more uplifting subjects (trees, her daughters). Her latest batch of paintings is miraculously highly coveted, with buyers lining up.
Olive, the eldest daughter, is at the very least sane--unlike her trippy sister, and weirdo brother who spent his adolescence and young adulthood hiding up a tree. Despite being remarkably uptight and Type A, Olive pairs up with a deadbeat loser who suggests that they trade their apartment for life in a in a teepee. Olive leaves the loser, quits her job at the bank, starts planting thyme at the farm, and delivers the loser’s illegitimate baby in her granny’s friend’s truck.
The dad (forgot his name): he’s a money obsessed control freak, whose recent debilitating heart attack forces him to re-evaluate his life, particularly his neglect of his increasingly unhappy wife Anna. And he randomly decides to start playing the bag pipes.
The most annoying characters, who made this book truly insupportable include:
Jade, the younger daughter, who literally believes she is a black woman reincarnated in a white girl’s body. Although she is grown, she maintains her imaginary friend—a soul sista’ named Grace. She believes her dog is a reincarnation of past dogs, and her boyfriend is a reincarnation of a female friend she met in a past life in Africa. Jade sputters deep thoughts like, “Sometimes beauty is the wind blowing through your leg hair.”
Forrest is the youngest son, who ran away from home because he was consumed over the guilt of blowing up a chicken coop at 14 years of age. He has spent the past decade or so scavenging, off the grid, living in a tree house in the forest. (Get it? Forrest in the forest!) He somehow finds writing materials and uses them to record his bad poems, which he deposits everywhere possible. He reflects, “I can’t begin to tell you how I missed pizza all those years in my tree house.”
Grandma is an eccentric old bat who made her fortune growing sunflowers on a farm. She regularly shoots snakes, which she skins and bakes into casseroles that she brings to church. She is part of an old lady’s tap dancing group, and periodically exclaims things like, “Guns! Guns! Guns made this country great!” Oh, and she is also a repressed lesbian, because aren’t all crrrazy old biddies closeted homosexuals?
Even though the book isn’t long, it irritated me so much that half way through I skipped straight to the final chapter just to get a sense of closure. It was kind of pointless. I’ve read worse, but I am really not sure how anyone could actually like this book.
Anna, the mother, spends all day painting various kinds of raisins, as a none-too-subtle representation of her own fear of her aging body. She evolves throughout the story, eventually transferring her artistic energy to equally banal but more uplifting subjects (trees, her daughters). Her latest batch of paintings is miraculously highly coveted, with buyers lining up.
Olive, the eldest daughter, is at the very least sane--unlike her trippy sister, and weirdo brother who spent his adolescence and young adulthood hiding up a tree. Despite being remarkably uptight and Type A, Olive pairs up with a deadbeat loser who suggests that they trade their apartment for life in a in a teepee. Olive leaves the loser, quits her job at the bank, starts planting thyme at the farm, and delivers the loser’s illegitimate baby in her granny’s friend’s truck.
The dad (forgot his name): he’s a money obsessed control freak, whose recent debilitating heart attack forces him to re-evaluate his life, particularly his neglect of his increasingly unhappy wife Anna. And he randomly decides to start playing the bag pipes.
The most annoying characters, who made this book truly insupportable include:
Jade, the younger daughter, who literally believes she is a black woman reincarnated in a white girl’s body. Although she is grown, she maintains her imaginary friend—a soul sista’ named Grace. She believes her dog is a reincarnation of past dogs, and her boyfriend is a reincarnation of a female friend she met in a past life in Africa. Jade sputters deep thoughts like, “Sometimes beauty is the wind blowing through your leg hair.”
Forrest is the youngest son, who ran away from home because he was consumed over the guilt of blowing up a chicken coop at 14 years of age. He has spent the past decade or so scavenging, off the grid, living in a tree house in the forest. (Get it? Forrest in the forest!) He somehow finds writing materials and uses them to record his bad poems, which he deposits everywhere possible. He reflects, “I can’t begin to tell you how I missed pizza all those years in my tree house.”
Grandma is an eccentric old bat who made her fortune growing sunflowers on a farm. She regularly shoots snakes, which she skins and bakes into casseroles that she brings to church. She is part of an old lady’s tap dancing group, and periodically exclaims things like, “Guns! Guns! Guns made this country great!” Oh, and she is also a repressed lesbian, because aren’t all crrrazy old biddies closeted homosexuals?
Even though the book isn’t long, it irritated me so much that half way through I skipped straight to the final chapter just to get a sense of closure. It was kind of pointless. I’ve read worse, but I am really not sure how anyone could actually like this book.
July 14, 2010
Five stars may be a bit generous, but I wanted to set this book apart from others that "I really liked."
I loved this author's view of life: that earth time is like a "giant field day where we willingly choose the limitation of racing with both feet in a potato sack, or sometimes we join up with another and agree to the limitation of racing as a team where each person has one leg tied to the leg of the other....Agreeing to run a race with limitations or live a life with limitations doesn't mean you're slow, clumsy, or unenlightened. It just means you're showing up on field day, participating, and if you're really good, you try your best despite the obstacles."
