I had never read a Karen Kingsbury book before this week. Apparently, there are two types of Christian fiction readers: those who have read every Karen Kingsbury book ever written, and even have the next one already pre-ordered or . . . me. So I was looking forward to settling down with my first one, and after reading Gideon's Gift, I can see trying another one in the future. Since Gideon's Gift is one of the stories in Karen Kingsbury's The Red Gloves Collection, I may just make the next Kingsbury book I read one of these beautiful Christmas stories. I really enjoyed Gideon's Gift. It would be a great book for slowing down, grabbing a warm coffee or cocoa, and curling up with on a chilly day during this busy holiday season.
I have to say first of all, though, that when starting the book, I was a little frustrated because it opens with a prologue that basically lets you know how the story ends. While I know there are some readers that like to know how the story is going to end before they read it, I am not one of those. It really drives me crazy. That being said, I get the impression one does not read Karen Kingsbury for the suspense of it, but for the beautiful, thoughtful, heart-rending stories she tells so well.
While the characters are really quite stereotypical and the story a little formulaic, I enjoyed the light engaging writing as the characters' stories unfolded. Earl is a cantankerous, widowed homeless man who has never had a need for God, who loses all hope and then his desire to live when his red gloves are stolen. Earl eventually crosses paths with young Gideon who happens to have asked God for a big Christmas miracle. Throw in the bitter, incredibly pessimistic dad, and you have just about everybody.
And, oh my, what a tear-jerker! There's hopelessness, cancer, loss, poverty, set-backs. I mean, really? What else could you ask for in a Christmas story? But then, of course, there's hope, love and miracles, too. That leads to lots and lots of crying for me! Sometimes a good cry is a good thing.
Just so you know, though, I did not do my full diligence when I chose this book to read for this month. I wanted to read a Christmas story, but was having a little trouble finding one in the SGC resource center (not that they aren't there, it's just that, well, umm, I didn't try very hard). This one was suggested by (and borrowed from) a fellow Grover (thank you Rebecca!) and is available at the Goshen and Elkhart Public Libraries as well.
If you are looking for a beautiful, inspiring Christmas story to read this season, go ahead and pick up Karen Kingsbury's Gideon's Gift. It is especially nice because it can be a pretty quick read, which can make for a nice break during this sometimes hectic time of the year. And if you find you have even some more time, you might like to try the other books in The Red Glove Collection.
After this fine recommendation, Gideon's Gift will soon be available in the SGC Resource Center. :)
