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The Blackberry Bush

by David Housholder (Goodreads Author)

3.17 of 5 stars 3.17 · rating details · 181 ratings · 66 reviews

Who are you, and what are you doing here? Two babies Kati and Josh are born on opposite sides of the world at the very moment the Berlin Wall falls. You'd think such a potent freedom metaphor would become the soundtrack for their lives, but nothing could be further from the truth. Despite his flawless image, Josh, an artistic and gifted California skateboarder, struggles t...more

Paperback, 208 pages

Published June 1st 2011 by Summerside Press

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Sep 12, 2011 Mary rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Recommended to Mary by: Dave is a friend & all his books are fantastic!

Shelves: mary-s-favorites, 2011

Is it true that when Satan was banished from Heaven he fell into a blackberry bush and cursed the brambles as he fell into them?

Brambles and fruit, a “bush” that grows snarled within itself, wild with the veracity of a holy terror. Angelo starts this story telling of his witness at the birth of a baby girl born in America on 9/11 … simultaneously bearing witness to the birth of a baby boy born in Germany on 11/9 (European style) … the day the Berlin wall fell.

What they share is a seemingly rando...more

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May 28, 2011 Aik Chien 인첸 rated it 4 of 5 stars

When David Householder asked me whether or not I would like to review his upcoming novel, The Blackberry Bush, I read the synopsis on Goodreads, and the very first line caught my attention: Two babies, —Kati and Josh, —are born on opposite sides of the world at the very moment the Berlin Wall falls.

This is actually a novel about family relationships, interweaving destinies, and journeys of self-discovery. David Householder successfully brings out this story in a creative way - the story is layer...more When David Householder asked me whether or not I would like to review his upcoming novel, The Blackberry Bush, I read the synopsis on Goodreads, and the very first line caught my attention: Two babies, —Kati and Josh, —are born on opposite sides of the world at the very moment the Berlin Wall falls.

This is actually a novel about family relationships, interweaving destinies, and journeys of self-discovery. David Householder successfully brings out this story in a creative way - the story is layered with words of wisdom and the plot moves on with a suitable pace with the help of passages of the past and current events. Although this book has something to do with Christianity, it is not written in a "preachy" style, so readers of other religions can read it without problems of any sort.

I can totally relate to Kati's hurt that involves her not being pretty and likable enough. She has pale skin, black hair and a big nose, and her mother, mutti is never proud of her. She is always comparing her with her beautiful elder sister, Johanna. She always chastises Kati's appearance without even trying to see her good points. Kati's (only) best friend is her grandfather, Opa Harald who looks past her appearance and loves her unconditionally. Opa teaches her all sorts of things, and she loves hanging out with him. The loving relationship between grandfather and granddaughter is really heart-warming.

On the other hand, Josh is a gifted child, but he seems a bit unsure about how he should live his life. I'm not sure how to describe him, but I feel like I'm a little like him in some ways. I'm glad that both Josh and Kati eventually find their ways in life, discover the goodness of God's love and the beauty of life itself.

In a few words, The Blackberry Bush is a moving, thought-provoking novel in which lies a powerful message. It is a book to read and keep.

"Life is like a coin with two sides--destiny and random chance. The truth is, each side grows out of the other. Quantum stuff. And life spins and spins."

For more reviews, please go to:
http://the-bookaholics.blogspot.com/(less)

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Apr 19, 2011 Simay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, ya

ARC copy received from David Housholder.

http://zimlicious.blogspot.com/2011/0...

This book first got my attention when I saw its cover and its name. And then I was totally sold when I read "Two babies—Kati and Josh—are born on opposite sides of the world at the very moment the Berlin Wall falls." Seriously, how wrong can you go with a story line like that? Not very, but I so did not expect it to be as beautiful as The Blackberry Bush.

The story does start with two babies being born just as the Ber...more ARC copy received from David Housholder.

http://zimlicious.blogspot.com/2011/0...

