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Why the Sky Is Blue
What options does a Christian woman have after she's brutally assaulted by a stranger...and becomes pregnant? That's the heartrending situation Claire Holland faces. Happily married and the mother of two when she is attacked, Claire begins an incredible journey on the painful pathway to trusting God ?in all things.? When Claire's husband, Dan, confesses he can?t be a father to the expected child, Claire's decision to put the baby up for adoption creates a sense of tremendous loss for Claire. Later, unexpected circumstances turn this seeming loss into victory.
This wonderful first novel isn?t a "love" story....but a "life "story, presenting the twin themes trusting God in tragic circumstances and reaping the rewards that eventually come with sacrificial loving.
This wonderful first novel isn?t a "love" story....but a "life "story, presenting the twin themes trusting God in tragic circumstances and reaping the rewards that eventually come with sacrificial loving.
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2004
275 people are currently reading
2440 people want to read
About the author
Susan Meissner
33 books9,224 followersSusan Meissner is a USA Today bestselling novelist with more than a million books in the hands of readers, and in eighteen languages. Her critically acclaimed works of historical fiction have been named to numerous lists including Publishers Weekly’s annual roster of 100 best books, Library Reads Top Picks, Real Simple annual tally of best books, Goodreads Readers’ Choice awards, Booklist’s Top Ten, and Book of the Month.
She attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is a former managing editor of a weekly newspaper. Susan’s expertise as a storyteller and her thoroughly researched topics make her a favorite author of book clubs everywhere. Her engaging and warm speaking style appeal to all manner of women’s groups, literary organizations, libraries and learning institutions, and service clubs.
When she is not working on a new novel, she enjoys teaching workshops on writing, spending time with her family, music, reading great books, and traveling.
She attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is a former managing editor of a weekly newspaper. Susan’s expertise as a storyteller and her thoroughly researched topics make her a favorite author of book clubs everywhere. Her engaging and warm speaking style appeal to all manner of women’s groups, literary organizations, libraries and learning institutions, and service clubs.
When she is not working on a new novel, she enjoys teaching workshops on writing, spending time with her family, music, reading great books, and traveling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
December 2, 2021
Another Susan Meissner book that I really enjoyed. I liked how this book tackles trusting God, forgiveness, grief, and the strong sense of family at the center of it all.
December 11, 2022
Susan Meissner is a pastor’s wife and the mother of four young adults. When she's not writing novels, Susan prepares small group curriculum for her San Diego church.
This, the fifth Meissner that I have read, underscores her commitment to Christian writing. I did not realize, from the first four of her novels that I experienced that her talent lies so visibly in this area. I know of her more as a historical fiction novelist. This offering is one of her earlier novels (published in 2004 whereas the second book on my list, A Fall of Marigolds was published in 2014). Now that I have found her talent in this genre, I plan to read more.
Claire is a happily married woman with two children: Katie and Spence. On her way to the mall to buy her mother-in-law a gravy boat, she is brutally raped and left for dead. She survives to find out she is pregnant. Her husband, Dan, stating he could never love this child, requests that Claire give up the child for adoption. They do find a wonderful couple who are missionaries in Equador. Katie is very angry that her parents are not keeping the child. She desperately wants a sister and sees this as the perfect opportunity.
We hear the story from Claire's POV and then later Kate's as an adult. I was totally wrapped up in this book and found many wonderful quotes to share. Meissner's writing is exquisite, not overdone or melancholic.
Highly recommend.
5 stars
This, the fifth Meissner that I have read, underscores her commitment to Christian writing. I did not realize, from the first four of her novels that I experienced that her talent lies so visibly in this area. I know of her more as a historical fiction novelist. This offering is one of her earlier novels (published in 2004 whereas the second book on my list, A Fall of Marigolds was published in 2014). Now that I have found her talent in this genre, I plan to read more.
Claire is a happily married woman with two children: Katie and Spence. On her way to the mall to buy her mother-in-law a gravy boat, she is brutally raped and left for dead. She survives to find out she is pregnant. Her husband, Dan, stating he could never love this child, requests that Claire give up the child for adoption. They do find a wonderful couple who are missionaries in Equador. Katie is very angry that her parents are not keeping the child. She desperately wants a sister and sees this as the perfect opportunity.
We hear the story from Claire's POV and then later Kate's as an adult. I was totally wrapped up in this book and found many wonderful quotes to share. Meissner's writing is exquisite, not overdone or melancholic.
Highly recommend.
