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Unlocked

4.32 of 5 stars 4.32 · rating details · 4,105 ratings · 420 reviews

Before You Take a Stand ... You Got to Take a Chance.Holden Harris is an eighteen-year-old locked in a prison of autism. Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal---on the inside, in a private world all his own. In reality, he is bullied at school by kids who only see that he is very different. Ella Reynolds is part of the 'in' c...more

Paperback, 323 pages

Published September 30th 2010 by Zondervan (first published 2009)

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Aug 16, 2011 Becki rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, kindle

So, just after reading chapter one, I already have a prejudice against this book. I really feel for people who have autistic children, but WHY do they insist on blaming it on vaccinations?? There is NO PROOF that vaccinations cause autism. In fact, they've proven that there is NO LINK between vaccinations and autism. It just makes me mad when parents of autistic children want there to be some outside reason for their child being the way they are. Why can't they just accept that this is who God m...more

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Mar 27, 2013 Jodi rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a book about a boy,Holden who was a normal boy at age three. He had a best friend, Ella. They use to play together and sing. He had 9 immunizations at one doctor visit and then he started to change. His mother was best friends with Ella's mother. Once Holden started to change the mothers had a hard time being around each other. They had been friends since high school. They stopped seeing each other and both families lost out. Holden's father went to Alaska and started fishing there most...more

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Feb 25, 2013 Marisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Karen Kingsbury's "Unlocked" captures your heart with its story of a young eighteen year old named Holden Harris. Sadly, he suffers from autism and is attending a high school where the teenagers don't fully understand anything about what he goes through each day. Holden is very happy with himself on the inside but he gets bullied terribly at school. This was an amazing book that illustrates the life changing story of a family in need of a miracle.
This story talks about how the Harris family hav...more Karen Kingsbury's "Unlocked" captures your heart with its story of a young eighteen year old named Holden Harris. Sadly, he suffers from autism and is attending a high school where the teenagers don't fully understand anything about what he goes through each day. Holden is very happy with himself on the inside but he gets bullied terribly at school. This was an amazing book that illustrates the life changing story of a family in need of a miracle.
This story talks about how the Harris family have an autistic son and their close friends had a daughter named Ella who was nearly the same age. They grew up as best friends but at the age of three the Reynolds family would not let their daughter hang out anywhere near Holden after finding out he had autism. Later on when Holden is in high school he gets bullied and has some struggles but Ella, who is now Holden's classmate years later, finally finds out that Holden was the kid she once knew and then she made helping him her new priority.
Kingsbury captured the emotional journeys of people touched by autism in a profound way. She showed that autism effects everyone and stories like Holden’s give people hope and the desire to push forward. It showed how uninformed people were on autism and how there are all different types of the disease.
This book caught my attention most because I do have a younger cousin that suffers from autism and his mother was a single mom taking care of him which was really difficult for her to handle. Autism is exhausting to deal with for parents and most children can’t be left unsupervised for even five minutes. So few people truly understand the disorder and this book really should open your eyes if you are one of those people.
I love this book for putting out such a good message and I recommend this book to anyone who has difficulty understanding autism or the struggles people go through who love individuals with that diagnosis. Also I recommend this to anyone that knows anyone with autism and is curious about the life that they truly live. This book had so much heart and I think many people would enjoy it.(less)

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Jan 15, 2013 Tammy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. It was a feel-good-big-happy-ending kind of story. Despite the pain and suffering that is portrayed, everyone learns the lessons they are supposed to learn and healing occurs all over the place. All in the space of one short school year. Maybe not too realistic, but Kingsbury knows how to engage her readers' emotions. Her characters feel like real people and I found myself caring about most of them.

I was surprised to find that Holden Harris's response to music and the subseque...more

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Mar 06, 2012 Maddy Sprague rated it 5 of 5 stars