This book first got my attention when I saw its cover and its name. And then I was totally sold when I read "Two babies—Kati and Josh—are born on opposite sides of the world at the very moment the Berlin Wall falls." Seriously, how wrong can you go with a story line like that? Not very, but I so did not expect it to be as beautiful as The Blackberry Bush.

The story does start with two babies being born just as the Berlin Wall is falling. Right from the beginning, when you look at the family chart at the beginning of the book, you see where Kati and Josh are connected. Finding out how and seeing how they come together in life is an adventure, for lack of a better world, that takes you through different times, different people and different points of view.

I must admit I got quite uneasy when I realized the religious aspect of the book because 1) I'm not religious, 2) Having been raised Muslim, I don't know much about Christianity, and I'm sure I got none of the bible references. The uneasiness faded away though as events started to unfold because it ended up being a spiritual journey for me, rather than religious.

When it comes to the characters, you can relate to most of them, and some of them I'm sure you know already. Kati I could most definitely relate to, being that she's weird-looking when judged by what's considered normal in most societies, and she struggles with it like most of us do. And her relationship with her grandfather Harald, whom she describes as being the only person who "gets" her was very endearing. It's amazing to see all the characters -- both the adults and the children -- learn from their struggles and find out that life actually IS beautiful.

I also really like the metaphor that the name of the book represents. First everything is all tangled up like a blackberry bush, then they all start eating the fruit without the thorns ripping their hands and arms. I think everyone should give this book a shot if only for the joy it makes you feel inside. This was most definitely one of the most beautiful books I've ever read.(less)

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Jun 30, 2011 Maureen Timerman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read

I love the look of this book with its tattered pages and paperback hardcover look.
The story is about an intertwined family, who really don't know each other.
The book begins in 1989 in both the US and in Germany when two babies [Kati and Josh] are born, and the Berlin Wall is coming down. Watching this while eating Blackberries is Angelo...who is either a Spirit or an Angel.
We go through their lives and the book ends in 2032...there are chance meetings of the two in the book. The heartbreak the...more

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Apr 15, 2011 Shannon Mcmannus rated it 5 of 5 stars

From beginning to end I was captivated. How remarkable it was that you captured personalities of both young and old, male and female. I found myself laughing, nearly crying, at the edge of my couch, huddled in a ball. So much truth and wisdom put into this wonderful story. I definitely have learned a thing or two. To be awake... Thank you for sharing your gift with us.

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Dec 10, 2011 Keilani Ludlow rated it 4 of 5 stars

The author has a degree in ministry in the Lutheran faith, but based on the books cover, seems to run more of a non-denomination type church.

Basically, it's a story of two kids leading parallel lives, and how they come to
find their place with God. The story isn't really religious, though there is talk of church etc. throughout, and it bounces around a lot telling their story, their grandparent's stories, etc, little bits and pieces here and there. The religious message is towards the end and it...more

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Aug 17, 2011 Stacy rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was not impressed. I do not like books that change the era with every chapter. Three people told the story---which sometimes I don't mind. But I did not think Mr. Housholder did a very good job of making them sound believable. Right from the start, the 2 kids tell their stories around the ages of 10-12. I don't think children that age spoke that way. For example, here is the very first line of Kati's voice (age 10), telling her story: "I love looking out our back picture window at the rolling...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Sorinamckay rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was drawn to this book by the the title cover and eagerly awaited an unfolding tale of two families on different continents their destinies intertwined. The potential for the storyline could have been so much more than Housholder delivered. I kept hoping that the charecters would rise from the pages and enthrall me. However they never did. Yes the relationship between Kati and her Opa was warm and supportive but still it lacked depth.

Possibliy my attitudes were affected by my families personal...more

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Jul 11, 2011 Lee Harmon rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have strong feelings about this book. I just don’t know what they are. I must endorse it, because it’s unforgettable.

The Blackberry Bush was authored by a Facebook friend, whom I picture as a conservative “Christian teacher-leader” (David’s words) living 2,000 miles away. I’m not sure that’s how David pictures himself, so I’ve probably already insulted him. And I’m not much of a fiction reader; this will be my last for a while—I’m burned out. But on a whim, I asked for a copy. David turned out...more I have strong feelings about this book. I just don’t know what they are. I must endorse it, because it’s unforgettable.

The Blackberry Bush was authored by a Facebook friend, whom I picture as a conservative “Christian teacher-leader” (David’s words) living 2,000 miles away. I’m not sure that’s how David pictures himself, so I’ve probably already insulted him. And I’m not much of a fiction reader; this will be my last for a while—I’m burned out. But on a whim, I asked for a copy. David turned out to be quite insightful, and a superb fiction writer besides.

The two main characters, a boy and girl growing up on opposite sides of the world, are quite vivid. You’ll identify with one or the other, and possibly both. They are both very real—very real!—and what troubles me most about the book is that I dislike one of them. I don’t want to, and I don’t think I’m supposed to, but I do.

I can’t describe the emotional journey, so I won’t try. Just read it, and let yourself be immersed in feeling; it might change your view of life. The book is more spiritual than Christian, so it won’t change your life that way. It’s certainly not going to talk you into a church building. I’m not really sure “spiritual” is even the right word. Honestly, I can’t put my finger on the feelings it evokes, but there is one word at the root of it all. A word with many definitions, all of them lacking. That word is Faith.

I wish the book were true. I wish all that’s wrong with this screwed-up world could just work itself out, like a rubber band unraveling under its own pressure, perhaps with a little karma, or predestination, or meddling from above, or an intertwining of energies, or whatever your religious bent is, leaving everybody happy in the end. But life is messier than that, and the kinks don’t always get worked out. There’s no guarantee of happiness. So where does that leave faith? Faith certainly isn’t wishing, nor is it holding hands and singing Kumbaya. But whatever it is, David’s book will strengthen yours.

The author thinks this would be a good book for teens and book clubs. Ahh, what do authors know, he’s flat wrong. It’s for parents and grandparents.(less)

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Jul 09, 2011 Cindy rated it 3 of 5 stars

CBR Review:
I really struggled with this review, because I love writing reviews, and sharing what I like about books, but this one was hard for me, because I did not enjoy this book very much. I read it all, hoping it would improve and I would like it better, but I didn't. I have thought long and hard about why I didn't like it, and have come to the conclusion that there was two things about the book that made it hard for me. First I have never been fond of movies, or books that jump around with...more

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Jul 01, 2011 Brenda Casto rated it 4 of 5 stars

The cover of this book is initially what caught my eye, but once I started reading the story I found myself drawn in completely. The writing style easily brings the story to life and allowed me to connect with the characters easily depicting them during different stages of their life. On Nov. 9th 1989 as the Berlin wall is tumbling down two babies are born. In Bonn Germany baby Kati is born, and Joshua is born a world away in Zaramora, California.Two babies destined to meet, with more in common...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Abbie Riddle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely stunning!

This is a book that everyone needs to read. There are so many things that are quote worthy that my copy has pencil markings all in it and page references marked in the back.

As if the story was not compelling enough the author has been gracious enough to include a section of questions. If you are looking for an excellent book for a book club this is it! You will not be disappointed in the storyline nor will your group have a shortage of discussion regarding the topic.

This is...more Absolutely stunning!

This is a book that everyone needs to read. There are so many things that are quote worthy that my copy has pencil markings all in it and page references marked in the back.

As if the story was not compelling enough the author has been gracious enough to include a section of questions. If you are looking for an excellent book for a book club this is it! You will not be disappointed in the storyline nor will your group have a shortage of discussion regarding the topic.

This is a coming of age story of sorts for two very different people separated by a continent. They are connected by the faith of their grandparents and a story that connects them in ways they never would have guessed. An old story of love, treachery, betrayal of all sorts and the prevailing evidence of God's grace and forgiveness. This story comes together in the third generation and with it comes the finality of God's infinite love and power of restoration.

Join the journey that spans three generations. Be pulled into the story and discover the truth that resonates within the pages. Open your eyes to the back light of your own story - - Allow God to reveal to you the same power in your own life.

The book opens with this quote on page 16, "Walls are real, yet they always come down. Creation and Nature never favor walls. They start to crumble even before the mortar dries."

It ends with the following quotes: "But faith and blessings will always find a way to be fruitful and multiply./Faith like water, will always find its way back to its Source. Carry it, and it will carry you. Receive it from others, and pass it on to them." So profoundly simple: The spiritual foundations we build now will impact other generations, even if for a moment they seem lost.

Finally on page 171 and 172: "It takes a crown of thorns and truly good heart to destroy the wounding of the thorns of life./Curses are meant to be broken./Evil and brokenness are never even any good at being evil and broken. the Pharaoh always ends up at the bottom of the Red Sea. The evil dictator must die by suicide. Good is simply good at being good. And prevailing."

Thank you B&B Publishing for this review copy.(less)

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Jun 21, 2011 Karielle Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog

The Blackberry Bush by David Housholder
Release Date: June 1st, 2011
Publisher: Summerside
Page Count: 172
Source: The B&B Media Group for review

An invitation to a treasure hunt through the landscape of your soul...

Josh grows up an artistic and gifted California Golden Boy, but for all that life has handed to him, he struggles with his identity and role in the world. Surrounded by unrealistic expectations, he feels hedged in.

Kati's German heritage presents its own obstacles to understanding hers...more

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Jun 13, 2011 Nora St Laurent rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was intrigued by the books cover. When I received my review copy I liked the feel of the book and loved the tattered pages. I highly recommend reading the author interview in the back of the book first. This helps set up the story and allows the reader to understand how this book was put together. In the interview the author reveals his heart and the meaning of the Blackberry Bush. This story was gripping and heart wrenching at times and is not one you want to rush through.

I personally found i...more

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May 18, 2011 Luke Allison rated it 5 of 5 stars

A genuinely unique entry in the Young Adult genre. Housholder seems to have paid close attention to the practical reality of "spiritual awakening" experiences, and crafted a journey that feels authentic in its portrayal of such things.
Perhaps his most successful creation is Kati, angst-ridden arty teenager, and one of the primary POV characters, who could very easily become a stereotype in the wrong hands (I've read this type of character far too many times). Housholder handles her inner monolo...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: THE BLACKBERRY BUSH
Author: David Housholder
Publisher: Summerside Press
June 2011
ISBN: 978-1-6093-6116-7
Genre: fiction/general

In 1989, on the same day the Berlin Wall began to be knocked down, two babies were born, at the exact same time, but due to time zones, different times were recorded. One was a boy, named Josh, who lived in California. The other was a girl, named Kati, who lived in Europe.

THE BLACKBERRY BUSH is kind of a difficult book to review. I read the story, parts of it made m...more

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Jun 27, 2011 Molly rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: unfinished-business

The mysterious cover and interesting premise intrigued me, but that's about it. Soon after browsing the first chapter, the book lost me.

The novel is about two babies born at the same time on opposite sides of the Berlin wall, right on the day it was torn down. The novel follows their lives, how their chance meeting changes their destiny.

Unfortunately, the novel doesn't deliver. A narrator named Angelo hints at an epic saga and life-changing lessons, but the storytelling is awkward and badly in n...more

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Jun 27, 2011 Evangeline Han rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I first started to read The Blackberry Bush, I thought that it would be an easy read. After all, it is only 176 pages long, the shortest book I’ve reviewed to date. But I was mistaken. The Blackberry Bush focuses on many realistic, deep issues that it isn’t possible to just skim through it. Josh and Kati are complex individuals with common problems young people have today. An aspect of The Blackberry Bush I absolutely like is the way the two main characters, despite one being a male and the...more

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Jun 13, 2011 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, inspirational-fiction

This story follows the story of a boy and a girl born on the same day. They are connected by generational history and both move continents and struggle with much through their journey.