In another analogy she compares earth life to deciding to go on a trip to Africa, for example, knowing it will be difficult but hoping the adventure will be worth the sacrifices of running water, clean food, etc. Once there you ask "What did I get myself into?" and aren't sure you're going to make it. After learning to eat grubs and survive without toilet paper, you return home and talk about how much you learned and how grateful you are for that experience. "Same with Heaven and Earth."
The characters in the book are quite bizarre; even so, it's surprising how I could relate to some of their emotions. I suppose it's partly because I'm at the stage in life where the concept of second chances is very appealing.
This author seems very young to have developed such wisdom. I'm going to find and read her first novel, CHURCH OF THE DOG.
I loved this author's view of life: that earth time is like a "giant field day where we willingly choose the limitation of racing with both feet in a potato sack, or sometimes we join up with another and agree to the limitation of racing as a team where each person has one leg tied to the leg of the other....Agreeing to run a race with limitations or live a life with limitations doesn't mean you're slow, clumsy, or unenlightened. It just means you're showing up on field day, participating, and if you're really good, you try your best despite the obstacles."
In another analogy she compares earth life to deciding to go on a trip to Africa, for example, knowing it will be difficult but hoping the adventure will be worth the sacrifices of running water, clean food, etc. Once there you ask "What did I get myself into?" and aren't sure you're going to make it. After learning to eat grubs and survive without toilet paper, you return home and talk about how much you learned and how grateful you are for that experience. "Same with Heaven and Earth."
The characters in the book are quite bizarre; even so, it's surprising how I could relate to some of their emotions. I suppose it's partly because I'm at the stage in life where the concept of second chances is very appealing.
This author seems very young to have developed such wisdom. I'm going to find and read her first novel, CHURCH OF THE DOG.
Read
July 23, 2010I recently listened to On the Divinity of Second Chances by Kaya McLaren and thoroughly enjoyed it. The book was originally published in 2004; however, McLaren changed it a bit and it was recently re-released. The Books on Tape recording is very good and the multiple narrators bring the story to life.
Jade’s family has “issues.” Her mother is sleeping in a lawn chair in the back yard and painting pictures of raisins. Her father is taking bagpipe lessons and is depressed about his forced retirement. Her brother is on a fourteen-year self-imposed exile and living in a tree-house. Her sister is unhappy in her job and doesn’t share her partner’s dream of moving into a tent to save money. Themes include love, forgiveness, wisdom, happiness, trust and acceptance. Characters learn that by applying life’s knowledge and wisdom to their lives, sometimes a second chance is better than the first. ~~Enjoy~~ --Kara
From ICPL Staff Picks Blog
Jade’s family has “issues.” Her mother is sleeping in a lawn chair in the back yard and painting pictures of raisins. Her father is taking bagpipe lessons and is depressed about his forced retirement. Her brother is on a fourteen-year self-imposed exile and living in a tree-house. Her sister is unhappy in her job and doesn’t share her partner’s dream of moving into a tent to save money. Themes include love, forgiveness, wisdom, happiness, trust and acceptance. Characters learn that by applying life’s knowledge and wisdom to their lives, sometimes a second chance is better than the first. ~~Enjoy~~ --Kara
From ICPL Staff Picks Blog
August 12, 2015
The ways this broken family finds it's way back together is captivating! Phil & Anna have stopped mattering to each other, & their 3 children each have secrets that threaten to ruin them. In the end, however it enriches their lives. So well told!
fav quote: "Forgiveness is powerful. And forgiveness is Divine. Forgiveness is what Jesus came to teach. Some people believe it is through His forgiveness that we are delivered from Hell. I don't know anything about that, but I do know it is through my own forgiveness of myself & others that I am delivered from my own Hell. It's forgiveness that gives us a 2nd chance, that allows us to keep moving forward, that creates space for miracles. And really, what is a miracle but The Divinity of a Second Chance?" --Beatrice-- (Awesome!)
fav quote: "Forgiveness is powerful. And forgiveness is Divine. Forgiveness is what Jesus came to teach. Some people believe it is through His forgiveness that we are delivered from Hell. I don't know anything about that, but I do know it is through my own forgiveness of myself & others that I am delivered from my own Hell. It's forgiveness that gives us a 2nd chance, that allows us to keep moving forward, that creates space for miracles. And really, what is a miracle but The Divinity of a Second Chance?" --Beatrice-- (Awesome!)
May 27, 2009
Another great read from Kaya. I loved this story, especially the storyline of Phil and Anna learning to love one another all over again. This book is heartwarming and hearbreaking all at once, and I couldn't put it down.
Once again, we Savages were graced by Kaya's presence for a wonderful evening, and I hope she comes to visit us again when How I Came to Sparkle comes out- I can't wait!
Once again, we Savages were graced by Kaya's presence for a wonderful evening, and I hope she comes to visit us again when How I Came to Sparkle comes out- I can't wait!