“Unlocked” by Karen Kingsbury is a novel that focuses on faith, love, and the struggle to find one’s inner voice. Karen Kingsbury’s purpose for writing this wonderful novel was to show the reader that all people have imperfections in their lives, but by staying strong in your faith, you can overcome those imperfections and find your true voice. This story focuses on the friendship between the estranged Holden Harris and Ella Reynolds. Holden Harris is an eighteen-year-old high school student en...more “Unlocked” by Karen Kingsbury is a novel that focuses on faith, love, and the struggle to find one’s inner voice. Karen Kingsbury’s purpose for writing this wonderful novel was to show the reader that all people have imperfections in their lives, but by staying strong in your faith, you can overcome those imperfections and find your true voice. This story focuses on the friendship between the estranged Holden Harris and Ella Reynolds. Holden Harris is an eighteen-year-old high school student enclosed in the world of autism. Ella Reynolds, another eighteen-year-old high school student who attends Fulton High School along with Holden, comes to the realization that Holden’s real voice lies between the lines of a song.
Karen Kingsbury shows many important themes throughout this novel. One of those important themes is faith. Faith is defined as having confidence or trust in a person or thing. The real meaning of faith lays between the heart of Tracy Harris, the loving mother of Holden Harris. She keeps her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ through the times in her life when all she wants to do is hold her son and remind him that everything is ok. Due to Holden’s autism she is unable to have any physical contact with her son. This trial does not stop Tracy’s faith in the Lord that Holden will come back to her.
Another theme that is addressed in the novel “Unlocked” is love. There are many relationships in this novel that are based on love. One of those many relationships is Holden and Ella’s. Although Ella and Holden’s relationship as young children was lost, it is restored by the meaning of faith and love. Ella’s faith and love are shown through the way she helps Holden become himself again. She never loses her faith that Holden will break down the prison of autism that lives inside of him. Ella’s love for Holden and music surpasses the world of autism, where she is then able to see Holden for who he is instead of seeing the autism shown through Holden. Karen Kingsbury is trying to show the reader that everyone is locked up in one way or another but by the power of faith and love; you can break free and show your true voice.
This story was written in the style of narration which is the telling of a story through a series of events that describes what happened and is usually in chronological order. Narration was an effective style of writing because it told the story in a way that made the reader feel that they were witnessing everything that was unfolding throughout the novel. For example, “The song Michael loved most was ‘O Holy Night.’ Ella hesitated, registered the silence throughout the gym. ‘He was looking forward to playing it at the Christmas concert.’ She unfolded the piece of paper. ‘This… the music and lyrics… were the only thing he left behind, open on his bed. His final song.’” This quote is told in such a way that it feel as though the reader is in the audience watching Ella Reynolds talk on stage. So, as you can see, this was a very effective style of writing this novel because it becomes real to the reader.
I believe that “Unlocked” by Karen Kingsbury was an astounding novel! I could not get myself to put this novel down. I would say to myself ok maybe one more chapter then I will be done. I would then find myself saying the same thing after I finished the next chapter. I definitely enjoyed reading “Unlocked” and I would recommend this book to anyone who knows someone that might be autistic, wants to learn more about autism, or even just wants to read an amazing book about faith, love, and the struggle to find one’s inner voice. One of the many reasons why I liked this novel was because it taught me a lot about how everyone is locked up in one way or another but by having faith in my Lord and Savior; I can surpass those things that I find myself struggling with and persevere through it just like Holden did in “Unlocked.” “Unlocked” by Karen Kingsbury is an amazing novel that can teach the reader many valuable lessons that could help the reader in their everyday lives.
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Sep 25, 2011 Marla rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, adult, with-reservations, religion, challenged

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 3.5 stars: I was initially upset about the autistic boy's condition improving, because I didn't think it was very realistic, but there were many redeeming things in this book (no pun intended). God bless Ryan and his family.

Likes:
* the complexity of the book and multiple storylines instead of one simple story like the other Kingsbury books I've read
* Ella was such a kind and patient girl
* Ella didn't care about losing the friendship of the popular crowd
* LaShante, her cheerleader friend, was a g...more

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Aug 14, 2011 L8blmr rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. A friend recommended this book to my because I have a son with autism; what she probably doesn't know is that I have a degree in music therapy and have long been a believer in music's miraculous power. However, I am inclined to say, "it doesn't work this way."

First of all, I was disturbed at the alleged cause of the boy's autism; as far as I am aware, there is no proof than children's inoculations are related in any way to autism. Granted, the author did build in some doubt about this theory, b...more A friend recommended this book to my because I have a son with autism; what she probably doesn't know is that I have a degree in music therapy and have long been a believer in music's miraculous power. However, I am inclined to say, "it doesn't work this way."

First of all, I was disturbed at the alleged cause of the boy's autism; as far as I am aware, there is no proof than children's inoculations are related in any way to autism. Granted, the author did build in some doubt about this theory, but it still struck a nerve with me.

Secondly, surely to goodness no reputable physician would administer 9 shots to a child of 3 in one visit! I have to state that our pediaticians were our friends; they helped educate us and went above and beyond in staying on top of up-to-date research and medications that might help our son not just cope, but succeed despite his disability.