5 stars
July 21, 2015
Why is the sky blue? By Susan Meissner is a story about trust in God after a violent attack which leaves a woman pregnant and unsure what to do next. It is a story about faith, trust and trying to find meaning in life after horrible violence. Most importantly, it’s about a person’s ability to love.
Claire Holland only heard God speak to her once, when she was 4 years old. It was the morning her family learns that her father died in Korea. He whispered, “Do not be afraid.” 33 years later she hears that voice again telling her to not be afraid. She awakes in the hospital after being viciously attacked and left for dead. Miraculously she survived only to discover that she is pregnant and the only possibility is that the father is her attacker. Together with her husband, Dan, and her two children, 11-year old Katie and 6 year old, Spencer, she must face a choice. Claire always had difficulty carrying to term and she believes that she will lose the child like the others. But when the child continues to survives, Claire and Dan decide to give the baby up for adoption and try to move on with their lives. What happens when that baby grows up and enters their lives once again? Will the family be able to accept this person into their lives? Or will the family come crashing down?
I loved this book. It had me captivated from beginning to end. It is a great story about how God can use a bad event into a wonderful gift to the world. There were many great examples of this. Claire’s mother tries to example why God allows bad events to happen, she says “Sometimes asking God for a reason for something is like asking Him why the sky is blue. There is a complex, scientific reason for it.” That’s the theme of this story, that when the question is complex, the answer is too. There is a quote which resonated with me, “God’s reason for allowing certain things to happen are too complex for us to fully appreciate.” It is true that God’s reasons and thoughts are beyond our ability to reason and think that we couldn’t begin to understand. One day, I think He will reveal all to us. I highly recommend Why is the sky blue? By Susan Meissner.
“Love is not blind- it sees more not less.
But because it sees more, it is willing to see less.”
Claire Holland only heard God speak to her once, when she was 4 years old. It was the morning her family learns that her father died in Korea. He whispered, “Do not be afraid.” 33 years later she hears that voice again telling her to not be afraid. She awakes in the hospital after being viciously attacked and left for dead. Miraculously she survived only to discover that she is pregnant and the only possibility is that the father is her attacker. Together with her husband, Dan, and her two children, 11-year old Katie and 6 year old, Spencer, she must face a choice. Claire always had difficulty carrying to term and she believes that she will lose the child like the others. But when the child continues to survives, Claire and Dan decide to give the baby up for adoption and try to move on with their lives. What happens when that baby grows up and enters their lives once again? Will the family be able to accept this person into their lives? Or will the family come crashing down?
I loved this book. It had me captivated from beginning to end. It is a great story about how God can use a bad event into a wonderful gift to the world. There were many great examples of this. Claire’s mother tries to example why God allows bad events to happen, she says “Sometimes asking God for a reason for something is like asking Him why the sky is blue. There is a complex, scientific reason for it.” That’s the theme of this story, that when the question is complex, the answer is too. There is a quote which resonated with me, “God’s reason for allowing certain things to happen are too complex for us to fully appreciate.” It is true that God’s reasons and thoughts are beyond our ability to reason and think that we couldn’t begin to understand. One day, I think He will reveal all to us. I highly recommend Why is the sky blue? By Susan Meissner.
“Love is not blind- it sees more not less.
But because it sees more, it is willing to see less.”
June 1, 2017
Such a unique book in that I felt like I knew each character and their feelings so well. It was great to see things from the same story from both the mother's and daughters perspective.
November 25, 2022
So far I've really enjoyed everything I've read from Susan Meissner and this is no different. This is a contemporary Christian fiction story about a mother who has 2 kids and then is the victim of a sexual abuse crime that results in a pregnancy. Her husband wants to give the baby up for adoption without question because he just doesn't think he can love a baby who was conceived by a criminal through rape. So they give the baby away to a wonderful couple of missionaries. Years later she hears from the adopted other and things are drastically different. The 2nd half of the book is told from the perspective of Claire's daughter (from her marriage) now that she's a mother and Claire is the grandmother. I honestly loved the first half when we heard from Claire, but I had a harder time understanding and caring for the 2nd half told by her daughter. Regardless this book is an exploration of God's presence even in the hard stuff and the benefits of sacrificial, non prideful love. Not at all what I expected, but good!
January 2, 2019
I liked the first half and then it seemed to loose a clear focus. I think that the character, Claire was the most interesting person in the book though the focus switched back and forth which I feel tamped down any possibility of connecting with the other characters in the story. I think that the story line started out strong but lost steam.
April 20, 2021
What a superb novel! I rushed through it in two days!
August 12, 2018
The topic of this book is a heavy one and I was skeptical on how much I would like it, but I enjoyed it immensely. It makes you think pretty deep on the forgiveness level when sin impacts you in such a huge way. The 2nd half was a little slow, but that’s my only criticism. Good lessons all brought together at the end. One of the best by this author.
March 19, 2024
I think that everybody should read this book once in their lifetime. It was so inspiring and there was so much depth to Susan Meissner's writing.
"Love is not blind- it sees more, not less. But because it sees more, it is willing to see less."
"Love is not blind- it sees more, not less. But because it sees more, it is willing to see less."
July 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this book.
Warning: it's a tearjerker so have your hanky handy.
Warning: it's a tearjerker so have your hanky handy.
July 1, 2017
This was a really sweet story. I normally am pretty hesitant to pick up a Christian novel, since I have an incredible knack for finding the most cheesy ones. However this author wrote a fantastic story.
Claire is brutally assaulted, left for dead, awakens in the hospital days later with no record of the event leading up to her hospital stay. Bruised, battered, she heads home to begin putting her life back together only to discover she's pregnant. Faced with incredibly difficult situations she and her husband attempt to make the best decisions for their family.
"a beautiful girl whose life began the way all human life begins - in the mind of God."
"we did what we did because we loved her, and she is who she is because she has been loved. Don't you see? It's all been worth it. "
This book shows me the the complexity of our lives, and makes me again realize this world is way less black and white than I grew up thinking. I recommend this one.
Claire is brutally assaulted, left for dead, awakens in the hospital days later with no record of the event leading up to her hospital stay. Bruised, battered, she heads home to begin putting her life back together only to discover she's pregnant. Faced with incredibly difficult situations she and her husband attempt to make the best decisions for their family.
"a beautiful girl whose life began the way all human life begins - in the mind of God."
"we did what we did because we loved her, and she is who she is because she has been loved. Don't you see? It's all been worth it. "
This book shows me the the complexity of our lives, and makes me again realize this world is way less black and white than I grew up thinking. I recommend this one.
August 30, 2021
I thought this was going to end up being my favorite Susan Meissner book, but the end kind of disappointed. An unspeakable crime, an impossible choice , unbelievable heartache drew me in, but the second half of the story just was a lot of people needing to get over themselves and adjust to the new situation.
September 10, 2023
I’ve read quite a few books by Susan Meissner, enjoyed them all. Her books are usually historical fiction. Not this one! This was her very first novel and I think it was her best novel that I’ve read. The copyright date was 2004. Such a small word, WHY? I don’t believe there is an answer to that ? How a tragedy can affect so many lives.
June 20, 2021
Several things about this surprised me. When the book moved 20 years and POV to Kate, I found Kate to be different than I expected. The story arc, her character growth, resolved her unpleasant traits so by the end she was likable. Lara was too perfect. I suppose she represents the ideal of a Godly person and perhaps young people like her do exist. Without Claire's memory loss, the story wouldn't have happened in the way it did. And that memory loss would be so unlikely in the real world. It just seemed a bit too easy, but I understand that to change that would have changed the theme of the book. The message was about love and how it is a reflection of God's love, and the novel addressed that through several different characters and situations.
September 30, 2021
Faith and Trust
This is a beautiful story that begins with a horrific attack on a woman and the events that play out in the decades that follow. At its heart, the book reflects on how faith can guide you in all areas of life - good, bad, inbetween. It was a moving read.
This is a beautiful story that begins with a horrific attack on a woman and the events that play out in the decades that follow. At its heart, the book reflects on how faith can guide you in all areas of life - good, bad, inbetween. It was a moving read.
April 9, 2020
I cannot remember ever reading a "Christian novel" outside of the lady who wrote the Mitford series. I faced it with trepidation because of the content. I am reading it because a friend, who is becoming an avid reader, wants to know what I think. I like this friend and want to share her interests with her. Sooooo. . . I am more than halfway through the book. It is as I expected and I can tolerate it. Usually Christian novel writers leave me with a "unreal" feeling. Too sentimental. Too contrived. Too full of angst. I don't find big messages. But I do find enjoyable to read stories.
Now that I've finished the book, I am glad to say that it was a good read. It wasn't sappy or preachy as I expected. Lesson: don't judge a book by it's cover. . .or title.. . or classification!
Now that I've finished the book, I am glad to say that it was a good read. It wasn't sappy or preachy as I expected. Lesson: don't judge a book by it's cover. . .or title.. . or classification!
July 23, 2022
This one was very very good.
February 16, 2023
If I could rate this book 10 I would! This story has so incredibly touched my heart! Perhaps one of my favorites of all times. I will be recommending this book to all my family & friends!!! Susan Meissner is definitely on my top authors list also.
April 10, 2009
Susan Meissner is a new author (to me anyway) whom I stumbled upon while perusing the Chapters.Indigo website one day. Deciding to take a chance, I ordered two of her novels and loved them! Ms. Meissner is a Christian woman's writer but her books are not preachy and don't try to convince you in any way about religion, but rather stories about real life situations minus all the vulgar and inappropriate language that a lot of books seems to contain today.
Claire Holland is a happily married woman with two children and an ideal life when her world is suddenly turned upside down when she is brutally raped by a stranger and becomes pregnant. Facing such a heartrendering and painful situation, Claire isn't sure what do. She does know that being a Christian woman means she could never have an abortion but what will her husband, Dan, have to say about that? And what about her 12-year-old daughter Katie who is at a very tenuous and fragile age?
This is a story of journeys; family, personal, and spiritual. When Dan finally tells Claire that he could not possibly father a child conceived by rape, Claire puts the baby up for adoption never expecting that 16 years later the child would re-enter her world with unforeseen consequences. A great story about life, the hardships we sometimes must endure and tough decisions we are forced to make under tragic circumstances.
Claire Holland is a happily married woman with two children and an ideal life when her world is suddenly turned upside down when she is brutally raped by a stranger and becomes pregnant. Facing such a heartrendering and painful situation, Claire isn't sure what do. She does know that being a Christian woman means she could never have an abortion but what will her husband, Dan, have to say about that? And what about her 12-year-old daughter Katie who is at a very tenuous and fragile age?
This is a story of journeys; family, personal, and spiritual. When Dan finally tells Claire that he could not possibly father a child conceived by rape, Claire puts the baby up for adoption never expecting that 16 years later the child would re-enter her world with unforeseen consequences. A great story about life, the hardships we sometimes must endure and tough decisions we are forced to make under tragic circumstances.
June 19, 2009
I loved the first part of this book. I couldn't put it down. The main character had to make an extremely difficult decision, and the author did a wonderful job connecting the reader with the main character and her struggles. Her dilemma had no easy answer, and the book really got me thinking about what I would do in her situation. I don't agree with what the main character decided, but she had no good solution available, and the book is not about her decision, but really about what someone does when faced with such a difficult choice.
In the second part of the book, the author changes things and starts telling the story from the point of view of another character. I actually didn't really like the second part of the book as much. It seemed completely different in tone, emotion, etc. I realize the author wanted readers to examine choices from the perspective of another character, but I don't think it was too successful.
Overall, I really recommend this book. I won't give away the plot line, but it really made me think, and it made me cry. I'm glad I read it, and I'll be looking for other books by this author.
In the second part of the book, the author changes things and starts telling the story from the point of view of another character. I actually didn't really like the second part of the book as much. It seemed completely different in tone, emotion, etc. I realize the author wanted readers to examine choices from the perspective of another character, but I don't think it was too successful.
Overall, I really recommend this book. I won't give away the plot line, but it really made me think, and it made me cry. I'm glad I read it, and I'll be looking for other books by this author.
March 30, 2018
I like this author a lot but I did not like this book as her other books. I was intrigued when I started it with the circumstances but the two "voices" in the book tended to irritate me. I think they both were unsympathetic to her husband (father) and what he was dealing with. And I really was surprised at how attached the two "voices" were to the child considering.....It was clever to have the woman who was assaulted not remember anything that happened. Maybe that explains her attitude towards the child. The story around the assault was a little far-fetched. I would have liked something added about the father of the child. The character Laura was too perfect, a flaw in many books with Christian themes.
However, I always recommend this author because I can count on her to be subtle about faith in Christ (except for the perfect character this time) and her books are "clean" and redemptive.
However, I always recommend this author because I can count on her to be subtle about faith in Christ (except for the perfect character this time) and her books are "clean" and redemptive.
July 6, 2015
The first half of the book captured my attention well. The plot was riveting and emotional. I did feel a connection to the characters and I was deeply involved in their struggles, at times fighting back tears as I read. My only complaint in the first half was that there was way too much "telling" especially early on.
The second half of the book was disappointing on many levels though. The plot was much less intriguing, it even dragged a bit at times. The characters seemed a bit too perfect and contrived. And once again, there was a lot of explanation and not always a lot of actual events to move the story along and fill in the blanks of the years that had passed.