Both Josh and Kati have fascinating stories. As the characters unfold across the pages, we come to a fast pace climax where their paths cross and their destinies are changed forever.

to read more... http://t.co/c7PxjGP

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May 25, 2011 Maxine Mathew rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned, review-books, young-adult

The day the Berlin Wall fell uniting the two Germanies, two babies were born into the world, free of all worldly ties. Kati and Josh were the babies born in two different continents- Kati in Germany and Josh in the USA. The felling of Berlin Wall signified freedom to the people of the world, however the lives of Kati and Josh born during that historic day becomes more and more tangled in the thorny bush of life and expectations with their each passing year. Josh, a skateboarding prodigy is fille...more The day the Berlin Wall fell uniting the two Germanies, two babies were born into the world, free of all worldly ties. Kati and Josh were the babies born in two different continents- Kati in Germany and Josh in the USA. The felling of Berlin Wall signified freedom to the people of the world, however the lives of Kati and Josh born during that historic day becomes more and more tangled in the thorny bush of life and expectations with their each passing year. Josh, a skateboarding prodigy is filled with anger that he cannot explain. Confused about his motive in life, his aggression leads him to make grave mistakes that cannot be forgotten easily. As for Kati, she seems to be always trying meet up to the expectations of the people around her but somehow failing to succeed in it. The best moments in her life are the ones she spends away from these expectations, with her grandfather in his workshop or discovering family secrets in the attic. Both Josh and Kati want to find a freedom that frees them from this pent up anger and the tangles of life. They may live in two different continents but their destinies are connected and they have no idea where it might lead to.

The Blackberry is a touching read. Each reader is sure to find a piece of their lives woven in the beautiful words of this book. The title of the book may have many interpretations; some may compare the ‘Blackberry Bush’ to Kati and Josh’s destinies which are entwined from the days of their great grandparents as we see from the family chart given at the beginning of the book. For me the ‘Blackberry Bush’ symbolizes the feeling of being trapped by our fears, guilt and pain. The thorny bushes of blackberry hurt a lot when we are tangled in it just like in life it hurts a lot when we are assailed by pain and fears. It may not necessarily be the physical trauma we suffer when we experience these emotions because the emotional trauma can be far worse at times. Also, like the blackberry bush, the more we struggle against these emotions the more it hurts and the more we are trapped in them. It is only by calmly sorting out our feelings that we are successful in liberating ourselves from this tangle. Sometimes like Kati and Josh our destinies are planned in such a way that our "liberator" will be someone other than ourselves and after we meet our liberator our lives will be changed forever.

The story is told by ‘Angelo’, an enigmatic narrator who says he is not an angel despite what his name seems to suggest. He provides us with the back stories of the lives of Kati, Josh and their ancestors. Throughout the book I kept wondering who exactly Angelo is. Is he a personification of God? I am not that much of a firm believer in God or religion. Even then I can’t help wondering how some things happen the way they do even though so many things could go wrong. It is as if some things are meant to be, as if some greater force sees to its success. In the story ‘Angelo’ intervenes in the human world not once but twice. If it was not so, Kati and Josh’s story would have been somewhat different.

Our lives are interconnected with so many others. We share blood ties with so many people, most of them we don’t even know. Kati and Josh share a similar bond. They are connected since the days of their great grandparents and they are not even aware of each others' existence. Kati and Josh—they have completely different lives yet share so much in common in their emotions. They both hold a charm to them that will attract you with the connection they are able to form with some part of your life. They are not perfect and make some bad decisions - this makes their characters more realistic. Kati finds it hard to meet up to the expectations especially her mother’s no matter how hard she tries. Her outward plain looks stops her from seeing the beauty inside of her. Her pain in her failure to meet others' expectations is an emotion that we have all felt sometime or the other. Josh represents the angst hidden in each one of us. Sometimes like Josh we feel an unexplained anger and the urge to do something reckless.