May 25, 2009
This is the best book I've read from Kaya. I'm loving the depth of the characters. It is a complete joy to sit down at night with this book. Very difficult to put down...stay tuned :)
I think what I enjoyed most about it was how refreshingly different it was. There were everyday things happening in the character's lives, but how they dealt with their situations was very interesting.
I think what I enjoyed most about it was how refreshingly different it was. There were everyday things happening in the character's lives, but how they dealt with their situations was very interesting.
March 8, 2011
It was fantastic! I thought it would be mildly interesting when I picked it up. Each character narrates a chapter in rotation and are a motley mix. There was considerable humor thru out, and a bit of the supernatural mixed in that kept the story interesting and enjoyable. A light read with a few profound thoughts and interesting characters.
February 16, 2014
WOW. This book was phenominal. I received it as a Valentines day gift from my wonderful son, and I devoured the book in just a couple of days! The relationship between the family members was well developed and I found myself sitting here rooting for each of them...for Anna and Phil's marriage...for Jade's free spirit, for Olive and her baby and for Forrest finding his way again!
April 6, 2020
This is by far one of the best books I've ever read. I love the way the author uses each chapter to provide a frame of reference for each individual character in the book, including the moon! :) Then rotates through characters reference points as each chapter unfolds. The premise and the storytelling are wonderful. Definitely I book I will read again and again.
April 11, 2010
I'm not connecting to the characters in this book as much as I did to the ones in Church of the Dog. I'm enjoying it though.
I just finished this book and I did enjoy it. It has a very nice, uplifting ending. I still liked Church of the Dog better.
I just finished this book and I did enjoy it. It has a very nice, uplifting ending. I still liked Church of the Dog better.
September 4, 2010
TERRIBLE writer - wow. Each chapter supposed to be in a different character's voice, but ALL are the same. Childish and silly, a ridiculous story with no real point except that all characters need a "second chance". Gag.
September 12, 2011
I read this one in a day; that doesn't happen often. Kaya McLaren is now officially one of my favorite authors. Her insight into human nature is amazing. This book is funny, romantic, touching a little bit fantasy, and well written.
Read
November 6, 2009I loved observing how the family healed, and was so glad I ended up liking the characters.
March 11, 2010
I LOVED this book !!!!
December 23, 2010
like books that have a theme of redemption - and this one comes through. I also really liked the tap dancing grandmas - Thunderellas was such an awesome name!
October 13, 2022
This is one of my TOP 10 all time favorites. I love the different journeys each one of the characters is taking and how they all come to form a family that is "greater than the sum of it's parts." Redemption, reclaiming a sense of self, parents & children and everything in between. It is also hilarious at so many turns. I came upon it by chance (the title caught my eye) and have read it over and over again when I need to smile and remember that there is always another chance to find your path as long as you are living your life rather than surviving it.
May 5, 2019
This is an uplifting, humorous, and deep gem of a book. It’s full of quirky characters and I recognized parts of myself in each and every one of them (except maybe Dean). I loved this book and never wanted it to end. I also read Church ⛪ of the Dog 🐕 and loved it, too, but this is McLaren’s second book and it’s even better. I’m so glad I discovered this author! This is exactly the kind of book I want to be reading right now.
January 2, 2021
I first read this author with How I came to sparkle again, and ordered this older book from Amazon since I couldn't find it locally. I loved the storyline, it was a good read without being a predictable Hallmark-ish storyline. ( although sometimes I do love a good Hallmark-ish read). It does have some unusual storylines and you do have to suspend your realist belief ideas to make the events plausible, but I like the characters.
January 1, 2023
This is one of the few books that I have read that has touched me emotionally on a personal level. I laughed, I cried and I thought deeply about how I got to where I am and where I am going. The characters were well defined with nearly archetypal personalities and I came to care about each of them for their own sake. A good read well worth the time.
November 13, 2023
LOVE this book. One of my faves. I love the way Kaya blends reality with magic. I adore the range of emotions of each character, how each character has their own separate story within the story. And of course, I love dogs, so what's not to appreciate about this story? It has plenty of quirk - one of my fave things.
December 30, 2024
I really liked the premise and the story overall. However, the author’s voice for each of the six characters who narrates is monotonous - if there wasn’t a header, you wouldn’t know who was speaking. Also, I found the premise of Jade’s “black girl stuck in a white body” back story a little poorly handled.
August 16, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's themes are hopeful, the writing is good, the characters are believable (even the daughter who has a "spirit guide"). This book is proof you can write about real life and real concerns without wallowing in negatives.
A breath of fresh air.
A breath of fresh air.
October 14, 2017
Jade's family have all pulled apart from each other, bu the world conspires to give them all second chances, from Jade and her other worldly friends, to her guilt-bearing brother, Forrest, to Olive, the strait-laced sister and their parents. Enjoyable.
August 15, 2022
It took me a few chapters, but then I fell in love with it.
Such a different story but so very worthwhile. The characters certainly give us hope for second chances. Who doesn’t want a second, third, or fourth chance in life? I know I do.
Such a different story but so very worthwhile. The characters certainly give us hope for second chances. Who doesn’t want a second, third, or fourth chance in life? I know I do.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews