Local Opinion Editorials

THE STORY KEEPER – The Book Nook

THE STORY KEEPER
by Lisa Wingate
Tyndale, 978-1-4143-8826-7
HB, 432 pages, $19.99

Here is a novel about a woman with a strong career and a traumatic past she must at last confront. She thought the doors to her previous life were forever shut. Successful editor Jen Gibbs has just landed her dream job with Vida House Publishing and is certain a brand new life is here to stay. But when she discovers an anonymously written manuscript from the inglorious slush pile, she begins pursuing the contract of a lifetime. This leads her back to the Blue Ridge Mountains and to the doors she thought she’d never have to reopen.

The Story Keeper begins at a slow, but intriguing pace. Readers are quickly drawn in by the voice of the literary-minded main character with an original sense of wit. Some of the chapters serve to exemplify excerpts from the book Jen discovers. Such excerpts deal with racial issues and intense emotions, but include no offensive content. Though the theme of reconciling oneself with one’s family and with God is evident, there is no particular doctrinal or theological slant.

I highly recommend this book for both church and high school libraries. This brilliant story with excellent intentionality will captivate teens and adults alike.

Book review written by Lexie V. Owens, a professional writing major at Taylor University and a freelance writer for WBCL radio, Church Libraries, The Echo, and The Aboite Independent.