Review: Sensitive & Insightful
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 27, 2013
As Jess Colton overcame his addiction to alcohol he developed a strong faith in God. Unfortunately the addiction to alcohol was replaced by an addiction to overeating. His resulting obesity threatens not only his life but his career. His poor self image is fueled by rude and insensitive comments and degrading looks from others, including his own father.Holly Harrison has a past that haunts her, and a sister who routinely reminds her of that fact. A past motorcycle accident left her with a partial leg amputation, creating the need for her to wear a prosthesis. She had strayed from her Christian beliefs and hadn't attended church in several years. Her disability and lack of faith resulted in the belief that she isn't worthy of love.Holly and Jess meet when stuck in an elevator in their apartment building. Holly panics and Jess comforts her and prays with her. Holly leans on Jess, and in a weak moment promises Jess she will attend church with him if they are ever released from their "prison." Holly is attracted to his beautiful blue eyes and warm and comforting personality, and during their emprisonment Holly and Jess become friends. As their friendship blossoms into a relationship, the challenges of their respective disabilities become obstructions which threaten their happiness and possible future together.June Foster has broached numerous sensitive topics in "Give Us This Day," issues of addiction, obesity, disabilities, prejudice, dysfunctional families and loss of Christian faith. These topics are presented in a very open and insightful manner. Her characters are believable and their obstacles are realistically portrayed through events with which many readers can identify. The openness regarding these topics may be helpful to readers who struggle with some of the issues discussed in this book. The progression through insecurities and addiction in this book are impressive.