Another chance to do a book review! I will say up front that the only gain I get from doing this is a free book. I did buy one for the give-away, so you will receive a never-before-read-book!
Joey's Story-
I am not sure how much to tell you about this book...guess I'll aim for
just enough to make you want to read it.
This is the story of Joanna Heger's childhood. It is a book that is difficult to put down and yet I found myself needing a break. There was so much to process.
It is the life that many children are living today....She was
"one of those kids"
"a welfare brat".
She and her siblings were the ones that people wanted to help, but weren't sure how to go about it.
It has a father that loved his kids, he really did but.....
He needed to live his own life and the children fended for themselves
and were prey for others.
This is not a book for children to read.
The children fended for themselves, until some interfering people reported them and then they were "foster kids"
"a sibling group"
" a tough bunch of kids"
In reality, Joey knew more of the world at eight than some adult know at forty.
After a few foster homes a naïve young couple made the
"leap of faith"
and adopted them.
I call them naïve, because listening to Joey's description of her new parents lets me know that they were unprepared for the whirlwind that was about to descend on their home.
I was so afraid the story would end badly that I read the last chapter when I was 3/4 of the way through. I hate sad endings...so rest assured, it is a happy ending.
Read how Joey ends up being a conservative Mennonite...this is a real story, not one of those fakey Amish/ Mennonite romances that are cluttering the shelves these days.
I had to laugh at her description of her first Mennonite church service. It made me think that maybe we really should print an "order of service" for visitors.
Joey often wondered why God allowed so many tough things to come into her life. She finally decided to use the diary that she kept for years to tell her story in hopes that she can help another child. The story isn't for the children to understand...it is for the adults.
So I will start with this give away...
In order to get a chance to win this book, send me a comment stating how you plan to help the "Joeys" out there. It can be praying, doing respite for a busy foster mom, taking a meal to a mom with a houseful of "Joeys", or maybe actually adopting or fostering a child that needs a family.
Let me know...if you comment on blogger, makes sure I have your e-mail address. If you would rather e-mail your entry, send it to raychris@dejazzd.com by March 4th.
I read the book so don't include me in the giveaway.I loved the book(eye-opening),could hardly put it down.I usually only read"real life stories",I do make an exception for John Grisham:)
ReplyDeleteMy hats off to those called to foster and adopt.We have quite a few families at church so I hear about some of the ups and downs,adjustments,caseworkers etc.We did respite care years ago for a family and I do pray for and make meals occasionally.You reminded me that I can do more!
It looks like a good book, and I would love to win/read it. I have silently followed your blog for a while...I have 2 children from China as well as 2 biological girls. We have entertained the thought of adopting again, but no wheels are in motion yet. In the meantime, we do pray for all of the children who need homes and we do offer to help out a lot of families "in need". One of my friends has a new "fostering to adopt" son, and while she lives far away and I can't watch her children, I do talk with her and give advice when possible, and mostly I just listen and pray with her. I want to do what I can for her family as they adjust to their growing family. If I win, here is my email: dartan6@gmail.com If I don't win, I will definitely check out this book! Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteWe adopted one of these children so live with this reality every day. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of spiritual warfare and how a child can be traumatized while still in the womb. We have made a point of financially and emotionally supporting others who have chosen to adopt.
ReplyDeleteSusan
rudysusan at juno (dot) com
This Book Giveaway is joias story. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeletefostering children
WOW! you have me hooked. i can ahrdly wait to read this book. i love a happy ending. we are a foster family with 3 bos and 2 adopted. he do respite for other families when we do not have a foster adventure of our own. we have many friend who live this adoption reality daily. the book would bee a read and pass along.
ReplyDeleteAm I to late? Yes this book sounds like a good read! We may be naïve too but as you know we are working at being approved for foster care and possibly adoption eventually. We'll see where God leads us! -Wanita
ReplyDeleteWe have adopted traumatized children and the more I can read and understand how that trauma impacts their lives, the more we are able to walk them thru the rough spots and help others who are traveling the same road. Count me in for the book giveaway. Can't wait to read this book!
ReplyDeleteWe have adopted traumatized children and the more I can read and understand how the trauma impacts their lives, the more I am able to help them thru the rough spots and help others who are traveling the same road. Count me in for the book giveaway. I can't wait to read the book!
ReplyDelete