The bullying happens; it was one of the hardest things I had to deal with. Unlike the mother in this story, I put myself in the schools my son attended (when I wasn't home-schooling him) so that I could see for myself. It's enough to break a mother's heart and there is seldom any justice for kids like these, for not only are you dealing with the prejudice and ignorance of students, but often the teachers are biased as well. Being a teacher myself, I know firsthand that it is difficult to handle a child with special needs who practically demands extra attention while trying to manage a classroom with 20+ "normal" kids. We were blessed to encounter a few amazing, patient and loving teachers, but we suffered a few who didn't know or care what made our son tick.

One more comment and I will get off my soapbox. I absolutely hated the teen "suicide" in this story. I did not see that it was necessary to drive home the message and feel it was handled badly because the boy realized he wanted to live in time to stop things, but something went wrong and he died anyway. Yes, I understood that he had to get right with God, but still ... it was simply too tragic. Tragic enough to turn an entire school around? I am sorry to say that even something of this magnitude is simply not going to change some people in our midst.

So, did I hate this book? Not at all; I enjoyed some of it, really loved part of it, and the rest ... well, see the above. If it enlightens any readers even a little, though, as to what some parents of autistic children and the kids themselves go through(remembering that every single case of any condition that falls within the autism spectrum is different) then it has served its purpose.

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Jun 22, 2011 Jennybug rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2011, book-club

This was a book that I read for book club. The only Karen Kingsbury book that I have read is "Let Me Hold You Longer", a children's book and one of my most favorite. I wasn't even aware that she wrote other books. Parts of this book were predictable and sometimes Christian authors are a little hard to read, because everything turns out. I find myself looking at other children I know with disabilities big and small and thinking where is their miracle? Although, I do have faith and know that mira...more

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Jun 14, 2011 Amy Dunn rated it 2 of 5 stars

I feel rude writing this review but i have to be honest... I really didn't like this book. I finished it easily enough but I found it really cheesy (and this is coming from someone who has grown up living and breathing Christian, romance novels!!)

The reason I feel especially terrible writing this is due to the author's comments at the end. I was going to rate this book 1 STAR until i read it was based on a true story... in which case praise the Lord.

I just feel that from my experiences with auti...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Susanhayeshotmail.com rated it 2 of 5 stars

I am almost afraid to comment, I am obviously in the minority here. I'm a Christian, I pray, I truly and deeply believe in miracles but this book was just to cheesy much for me. A friend at work recommended it, knowing of our autistic son and wondering what I would think. I actually found the first bit, where Holden's mom is at work, comparing her life to the lady in the check out line, pretty spot on. And she is an awesome mother, doing her level best to fight the good autism fight. And Kingsbu...more I am almost afraid to comment, I am obviously in the minority here. I'm a Christian, I pray, I truly and deeply believe in miracles but this book was just to cheesy much for me. A friend at work recommended it, knowing of our autistic son and wondering what I would think. I actually found the first bit, where Holden's mom is at work, comparing her life to the lady in the check out line, pretty spot on. And she is an awesome mother, doing her level best to fight the good autism fight. And Kingsbury covers some of the loss, isolation and aggravation parents of disabled children face accurately. And it is hard on marriages and friendship (the divorce rate for parents of disabled children is higher than that for parents whose children die and much as you might wish to continue to do all the things with your friends you did before autism, it's just not possible for a number of reasons). But here's the thing, Holden and what's her name (Ella? Bella's her Beauty and Beast bit right?) rekindle their childhood friendship, father's life saved at sea, autism is overcome through a musical miracle which changes the hearts of pretty much everyone in the vicinity, bullies reformed, the adult friendships rekindle, dysfunctional marriages are saved and people are brought to Jesus all in one short little book that spans the length of a drama production rehearsal. Just too too too much for me. I confess that it took me almost three weeks to read this and then I skimmed the end because it was time to take it back to the library. Really, I wanted to be inspired, really I did but I just found myself annoyed.

Call me a cynic and then go ahead, let the rotten vegetable throwing begin. As one who has endured the glares of at least 20 or 30 Costco customers as your 10 year old child walked in sock feet through 6 inches of slushy snow because he had taken off his shoes in the store and lost them (and not for the first time, for awhile there we were good friends with the lost and found desk) and he was just too big to carry, well, I can take it:-)(less)

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Jan 16, 2011 Pennie rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 29, 2010 Lee Fleming rated it 3 of 5 stars

My audible.com account had this in my library one day and I don't even know if I paid for it or what, but it was strangely there. Looked like teenage fiction/romance so I gave it a listen and, well... not bad!

If you like very religious themes, give it a whirl (they refer to prayer or church about every 20 minutes or so.) The story is a very uplifting tale of a teenage boy who has autism and how a sweet little girl in his class takes an interest in him.

Totally predicable, utterly schmaltzy, and...more

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Nov 01, 2010 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is Karen Kingsbury's best book. In this book, Karen delves into the world of autism. Instead of focusing on the debate on whether or not autism is a result of too many vaccinations (although Holden's mom believes that is the cause of Holden's withdrawal), she focuses on the family and relationship dynamics that are affected by autism.

Holden, the protagonist, is locked inside of himself. Through his thoughts, the reader gets a glimpse of the struggle between what he feels and what he can ex...more

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Mar 15, 2013 Christina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: german

Dieses Buch war ein Geburtstagsgeschenk von meiner Mutter. Aber es ist definitiv ein Buch, welches ich auch selbst gekauft hätte, wenn es mir in die Finger gekommen wäre.

Wenn ich mir meine Gelesen-Liste in diesem Jahr ansehe, ist es seit langem das erste richtig ernste Buch. Diese Geschichte ist so anders als alles, was ich bisher kenne.

Man nehme die allerbesten Freundinnen, die eine High School jemals gesehen hat. Dazu gibt es natürlich die dazu gehörigen Freunde, die bald nach Schulabschluss z...more Dieses Buch war ein Geburtstagsgeschenk von meiner Mutter. Aber es ist definitiv ein Buch, welches ich auch selbst gekauft hätte, wenn es mir in die Finger gekommen wäre.

Wenn ich mir meine Gelesen-Liste in diesem Jahr ansehe, ist es seit langem das erste richtig ernste Buch. Diese Geschichte ist so anders als alles, was ich bisher kenne.

Man nehme die allerbesten Freundinnen, die eine High School jemals gesehen hat. Dazu gibt es natürlich die dazu gehörigen Freunde, die bald nach Schulabschluss zu Ehemännern befördert werden. Und nicht zu vergessen: perfekte, gesunde, wunderschöne Kinder. Jede Familie hat eines, ein Mädchen und ein Junge, beste Freunde für immer.
Doch dann passiert das Unglück. Der Junge, Henry, verschließt sich. Er spielt nicht mehr mit Ella, reagiert nicht, lässt sich nicht mehr anfassen und zieht sich in sein Schneckenhaus zurück. Die Diagnose: Autismus. Während Henrys Eltern geschockt sind, aber mit der Diagnose und den Folgen umgehen müssen, bekommen Ellas Eltern Angst und wissen nicht, wie sie damit umgehen sollen. Sie brechen den Kontakt ab, beenden die jahrelange Freundschaft.
Fünfzehn lange Jahre später laufen sich Ella und Henry zufällig über den Weg, Ella hat Henry schon lange vergessen, aber Henry erkennt sie sofort als seine Ella von früher wieder.
Ella gehört zu den Coolen an der Schule, sie ist hübsch, schlank, beliebt, reich. Sie ist Cheerleaderin und spielt die Hauptrolle im Schulmusical. Außerdem ist sie mit dem Star der Footballmannschaft, Jake, zusammen. Alles, was man sich wünscht, oder?

Im Laufe der Geschichte merkt man, dass nicht alles Gold ist, was glänzt. Auch das scheinbare Paradies hat seine Schatten und Ellas Leben ist nur äußerlich betrachtet perfekt. Von ihrem Standpunkt aus ist es alles andere als das. Ich denke, jeder von uns hat schon mehr als einmal gedacht, dass das eigene Leben schrecklich sei, allen anderen gehe es sowieso viel besser und so weiter. Ich auch. Aber nach diesem Buch weiß ich zu schätzen, was ich habe, wie ich aufgewachsen bin, was ich erleben durfte.

Karen Kingsbury hat einen wundervollen Schreibstil. Er ist ernst, aber nicht schwulstig, er ist nicht überzogen, aber vollkommen realistisch. Schon auf den ersten Seiten wurde deutlich, dass Frau Kingsbury ein sehr gläubiger Mensch ist. Das liest man auf jeder Seite ihres Buches. Mir persönlich war es jedoch häufig zu viel des Guten. Dass die Personen in der Geschichte viel beten, ist auf der einen Seite verständlich und für mich auch vollkommen in Ordnung. Aber ich kann einfach nicht nachvollziehen, dass Gott antwortet. Dass Henrys Mutter im Glauben Kraft findet, weil sie ihren schwerkranken Jungen allein großziehen muss, ist absolut gerechtfertigt, aber muss sie eine halbe Seite lang mit Gott reden und vor allem Antworten bekommen?

Die Geschichte über den an Autismus erkrankten Henry und wie die Musik ihm hilft, aus seiner „Gefangenschaft im eigenen Körper“ auszubrechen hat mich wirklich sehr berührt, auch wenn es Momente gab, in denen ich an der Glaubhaftigkeit zweifelte.

Es gab sehr viele schöne Momente, bei denen ich beim Lesen dachte „Oh, das wäre ein tolles Zitat“, aber irgendwann habe ich gemerkt, dass ich dann fast das ganze Buch abschreiben müsste und das geht nun wirklich nicht.

Der Löwenzahnjunge ist ein herzerweichender Roman über die Kraft von Liebe, Freundschaft und in diesem Fall auch von einem unerschütterlichen Glauben, der wahre Wunder bewirken kann.

Diejenigen, die sich von den vielen Gebetspassagen nicht stören lassen, werden eine wundervolle Geschichte lesen dürfen. Trotzdem ziehe ich einen für diese merkwürdigen Antworten von Gott ab.(less)

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Oct 22, 2010 Alice rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this inspirational story about Holden and Ella, very close childhood friends who were forced apart when they were three years old and their families went different ways. When Holden was three he started withdrawing into his own world; he was diagnosed autistic. It changes the lives of these two families--Ella's family moving away. Then when Ella's family moves back to town Ella and Holden both end up going to Fulton High School. At the beginning Ella is dating Jake, the football quarterb...more

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Mar 29, 2011 M. Ables rated it 2 of 5 stars

I usually have a hard time reading Christian novels. They tend to follow the same pattern....a sad situation or dilemma is proposed, the obvious characters are played- with the "good" near perfect and the "bad" somehow morally corrupt. The issue at hand is glazed over as lightly as possible, and there is ALWAYS an obvious resolution where everyone lives a fairytale after a boosting sermon & hearty slap on the back. More often than not they are contrived stories nothing short of self-indulgen...more

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Oct 30, 2010 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars

Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury is a touching story about a young man with autism that will grab your heart and not let go!

Until the age of three Holden Harris and Ella Reynolds had been inseparable, their families were the best of friends. When Holden is diagnosed with Autism, the Reynolds family decides they don't want their daughter playing with him anymore, but for Holden he never forgot Ella, part of his daily routine is watching home movies of him and Ella before he got sick.
Fast forward Hol...more Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury is a touching story about a young man with autism that will grab your heart and not let go!

Until the age of three Holden Harris and Ella Reynolds had been inseparable, their families were the best of friends. When Holden is diagnosed with Autism, the Reynolds family decides they don't want their daughter playing with him anymore, but for Holden he never forgot Ella, part of his daily routine is watching home movies of him and Ella before he got sick.
Fast forward Holden is 18, he is basically uncommunicative,the only thing he really responds to is music.His mother Tracy struggles daily with the challenges of taking care of an Autistic child, you can feel her pain and longing as she talks about never being able to touch or hold her son, of how she holds out hope that some day he will respond to her! Holden's dad basically ran away from the problems at home by taking a job that keeps him away from home most of the year.

Ella Reynolds seemed to have the perfect life, she was a cheerleader, and dating one of the most popular boys in school, and she has just landed the lead in the school musical,but things aren't good at home, since the family moved back to town, her mom and dad seem to be having major problems!
When Ella sees her boyfriend bullying a special needs student, she realizes he isn't who she thought he was and breaks up with him, she soon realizes the boy is Holden her old childhood friend.
Can faith, music, and finding his friend Ella, help Holden unlock the stranglehold that autism has on him?

This was one of the best Karen Kingsbury books I have ever read! The characters came alive, and the emotions literally surround you as you read. I believe that Karen is certainly guided by God when she writes her stories, because you come away uplifted, and your faith is renewed. With this book she taught me about Autism, something I knew nothing about. She also deals with some very timely issues such as bullying, suicide and peer pressure, which makes me think that this book should be mandatory reading for every high school student.

I highly recommend this book, but be prepared to laugh and cry, and see the world thru Holden's eyes just for a bit. This is a faith building life changing book you wont be able to put down. On a scale of 1 to 5 this book deserves a 10!

Even though I was provided a copy of this book by Zondervan for review it in no way alters my opinion of this book!
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Oct 08, 2012 Jenn rated it 1 of 5 stars

I've really enjoyed other books I've read by Karen Kingsbury, but I was pretty upset by the time I finished this one. This book presents a very clear message that vaccines caused autism in a child. Studies have repeatedly shown no link between vaccines and autism, yet people like Ms. Kingsbury continue to strike this false fear into the public belief system. When people don't vaccinate, they put infants, people with immunity issues and the elderly at risk. It is downright dangerous to continue t...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Adrianja rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE

Shelves: all-time-favorites, favorites, christian

*breathes* Okay. Words can not express how much I love this book. I just finished about an hour and I have been unable to think of anything else. I've read two of Karen Kingsbury's before and it never fails that I happen to read this books when I need them the most. Each one has changed my life, but this one is by far my favorite. It is a truly inspiring story of love, friendship, and our own walks with God. The main character Holden Harris is trapped in his own personal world of autism, but he...more

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Feb 05, 2011 Kristi rated it 3 of 5 stars

While I enjoyed the plot line and story, I thought some of the story was too cliche and contrived. I have no objection to Christian fiction but I thought that the overt prayers from the characters got a bit overkill at times. Like the characters, I pray all the time, but I don't necessarily think every prayer needs to be printed out in the text. I thought Holden's prayers were the best ones to include because it allowed the reader to see his voice. Also, I got tired of reading about characters w...more

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Dec 19, 2010 Molly rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Molly by: Zondervan

Shelves: book-review

Karen Kingsbury is a seasoned author, who creates stories that her readers can relate to in someway or another. One thing about her stories and her books, is that she uses Forever in Fiction...an auction of sorts, that honors a friend or family member by placing their name as a character in her books. I think that that adds a meaning to her already depth filled stories.

We saw about Unlocked in Karen Kingsbury's Take Four book as the characters in that book were producing a movie entitled Unlocke...more

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Dec 05, 2011 Timothy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-reviewed-in-2011

Suicide. It's a topic that is (naturally and understandably) uncomfortable to discuss, and elicits so very many reactions ranging from sympathy to contempt, and everything in between. Disability as a topic is very similar in the reactions that it engenders as a term, except that the word “lazy” is sometimes added into the mix of pejorative descriptive words.

These two terms are fraught with emotion and complexity. Even *discussing* them is difficult, but to tell a story framed around the issues...more Suicide. It's a topic that is (naturally and understandably) uncomfortable to discuss, and elicits so very many reactions ranging from sympathy to contempt, and everything in between. Disability as a topic is very similar in the reactions that it engenders as a term, except that the word “lazy” is sometimes added into the mix of pejorative descriptive words.

These two terms are fraught with emotion and complexity. Even *discussing* them is difficult, but to tell a story framed around the issues in a sensitive, loving, Christ-like, and in-depth way, that has to be quite a challenge. Yet it is a challenge that Christian author Karen Kingsbury took up, and she succeeded quite well, in my opinion.

In her book, *Unlocked*, Kingsbury tells the tale of two characters, Ella Reynolds and Holden Harris, and their families. Ella is a popular, but (initially) superficial girl who is a cheerleader, drama class star, star student, and dates the best-looking guy in school. The “superficial” part comes in in that this is all that she cares about initially. But when she notices her boyfriend picking on two students (one a poor student, and the other a disabled boy), she breaks it off with him, and starts some introspection.

This self-examination of her life and priorities continues when she befriends the above-referenced autistic boy, Holden Harris, who is drawn to the rehearsals of the drama program's production of *Beauty and the Beast*. She starts to hang out with him and tries to help him out when possible. She is shocked when looking through some old photo albums at home when she discovers that she and Holden (their two families, in fact) were once best of friends. Then she learns the awful truth, that her parents broke off ties with the Harris' family because Holden's autism made them uncomfortable. She resolves to do what she can do to help Holden out of his prison of autism.

I could go on with the tragedies and triumphs of the book, but I won't delve too much into spoilers, because doing so would be to give away a great deal of the story. What I want to do is to examine the themes that Kingsbury articulates. These themes are ones that Christians would do well to take into account.

One theme above all else is the way that too many Christians are as wrapped up in their own lives as unbelievers are. How often do we see folks hurting, being harassed, or just plain sad or depressed, and we ignore it? Like the priest and Levite in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, we simply ignore the issues around us, and the people hurting, and cross onto the other side of the street. “It's not *our* problem, after all”, we say. Or we believe the problem to be “too big” to make a difference. Seemingly the idea that we don't have to make a huge difference on a large level, but only in one life to do good works for God evades us.

Another theme seems to be our quiet, passive bigotry towards those different. I don't mean the way some secularists stupidly use the term, to quash judgment of those who commit sexual and other sin, or to stifle the preaching of the Gospel to sinners in need of Christ as Lord and Savior. I mean the way that we view those whom God has chosen to create differently than us, for whatever reason He did so choose, as somehow lesser than us, or not as good as us. How often do we see a disabled individual, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or behaviorally, and think that they are “dumb”, or at best, their “faking it”, or “playing it up” for sympathy or some government check? How often do we tell folks that if they simply “had faith” or “trusted God more”, then *Voila!*, their problems would be over.

Such an attitude does not help folks to do better, and learn to work past their problems, it sends them back further into the morass from which they seek an outlet. Now, obviously, if the person is in the midst of actual sin or sinful attitudes, then we ought to lovingly admonish them, but it also might behoove us at times to do some research before we open our mouths.

The title of the book was chosen for a reason. Kingsbury argues that Holden was “locked” in a prison in his mind due to his autism, and that with the help of Ella Reynolds, that prison was “unlocked”. What she does, though, is expand on the point. How many of us are “locked” in some prison in our lives. Whether an actual disorder, or some other personal crisis or sin problem, we are trapped. Only with the help of the Lord and others that He sends to lovingly and patiently help us, can we learn to work around this and seek Him. That is the heart, I would say. of the message of the novel.

I want to say that I had a brother who was mentally and physically handicapped. Though the difference is obvious between that and autism spectrum disorder, it still always distresses me how the handicapped are treated by our selfish society. I also have known those who have attempted suicide and considered it. We ignore them too, and lives are lost. If anything can be learned from reading *Unlocked*, should you read it, it will be a heightened awareness of these issues and those who suffer therein. And for that, I am grateful. Grateful for a realistic, yet , Biblically-based portrayal.

Highly Recommended. (less)

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Nov 16, 2010 Carly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Having someone near and dear to me who was bullied terribly in school made me instantly drawn to this story. Bullying is such a huge problem and it affects the victim’s life for years and years. I really wanted to read an uplifting and inspiring story about a victim of bullying who not only survives it, but thrives despite all the setbacks. When I first started reading Unlocked, I felt the book was too heavy and too depressing. I felt so bad for Holden, and his mother for that matter. Kate, Hold...more

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Nov 03, 2010 Trinity Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’ve read many of Karen Kingsbury’s books, but in my opinion “Unlocked” is her best yet. In this book you will read about Autism, teen suicide, bullying, such deep love for others, second chances and forgiveness.
There are many ways in our lives to be locked into ourselves. Each one of us has something that locks us in.
The main character Holden has autism and it’s neat how the author gives you his outlook on his life and the world. Holden wants everyone to look past the way he is on the outsi...more

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Feb 25, 2011 Gina Denny rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anybody. It's fast, easy, and sweet.

Recommended to Gina by: Suzanne

Shelves: aspergers-and-autism, contemp

I debated for quite awhile about how many stars to give this book. If you had asked me after the first fifty pages, I would have said it was a one-star read. The central character, Holden, "catches" autism as a child as a result of vaccinations. Not only has this conspiracy theory been all but completed obliterated by science, but also so have the "therapies" that Holden's mother enrolls him in, particularly the nutrition therapy.

However, there were brief, shining moments where I might have rat...more

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May 26, 2011 Livy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-book-shelf

Totally beautiful! This proves that Kingsbury can write more than just romances stories! I was so hooked by the touching story that I finished it in a day! Being that I have a family member who's also autistic really made this story hit home for me. It was so awesome how Ella was able to break through to Holden and give him freedom to express! And for someone who's seen autismic affects first hand, I'm the first to say that the way she portrayed Holden's autism was quite real, not cheesy or over...more

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Dec 07, 2010 Katie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2010

I haven't reviewed a lot of Christian fiction on this blog because I haven't been able to find any new authors. Thankfully lately I have started to find out about a lot of Christian authors, including Karen Kingsbury. This is the first novel I have read of hers.