I've enjoyed other books I've read by Susan Meissner, but this one just didn't impress me as much.
The second half of the book was disappointing on many levels though. The plot was much less intriguing, it even dragged a bit at times. The characters seemed a bit too perfect and contrived. And once again, there was a lot of explanation and not always a lot of actual events to move the story along and fill in the blanks of the years that had passed.
I've enjoyed other books I've read by Susan Meissner, but this one just didn't impress me as much.
January 20, 2021
A middle aged, happily married woman named Claire with 2 children is sexually assaulted and left for dead. And of course they catch the guy and put him away for life - like immediately. And of course, you guessed it - she winds up pregnant by her rapist. Has the baby and gives it up for adoption to a perfect couple who raise the child for 16 years before they both die. BUT not before they return the baby to the birth mother (Claire).
If you are looking for a fantasy book where everyone loves everyone and everything is all tied up in a nice bow of wonder - this is it. Assuming that you don't mind having church and god shoved down your throat for 288 pages.
too much happiness, too many perfect people and too much religion.
If you are looking for a fantasy book where everyone loves everyone and everything is all tied up in a nice bow of wonder - this is it. Assuming that you don't mind having church and god shoved down your throat for 288 pages.
too much happiness, too many perfect people and too much religion.
June 16, 2021
3 1/2 maybe 4 stars. The first half of this story is told from Claire’s point of view and was very good. The second half is from Kate her daughter’s point of view and wasn’t as enticing. But once again Susan Meissner does a great job of expressing her characters’ emotions and giving some really good perspectives.
This is Meissner’s first book and a bit too God’y for me (is that a word?) but done well and not preachy.
The narrator of the audiobook was annoying for much of it. Too much shaking, quivering tearful voice to where it started feeling silly, and children characters sounding like cartoons.
Overall a solid good book.
This is Meissner’s first book and a bit too God’y for me (is that a word?) but done well and not preachy.
The narrator of the audiobook was annoying for much of it. Too much shaking, quivering tearful voice to where it started feeling silly, and children characters sounding like cartoons.
Overall a solid good book.
July 5, 2015
If you only have time for one book to read, this is it. An intensely personal, heart-rending story of a mother and her two daughters, one who is conceived as the result of a sexual assault. This book recounts the miracle of how Christ's atonement can transform ugliness and violence into love and hope, and how we can reconcile God's love with the reality of life. It tells of choices, regrets, dreams, hopes, consequences, and feels very real.
Susan Meissner is my new favorite author. I liked this one so well that I may read it again right away.
Susan Meissner is my new favorite author. I liked this one so well that I may read it again right away.
April 20, 2021
A married woman has a baby as a result of an assault and decides to give it up for adoption. Later, circumstances bring the baby-turned-teenager back into her life. Not enough plot so the author had to introduce a random 11th hour villain and situation so there was something of interest one could label as the climax of the story. *shrug*
Pretty quick read and nothing too noteworthy unless you’re looking for a book with a whole lotta JESUS. #christianbookwhoknew? #skippedthoseparts
Pretty quick read and nothing too noteworthy unless you’re looking for a book with a whole lotta JESUS. #christianbookwhoknew? #skippedthoseparts
August 10, 2013
I won't quickly forget this story. Although it doesn't parallel my life in any way, I felt the character's emotions very strongly and could relate to how I might feel/think if I was in this situation. Excellent book. To semi-quote Renee Zellweger in Jerry Maguire, this book "had me at page 1". I loved it.
March 29, 2015
I loved this book. This is my second Meissner book, and I will try to read a few more of hers. It is the story of the rape and traumatic beating of a young woman. and how this family and their extended family handle the tragedy when she discovers she is pregnant. Although it is sad; it is also uplifting.
April 10, 2016
Perfect
This book is my favorite Susan Meissner book so far. It spoke to my heart and kept me engrossed and entertained throughout. It was never preachy but was unapologetic in sharing the message of Gods love. I don't often read books that could make me a better person, but I believe is one might just do that! This book is simply a perfect read.
This book is my favorite Susan Meissner book so far. It spoke to my heart and kept me engrossed and entertained throughout. It was never preachy but was unapologetic in sharing the message of Gods love. I don't often read books that could make me a better person, but I believe is one might just do that! This book is simply a perfect read.
July 30, 2018
It had a good premise (adoption and Ecuador were present in the book, so should have been right up my alley), but totally fell flat. Read sort of like a journal with no real good plot development and left a lot of points that could have been explored in a more interesting way left alone. Just kind of weird. But I read it all, so there's that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews