And I will declare what He has done for my soul
~ Psalms 66:16 (NKJV)
I once accepted a free book in exchange for my agreement to review it. I told myself I'd not do so again. If I judge a book that mediocre, I prefer to offer any critique privately.
It's quite another matter to have both the privilege of knowing the author personally and a behind-the-scenes peek at a work I can't help but view as quite perfect—and feel an irresistible urge to share that perspective when no review is expected ...
: : :
(click to enlarge)
"Some of the best things in life
are encountered on a detour."
~ Billy Coffey
are encountered on a detour."
~ Billy Coffey
When I first encountered the writing of Billy Coffey, I was astonished by what I describe as "profound truth, pure and plain." I've expounded plenty on the Bible’s truths here, and once in a while I grasp enough Holy Spirit to pull off a post I read much later with a "wow." But I suspect this blog's appeal is limited unless one is already interested in the Bible.
Not so my brother Billy. His masterful storytelling is articulate enough to satisfy intelligence and simple enough to delight the heart and downright funny enough to tickle everyone from age nine to ninety. Enduring faith and poignant hope placed solidly on Jesus ebb and flow through his words like music of a rippling brook to soothe the soul—even the soul that hasn't yet encountered Jesus.
Billy's debut novel, Snow Day, is likely to please all of the people most of the time and most of the people all of the time. My favorite chapter, "More Than We Can Bear," startled me with its stark confrontation of faith before offering words which have come back to solace me often over past months.
Perhaps that's what Billy does best as he weaves his magic throughout his story. He draws you into seeing some everyday moment in a compelling new way, then takes you somewhere you’ve never been—enthralling you in the detour and leaving you with something you didn’t know you needed for the walk ahead.
And like a trail which still enchants as it becomes familiar, Snow Day continues to delight with each re-reading. If the book has a shortcoming, it is that it ends all too quickly.
Want an insider tip? Snow Day is officially released today. Every indication shows it headed straight to the bestseller list. So if you'd like to later boast that your copy is the first printing, get yourself one before your local bookstore runs out. If you buy two or three or more (as I am), you'll have the perfect Christmas gift on hand for that impossible-to-shop-for person on your list.
As Billy would say, "Promise."
: : :
P.S. to Billy ~
Amid all else today, do you feel your Father's pleasure?
Thanks for sharing the journey with me.
Love, Annie
Tomorrow: My Snow Day.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
