Does life ever follow a straight path? Or is the path that we perceive to be crooked actually the straightest path toward fulfillment of our dreams and ideals?
Book Review – Crooked Lines
This past weekend I found myself glued to my phone reading a Kindle book I downloaded from Amazon for $2.99 because the author was doing a fundraiser for a mission in India. It was a special offer, but the regular price of $5.99 is well worth it. I couldn’t put it down. Drama, suspense, reality & spirituality – it’s all in there in Crooked Lines by Holly Michael.
There are 2 main characters, Rebecca and Sagai, living in different countries and the chapters alternate between these 2 people’s lives. Parallels exist yet their lives and experiences couldn’t be more different. It seems doubtful that they would ever meet and even if they do someday meet, what would be the outcome of that?
Each is on a spiritual journey; hers is one of healing, acceptance and forgiveness, and his is about pursuing his life’s goal of becoming a priest and helping people. Their lives are full of challenges, struggles and painful realizations – it’s about real life even though it’s fiction. A very interesting read, several twists in the plot keep you guessing. A spiritually stimulating book as well, especially for anyone who’s worked in ministry or has been spiritually searching.
A lot of interesting religious and cultural issues come up in the book, like the relationship between an individual’s spirituality and the pursuit of their mission through a religious organization. How do you deal with the rules and regulations of an organization that seems to cramp your zeal and style? What do you do when you realize someone has abused their position and blocked your way? How do you embody a “Christ-like” heart despite a plethora of religious and cultural barriers?
Personal relationship issues with parents, siblings, extended family and spouses is also a major theme. The book begins with both characters as teenagers and follows their lives through early adulthood. There is a spiritual connection between the two characters but do they ever meet? Maybe not, but you won’t find out until the end.
I don’t want to tell you too much about it because it’s unpredictableness is a big part of the enjoyment. I’m not sure if the fundraiser is still going on but the proceeds went to Nagapattinam Mission Project, which is a long term project helping Tsunami victims recover. The author is planning a trip to India soon to follow up on this mission project. If you want to learn more visit Holly Michael’s blog: http://writingstraight.com/
