Saving Cicadas is a wonderful work of fiction about a single mom who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. Woven throughout the book are some great illustrations of the complexity of families and relationships. Our emotions often get the best of us and we sometimes don’t see past those emotions to learn the life lessons that we are meant to learn while we are here on earth.
This novel explores so many subjects that it is hard to imagine how they could all be woven so expertly into the story line without feeling like you are ticking off a list; however, the author skillfully does so. Saving Cicadas shares with us an adult unplanned pregnancy, we learn of a teenaged pregnancy, an estrangement from parents in a time of need, we get a window into what it is like for a parent to deal with life’s ups and downs while parenting a special needs child. Along with those issues we get exposed to the consequences of relationship failures and how they not only impact those in the intimate relationship; but also, into other peripheral relationships and how they are affected. This story explores the raising of children without fathers, it dives into adoption, abortion, abandonment, and the complicated layers of influence that religion plays on our decisions and our choices in our daily lives.
There are some definite artistic licenses taken with traditional Christian beliefs when it comes to exploring the concept of angels and the limits, or lack there of, that they play in our earthly lives. The line between our physical selves and our spiritual selves is explored too. I love how the story line explores the ramifications of what would have, should have, or could have been, in regards to the life of the unborn who’s lives were terminated through abortion. This may be a hard read for those who have been touched by abortion. However, the book also underscores the power of repentence and forgiveness which is exactly what scripture promises to those who truly seek it.
All in all, this book is a life affirming book which I believe makes it worth the time and emotional energy that the reader expends while unfolding the storyline. It is a good book and I like that the author takes the time to write questions at the end of the book which helps guide the reader’s feelings and understanding of the different areas of thought on these subjects.
The author is Nicole Seitz and the book was published in 2010 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. The publisher’s website can be found here: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/ and here is the author’s website: http://www.nicoleseitz.com/
The Throwaway Piece, is a novel written by author Jo Ann Yolanda Hernandez. The main character in the novel, is named Jewel. She is the only child of her mother. Her mother Angela is single and always hooking up, with her hopes invested in her latest man and what he can do for her. She goes from man- to- man looking to him to make her life better; only, he never does. Jewel is judged for her clothing, her lifestyle, her ethinicity, her attitude and her speach.
Jewel is her mother Angela’s joy, her savior, and her anchor. She is also the ball and chain to Angela’s relationships. Angela puts Jewel on the back burner until she needs her when her latest man walks out, beats her up, uses her or just plain and simple demands that she dump Jewel into the foster care system.
Jewel is used to saving Angela from her poor choices. She has changed roles with her mother and becomes the responsible adult in the relationship. Even in foster care, Jewel has to steady and calm her mother over the phone.
The downside is that Jewel’s emotional needs are always put aside; buried, disregarded and deminished. Jewel has learned not to trust, not to expect too much…and, to be ready to move at a moments notice. She is smart but uses confrontational interaction to keep others at a distance. She yearns to be accepted, loved and nurtured…but is unable to accept that she is worth it. She holds out hope that she and her mother will have the life that they dreamed of…the fantasy life. However, she really doesn’t expect it to happen.
Like many State Kids, Jewel has never really fit in. This last time though, she has found a teacher who supports her, who understands her and who believes in her. She toys with the concept of having friends…even though she doesn’t expect much from them. She makes some poor choices and endangers herself after finding her mother Od’d. She is sexually assaulted. She saves someone who thinks little of her and in doing so…she finds a grudging respect and opens the door to some adult acceptance. Her mother has abandoned her and is lost to her forever.
Jewel is strong…too strong; she is vulnerable…too vulnerable. Jewel is precious and she is worthless at the same time. Does she find a way to find value in her own life before it is too late? Does the system destroy her or help her to build upon a foundation that is cracked and crumbling? Does anyone really reach out far enough to help her to save herself? You’ll have to read The Throwaway Piece to know for sure. I enjoyed reading it…because it is real.
Just for full disclosure; I did receive this book as a free review copy. This in no way, affects my opinion of it. It is worth reading. If you would like to purchase this book you can go Amazon.com. Otherwise, here is a link to the publisher’s website where you can purchase the book directly: http://www.latinoteca.com/app-home/app-inprints/Pinata_Books . This book was copyrighted in 2006 by Pinata Books an imprint of Arte Publico Press.
Enjoy getting to know Jewel so that you can have compassion in your heart for foster children everywhere! Every life has value and meaning…look beyond behaviors and read and understand the heart.
Rainy’s Recommendations
