I am often asked where my stories come from. I'm not always sure. Sometimes a story just comes to me in waves (or trickles) of inspiration and oftentimes it's not until the very end of the book that I see where my characters are taking me. This is such a tale.
Grace is the story of a young runaway girl and the boy who hides her from a frightening world too large and unfathomable for him to comprehend. It is also about two brothers and the love that binds them together through difficult times.
In some ways this is the most autobiographical of all my novels. When I was eight years old my father lost his job, and we sold our home in beautiful and aptly named Arcadia, California, to move to a poor neighborhood in Utah and into a rundown home like the one I describe in the story. I have no fond memories of that time. Not one. I wanted to go home.
I've found my home now, and it has nothing to do with the place where I live, and everything to do with the family I love.
Stirring I really related to this story and the characters. It is so well written, nothing offensive, real language, from real people who have character. I was motived to finish the book, and felt very sad to have completed it.
This book is a quick read, uplifting.
I have sent it to several of my family and friends.
Courtesy of Teens Read Too If one were to look up the definition of "grace," this is what one would find: a virtue coming from God or disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency among others. But either of these definitions could apply to the beautiful story written by Mr. Evans.
GRACE is another amazing story written by the author of THE CHRISTMAS BOX. For those who have never read anything by Mr. Evans, GRACE will not disappoint, and will most likely lead you to read the rest of his works. For those that are already fans (such as myself), this is another wonderful novel. Many of Mr. Evans' stories celebrate the Christmas season. Though not completely revolving around the holiday, GRACE reaches into the heart and touches all that is special with the Christmas spirit.
Eric's life is far from wonderful. After his father hurt his back, the family packed up everything they owned and moved from California to Utah. Money has dried up in the summer of 1962 and, to survive, his family moves into the house left vacant by the death of his maternal grandmother. The house is falling apart, but they are together and have family nearby to help them.
To help with finances, Eric works at McBurger Queen after school. It's there, while cleaning up after closing, that he discovers a girl "dumpster diving" (sorting through the Dumpster for food). He recognizes the girl from one of his classes, but doesn't want to embarrass her. Instead, he invites her inside and offers her the food that would otherwise be discarded.
While she is eating, he learns her name is Grace. She admits she is running away. Eric can't fathom what a girl his age will do to survive. Without thinking of the consequences, he offers up the only place he can think of, the clubhouse in the far corner of his backyard that he built with his younger brother, Joel.
He sets Grace up in the clubhouse with a heating pad for warmth, a flashlight, a transistor radio, and a supply of sleeping bags. As time goes by, the two become friends. He sneaks her food when he can. She sneaks out when it seems safe, and passes her time in the clubhouse with a collection of books from the library.
But her family starts a frantic search for Grace. Announcements are made at school. Flyers are put up around town. And eventually it makes the evening news. Eric is terrified he will be found out and that they will find Grace. He vows to keep her secret. His resolve grows more so when she reveals the reason for running away.
Eric is only fourteen, and the pressure from all sides start to mount. He knows Grace can never be turned over to her family, but what can a teenager do to help her in the end?
Eric berates himself as a grown man that he couldn't help Grace more. He continues to search for the grace he doesn't feel he deserves. Reminiscent of the ending of Saving Private Ryan, the main character searches for the goodness that he hopes he has lived up to in the eyes of those that have gone before him.
Mr. Evans has a way of bringing forth buried feelings. GRACE touches you deep in the spirit and makes you want to be a better person. With the upcoming Christmas season, may we all show a bit of grace to those around us.
Reviewed by: Jaglvr
WOW! This book is so good! It was a deep book that makes you think, but I loved it! Richard writes such great books and this one is definitely a keeper! Can't wait for the next one!
Gave it a chance.... When I first got into this one I was skeptical, but kept reading. I have always been a fan of Richard Paul Evans. Recently re-read The Looking Glass, which is my all time favorite. I really think you have to read Grace in it's entirety to get the whole picture. Evans is always good at redemption stories. His writing is not preachy yet you feel the message he's trying to convey. Even after reading about how other readers had cried, I was determined I wouldn't since I already figured the ending was going to pull at the heart. However, emotions are not something we can easily control, and Evans is a master at weaving words to pull at the soul.
Not as good the second time around... The first time I read this book I was emotionally spent by the end. But the second time I read it, things that I really didn't catch the first time really stood out and detracted from the story. The biggest problem with the book was at the end when the police came to talk to Eric about where Grace was. He didn't tell them that she was sexually abused and pregnant. It's just not realistic. In addition, you would think that she herself would tell them what had happened to her. It's just too big a stretch for it to really be believable. Also, the second time around, I had a hard time with the dialogue between Eric and Grace...it seemed too superficial and sometimes fragmented. Also, I thought the diary entries of Grace where way over the top for a 16 year old kid. They sounded way too mature. Overall, it's still a good read, but not nearly as effective the 2nd time around for me.
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