Book In Review

       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/