Everyone has a "back story". It can seem unimportant to us but it is capable of changing many people’s lives - this book made me realize this. While reading The Blackberry Bush you will find yourself crying when the characters are crying and laughing when they are. How can any book go wrong if it can make you do this? Have you felt that, after reading a book, you never want to let go of it? You just want to keep it close to you, afraid that if you let go of it, its essence will leave you. The Blackberrey Bush had such an effect on me; this is a book that will stay with me for a long time. (less)

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Aug 19, 2011 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is such a unique coming of age novel with an interesting plot and fun voice--I really enjoyed it. The discussion questions at the end of the book are thought-provoking and would initiate interesting conversations. I did feel like the christian aspect of the novel is a little watered down. It spoke about God and spirituality more than it did Jesus and a relationship with our Savior, but I still liked the book. It was an easy read with some great themes. I liked the historical aspect and the...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Katie rated it 3 of 5 stars

3 1/2 stars is more accurate for my rating.

Unlike any book I’ve read in a long time, The Blackberry Bush tells a unique story and uses some very unlikely characters. This is the first time I have read anything by David Housholder and I have a feeling he will pen a lot of remarkable books. With the ability to use uncanny, faulty, ordinary people, he tells a story of how everything we do can often affect future generations…the things we do sometimes don’t just hurt us…they hurt others.

Both Kati a...more 3 1/2 stars is more accurate for my rating.

Unlike any book I’ve read in a long time, The Blackberry Bush tells a unique story and uses some very unlikely characters. This is the first time I have read anything by David Housholder and I have a feeling he will pen a lot of remarkable books. With the ability to use uncanny, faulty, ordinary people, he tells a story of how everything we do can often affect future generations…the things we do sometimes don’t just hurt us…they hurt others.

Both Kati and Josh were unlikely characters at first, but as you got to know them, their redemption story made sense. Both were hurting, both longed to have a meaning in life. I can’t say I ever liked or grew attached to either of them. I continually felt pity for Kati’s plainness and the pain she continually went through as she watched others outshine her. I honestly could never “get” Josh. I understood his pain of not living up to his parent’s expectation—his father’s especially—but didn’t understand his other actions very well.

The plot was very intricate, spanning many years. I confess that because of the continual year-jumping, I was often confused as to how old Josh and Kati were. Years changed continually and leaps back in time were often as the story of Walter and Nellie unfolded. Out of the whole book, their story was the one I enjoyed reading the most. It was written with so much underlying meaning and conviction, that I was glued to the pages. I didn’t really like that they committed adultery, yet never really repented. But Nellie did suffer the consequences. I was astonished at her punishment; given by people she’d always known…and all because the father of her baby was German.

The way David Housholder writes is different than what I usually enjoy, but it was a neat change. I felt more “in” Kati and Josh’s head. The way it was written reminded me how people go through the day talking to themselves. I do warn that Kati is a bit of a drink addict in the book and she gets a tattoo on her arm that connected with her dear grandfather, as well as a nose ring later on. While some, as I thought in the beginning, might see rebellion in her gesture of getting a nose ring, I understood the meaning. Her large nose was always her curse, she believed. By wearing the nose ring, she fearlessly and loudly displayed her acceptance of what the Lord had given her, her nose.

Angelo was a very interesting character. I enjoyed reading about him. I love what he represented in this story. What is he, you may wonder? Well, read The Blackberry Bush to find out! While I didn’t see a very big connection between a blackberry bush and Kati and Josh (though each had one near their house), it was fun to look for its appearance in the story. In all, this story is unique and very different than what I normally read, but I still came away with something when I finished it. Namely, embrace who you are and see the beauty in yourself. You don’t have to be outwardly beautiful to radiate God’s beauty from within.(less)

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Apr 12, 2011 Dana Hanson rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Blackberry Bush is about real life lived by real people. You can actually relate to these characters on a page who quickly become part of your family. Maybe you will recognize them, because you will see yourself, your children, your friends, your parents, grandparents- They are all there.

