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Raise the Flag #4
Do I have to Paint You a Picture?
When Brianna's boyfriend is critically injured by a group of white supremacists, she draws on the support of her Christian friends and prayer partners to help her cope with the racial violence and find a way to keep the peace.
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1998
About the author
Nancy N. Rue
223 books291 followersNancy Rue is the author of over 100 books for adults and teens, including the Christy Award-winning The Reluctant Prophet, Unexpected Dismounts and Healing Waters (with Steve Arterburn), which was the 2009 Women of Faith Novel of the Year. She travels extensively—at times on the back of a Harley—speaking to and teaching groups of women of all ages. Nancy lives on a lake in Tennessee with her Harley-ridin’ husband, Jim, and their two yellow Labs (without whom writing would be difficult).
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Did Not Finish
January 21, 2024DNF
February 10, 2012
"Do I Have To Paint You A Picture?" is a young adult Christian novel about a teenage black girl dealing with extreme racism. This book is the fourth in a series, but you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this one doesn't spoil the previous books. I was a bit disappointed at how small a role the other flag pole girls had in this book, though.
I'm sure people with disagree with me, but I felt like this complex issue--racism--was dealt with in a way that almost promotes segregation...which is ironic considering what Brianna's big "a-hah!" moment was about. But Brianna was basically told that being black made her problems special and heritage powerful in a way that the white, Native American, and Hispanic girls would never be able to truly understand or connect with.
I was also confused by how the two main characters--Ira and Brianna--acted so out of character. We're told Ira would never do what he did, and initially no one believes he did it, and yet we're also not given a compelling reason why he acted so out of character without first trying to solve the problem with more "in-character" efforts. Brianna was very "I'll handle this myself!" at the beginning, but then she immediately runs to Ira--whose plan didn't work!--to tell her how to handle things.
I liked how Brianna was able to see certain of the "enemy" as people with hopes and hurts even if their attitudes were wrong. However, I didn't really like how the book ended with her still thinking of certain people using superiority-based negative descriptive words. She's got a lot of prejudice (not race based) of her own to work on.
The Christian element seemed to mainly be some God-talk ("we'll pray" and "God's timing"), and Brianna not asking God for help until the end when she makes a painting "into a prayer." There was some "he cussed" style bad language. There was no sex.
I'm sure people with disagree with me, but I felt like this complex issue--racism--was dealt with in a way that almost promotes segregation...which is ironic considering what Brianna's big "a-hah!" moment was about. But Brianna was basically told that being black made her problems special and heritage powerful in a way that the white, Native American, and Hispanic girls would never be able to truly understand or connect with.
I was also confused by how the two main characters--Ira and Brianna--acted so out of character. We're told Ira would never do what he did, and initially no one believes he did it, and yet we're also not given a compelling reason why he acted so out of character without first trying to solve the problem with more "in-character" efforts. Brianna was very "I'll handle this myself!" at the beginning, but then she immediately runs to Ira--whose plan didn't work!--to tell her how to handle things.
I liked how Brianna was able to see certain of the "enemy" as people with hopes and hurts even if their attitudes were wrong. However, I didn't really like how the book ended with her still thinking of certain people using superiority-based negative descriptive words. She's got a lot of prejudice (not race based) of her own to work on.
The Christian element seemed to mainly be some God-talk ("we'll pray" and "God's timing"), and Brianna not asking God for help until the end when she makes a painting "into a prayer." There was some "he cussed" style bad language. There was no sex.
November 9, 2017
This is the fourth book in the "Raise the Flag" series.
It follows Brianna. It deals with the very heavy topic of racial divisions and whether there is a reconciliation to be had. There are several scenes of overt violence and threats based on race.
I had a harder time relating to Brianna than the girls in the prior books. This is probably because, like in the book, Brianna's friends had no idea of the problems faced. Ignorance is no excuse for not extending compassion and help, when accepted.
It follows Brianna. It deals with the very heavy topic of racial divisions and whether there is a reconciliation to be had. There are several scenes of overt violence and threats based on race.
I had a harder time relating to Brianna than the girls in the prior books. This is probably because, like in the book, Brianna's friends had no idea of the problems faced. Ignorance is no excuse for not extending compassion and help, when accepted.
January 19, 2016
It warms your heart an teaches you what real racism means. Not just a stupid little bully.
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May 14, 2010F RUE rtf bk.4
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