Though the Bud Be Bruised I received a courtesy copy of Though the Bud Be Bruised (Jo Wanmer, Even Before® Publishing) through the BookCrash book review program.
I had assumed it was a mystery story of some sort, based on the advertising blurb: “Can one little note, read at midnight, really trigger a chain of events that could shake the very foundation of Zara Heymer’s life?” In reality, it is the story (supposedly based on fact) of widespread sexual abuse in a church and neighborhood. Coming as I do from my own experience (personal and professional) in this field, and working now with numerous families involved in similar situations, I found reading the book horrifying. And I proved the quote on the back cover (“I read [it] in one sitting”), finishing about 2 a.m.
From my experience and training, the first 270 pages are accurate, depicting shame, fear, well-intentioned insults, denial, and the infinitely painful process of crawling toward healing. I question some of the author’s theology, but was caught up in the progressing story. The last 10 pages produced an unexpectedly quick fix, with few specifics offered to account for the sudden change in people’s perspective and attitude—not outside God’s miraculous power and love, but … unlikely, and unexplained.
Nonetheless, this is a well-written book (and with only one typo—heading for heeding, a record!). Readers should bear in mind that it is set in Australia, where they apparently do not have mandatory reporting laws. |
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CCWC 2013
My friend Shannie
Book signing at Mardel
Though the Bud Be Bruised
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Maggie Hope
The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
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Art and Soul signing
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Young authors
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Write from the Heart
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A Weekend of Fellowship and Fun
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Run and Hide (Monday)
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Spelling Bee screener
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Book signing
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Book signing
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Writing group
Not a Classy Author—But I Sure Do Have Fun!
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