I began reading The Blackberry Bush because my friend asked me to, and I finished reading the book because I needed to share life with my new friends Kate and Josh, and all the rest. Not since reading A Rive...more

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Jul 01, 2011 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour-book, christianfiction, forreview, forpleasure, historicalfiction

The Blackberry Bush had a unique literary style in the way the author crafted the story. The author's approach to storytelling was also unique and engaging. At first I found the story a bit challenging to follow due to the many points of view, but then I started to see a flow that made sense. The use of a narrator was a bit odd when the author could have merely used the omniscient point of view, however, when I saw Angelo as an angelic being in the story then it fit better. It kind of gave a hea...more

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May 30, 2011 Savannah (Books With Bite) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I must say that I really enjoyed this book. I was capivated from the very beginning in how their life's were intertwined and how it all came together in the end. The plot was very good. I really enjoyed the feel of traveling into the past and seeing the characters then. All the secrets, and betrayals they habored, you really didn't think how it would connect with the future characters but it did. It also makes you think a lot. It makes you see how even things done in the past can have such a pro...more

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Aug 16, 2011 Matthew added it

As far as I am aware it was the first narrative this author has written.

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May 13, 2011 Keith Posehn rated it 5 of 5 stars

My buddy, David Householder's Novel, "The Blackberry Bush" is debuting June 1st. I've read a pre-release copy and it's incredible. A story of two kids born on opposite sides of the world the day the Berlin wall fell and how their fates intertwine and their lives collide in a crisis of faith.
David's intense and beautiful writing style will captivate you, his story will move and refresh you, and his message will give you hope. This is a great "Beach read" but make sure you bring your sunglasses b...more

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Dec 12, 2011 Sandra Stiles rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, historical-fiction

First off let me say I didn't dislike this book. I just never found the love for it I usually find. At times I felt lost in the story and I don't mean that in a good way. I don't mind switching POV in a book. the change of POV and time period often left me re-reading to try to figure out what was going on. The character's were believable, yet they almost seemed to be a contradiction. Kati never felt loved or accepted except by her Opa. She felt ugly, yet she tattoos and pierces her body. Josh on...more

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Dec 02, 2011 Annemieke Windt rated it 1 of 5 stars

Sometimes a novel is just one big let down. The story doesn't deliver, the writings is ackward and the characters lack motive. For me The Blackberry Bush is one of those books gone wrong, if found myself nearly reaching for a pen to edit some of the writing. But it's my own fault, maybe I should do more research before I buy a book. Go to a bookshop, browse though it, read a page here and there and then decide to buy it. Serves me right for being impulsive.

The book promises to tell the story of...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Sharon Huether rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Blackberry Bush By David Housholder This was an amazing book. The two teens in the book were born in the same year 1989 when the Berlin Wall fell. They were similar in their problems with their parents. The parents want the best for their children and in this thought they want to control them so they can be like little robots. However the grandparents shows unconditional love and always praises and encourages. The grandparents were Christians and encouraged them to attend church and to find...more

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About David Housholder

I surf and snowboard (way) too much. I ride for Currine & Co (http://currine.com)

Church planter in Orange County, California (http://robinwoodchurch.com) with incurable Pentecostal tendencies.

Went to school (way) too long. Fulbright Scholar at the Universität-Bonn in Germany.

Love writing. My blog (http://DavidHousholder.com) gets (way) more views than you think. Even more than you just thought...more

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Light Your Church On Fire Without Burning It Down: Church In The 21st Century

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Quotes from The Blackberry Bush

“And once you've been to this Center, this Truth, you'll know your way everywhere. You are never lost again.” — 10 people liked it

“If anyone or anything tries to curse or kill the Goodness at the Center of all things, it will just keep coming back to life. Forever Easter.” — 9 people liked it

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