Wow...what an extraordinary book. I was a little worried that a book all about death would seem dreary, but what *hope* the author infused into this book.
Mrs. Kip was a phenomenal character. I absolutely loved her. She was witty, kind, fun-loving, and SO dedicated to serving God. Seriously...why aren't there more books with solid Christian characters like this? It was so encouraging and beautiful to read! I loved how every day she would pray and ask God to show her what work He had for her to do that day.
I loved Mrs. Kip's backstory unfolding through separate chapters while the present day story moved along. I really appreciated how the author showed how difficult and sweet it was for the ways that Mrs. Kip was serving others and God.
I'm not very familiar with the 1970s so learning more about this time period and another side of the Vietnam War was simultaneously heartbreaking and fascinating. I'm so grateful that organizations sprang up to help the refugees.
Aidyn Kelley was also a pleasure to read about. I really enjoyed watching her grow in her faith. It felt very realistic and beautiful. I liked how her story was woven together with Mrs. Kip's. The changes that we get to watch Aidyn go through (in just a week!) are so cool. It's gradual enough that as you read it, it doesn't feel rushed, but when you look back to the beginning from the end, you can see what a different person she was because of Mrs. Kip.
*mild spoilers ahead*
I also liked how we didn't know what happened with Charles. Was he a Christian by the end? It made it feel more real.
One of the only things that I didn't particularly like was that Aidyn didn't even know that her editor was a Christian for so long. It encourages me in my own life to live my faith out more obviously. I wouldn't want someone to know me for a while and then be like "Oh, Marissa's a Christian? I never knew." How sad would that be!!
*end of spoilers*
4.75/5 ⭐