Why do we read sad books?
I pondered that question when reading Somewhere in the Skies by Becky McGurrin. Every reader who picks up the book knows that it will be a sad story since it tells of the farm accident that took the lives of Scott and Phyllis Showalter, their two daughters, and their employee.
Yet, we read it anyway.
Could it be that we all know that we will face sorrow in this life?
Some day, sooner or later, we will grieve at our loved ones' graveside. Some day we will reach our own appointment with death. Unless the Lord returns first, these are facts of life. Do we read others' stories to be reminded that God's grace will be with us when we face those dark days?
Somewhere in the Skies is told mostly through the eyes of Scott's mother Reba. It combines the stories of several others who were affected by the tragedy. And yes, I cried, especially when reading of the two little girls who were left behind.
But it isn't a depressing book. I love the focus on the hope we have in heaven. Even though life on this earth is short, we can find a peace in God's promises.
You can purchase Somewhere in the Skies from CLP.
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
It's too sad and I don't need that. Every farming community has its tragedies. My sister's husband was killed in a farm accident ...They say it was a heart attack that precipitated it. But he fell to his death while pulling in hay bales from the hoist into the loft. A family from church had a son run over when he fell off the tractor. He broke both legs. On the radio last week I heard of a family in Canada that lost their 3 young daughters who were playing on a seed truck during harvest and they all fell in and suffocated. Yes there is and always will be sorrow in this present life on earth.
ReplyDelete