I just finished reading The Penny by Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford. This is Joyce's first fiction work. It is one that I picked up this summer and finally got around to reading! The book is about Jenny Blake, a young teen who learns that small decisions sometimes change everything. She is a girl who lives in a world that is at times extremely unpleasant, yet her spirit is quite beautiful. She discovers her faith and forges a wonderful relationship with the mysterious Miss Opal Shaw who allows Jenny to work in her jewelry store.
Jenny also develops a special friendship with Aurelia, who is an African American from "across the tracks" but attends school with Jenny. Aurelia and her family also play a unique role in helping Jenny find and develop her faith.
It's through these relationships that she learns to see the beauty that's inside her. She learns about love and forgiveness.
In the context of this book, Meyer relays some of the events of her own life. The story includes glimpses of repeated physical and sexual abuse, broken families, prejudice, poverty, and racial tension. But more important are the threads of grace and forgiveness that is offered through Jesus.
Although for me at times the story was slow, I am glad I pushed through this one. It was well worth considering what life must be like in some homes where one or more of these horrific conditions exist.
I was also reminded just how blessed I am...but also of the great responsibility we all have to reach out to those who are rejected, abused or scorned by their own family and/or the world around them. For we truly might be the only Jesus some people ever see.
8 comments:
Mmm. REMIND me of this one if I EVER post on my blog that I'm in need of some good books! Right now my pile is still so HIIIIIIIGH I don't DARE bring another one in... and yet... I keep doing it! This one's gonna make me CRY though, isn't it?
Yes, this one WILL make you cry!!
I didn't know Joyce Meyer had co-written a fiction book. Wow! I'll have to check it out!
Hope you're doing well. Can see you are busy from other posts! :) Praying for you!
Thanks for the review! I will add it to my list!
Sounds like a good one! All I need is to add another book to my list, but I guess I'll just have to!
I always love your book reviews. I have several Joyce Meyer books but did not realize she collaborated on a book of fiction. I'll look out for it.
This is one that's been on my wish list for a long time. I don't generally like Joyce Meyers all that much, but this one looks quite good.
I was reading that too during the boys football practice time and now I am not sure where my book is. I have to try to find it and finish it. I was really enjoying that book.
Nice blog!
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