In Everything Give Thanks
by Terry Barnes
Published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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Reviewed by Sheryl Root
The winner of The Christian Writer’s Guild Operation First Novel contest, begun in 2004, receives both a cash prize and a Tyndale publishing contract. Jan Watson’s wonderful historical fiction novel, Troublesome Creek, was the first award winner, and Tyndale is now releasing the book by the 2005 recipient, In Everything Give Thanks by Terry Barnes.
In Everything Give Thanks is a touching and realistic coming-of-age story about fifteen-year-old Matt Collins, who finds his world and faith shaken by his father’s unexpected death. Matt, almost overnight, goes from being a typical teenage boy with a passion for cross-country running and a desire to be a preacher, to a disillusioned grown-up who is now the man of the house. In his pain, Matt makes a deal with God—he’ll leave God alone, if God will leave him alone.
When Wade Hampton, a teenage boy with cerebral palsy, moves in next door, he determines that Matt is his new best friend. But Matt wants nothing to do with Wade; hanging out with him only brings trouble, and Matt has enough trouble of his own to deal with. But Wade is persistent, and eventually Matt learns that Wade and God have a lot in common—neither one will leave him alone.
While I felt the many narrative passages slowed the story down more than necessary, this heartfelt novel shines, especially in the last few chapters. Matt’s feeling of abandonment by God is one I’m sure many readers will understand. And I appreciated that Matt’s struggle with faith did not have a quick resolution. Just as in real life, rarely are all of our questions answered. But Terry Barnes handles the emotions and questions of loss authentically, while leaving the reader, in the end, filled with hope
Armchair Interviews says: Look forward to reading more by this promising author.
Author’s Web site: http://www.terrybarnes.us