The book is written in many different points of view. There are mainly three, but I believe I counted seven total with two being only once or twice. Don't worry though, I didn't find it confusing at all because all of the characters are s...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Kim Holdiman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Love Karen Kingsbury! Everything she writes touches my heart. There's always love and family issues that need resolution. God is always the center of that resolution. She has a way of sharing scripture that brings it to a new light for me. I just plain feel good when I read her books. They are an easy read...a curl up in your favorite chair and just enjoy! I'm glad that the boy this book was based around was able to find his way through the barriers of autism. I only wish this was the norm inste...more

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May 20, 2013 Bethany rated it 5 of 5 stars

Although tragic, this is one of the best stories I have read in a long time. I cannot stop thinking about this book and make a point to tell all my friends about it. The strong messages in this book are endless...there is something profound to think about on every page. Karen Kingsbury, once again, brings forth a hard topic and turns it into a wonderful story. This time, the topic of bullying...among other topics. We are taken into a high school setting and introduced to a great collection of ch...more

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Jun 22, 2011 Joan rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Kingsbury fans

Recommended to Joan by: Book Club

Karen Kingsbury is a Christian writer who speaks with a Christian perspective to a number of concerns. Our book club has read a book of hers which discussed the issue of young people going to war. The most recent one was this, "Unlocked," the story of a thoughtful high school girl, a teenager who is autistic (severely so) and a high school boy who plays the flute. KIngsbury's major issue is bullying (you can see the scenario in the character descriptions above) but the minor issue--that Kingsbur...more Karen Kingsbury is a Christian writer who speaks with a Christian perspective to a number of concerns. Our book club has read a book of hers which discussed the issue of young people going to war. The most recent one was this, "Unlocked," the story of a thoughtful high school girl, a teenager who is autistic (severely so) and a high school boy who plays the flute. KIngsbury's major issue is bullying (you can see the scenario in the character descriptions above) but the minor issue--that Kingsbury seems to spend most time on--is that of autism.

Kingsbury is a good author; she does her homework and writes with obvious care and concern for each of her characters. And, like all authors, she has an agenda. Although the book is fiction, there is much concern expressed about the apparent (but currently mostly debunked) association of autism with childhood vaccinations. The young autistic man has a history of several such vaccinations given in one sitting. (As a retired health care professional I question the validity of such an experience; certainly no person or agency I have ever worked with would have used such a practice!)

The story does involve the issue of bullying--in fact, it is the dilemma that is explored in detail in the book. But autism colors all the bullying experiences: the autistic boy is bullied consistently as is the teen who plays the flute. And autism is the promt that Kingsbury admits moved her to write this novel.

Is the book good? Sure. Is it believable? I think sadly it is ALL too believable. I confess I was less than excited as I started the book but as I got into it, I was more involved and intrigued. In the end, I finished the book--and I'm glad I did. And I was able to discuss it but not without some misgivings; I am glad I am in a book club that moves me to read what I would not ordinarily choose.

I have heard that Kingsbury is a "lovely woman." I am certain she is; she is highly regarded in both Christian and non-Christian reading circles.

I am glad there are books other than Karen Kingsbury's on our reading list!

P.S. Next I read "House Rules" by Jodi Picault. See my review on that.(less)

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About Karen Kingsbury

FROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s #1 inspirational novelist. There are more than 15 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 40 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists.

Karen has a true love for her readers, and she has nearly 1...more FROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s #1 inspirational novelist. There are more than 15 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 40 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists.

Karen has a true love for her readers, and she has nearly 100,000 friends on Facebook along with more than 7,500 followers on Twitter. The popular social networking sites have allowed Karen daily interaction with her reader friends.

Karen is best known for her Life-Changing Fiction (TM) and for creating unforgettable characters. When speaking before women's groups - some with more than 10,000 in attendance - Karen makes audiences laugh and cry with her compelling story-telling. She likes to tell attendees they have, "One chance to write the story of their lives," and her talk focuses on reminding women to live every day loving well, laughing often, and finding true life in Jesus Christ. Karen routinely speaks before more than 100,000 women each year.

Karen's latest novel, Above the Line, Take Three, released March 23rd, 2010. Take Three is the third in the Above the Line Series. Look for the final installment in this series, Above The Line, Take Four to hit stores June 22nd, 2010. Shades of Blue, Karen's latest stand alone title, hit stores in October, 2009. Karen's newest series, Above The Line Series began with Take One, which released in March, 2009. The second book in this series, Take Two released in June 2009.

Karen's recent title, This Side of Heaven landed in the #5 spot on the CBD Bestselling Fiction List. Also, Karen's novel, Sunset landed #2 on the New York Times Best Seller's List. Karen has also written many best selling series including The Redemption Series and the Firstborn Series. Her fiction has made her one of the country’s favorite storytellers. Several of Karen's novels are being considered for major motion picture movies. Her emotionally gripping titles include the 9-11 Series, Even Now, Ever After, and Between Sundays.

Karen is also a public speaker, reaching more than 100,000 women annually through various national events. Karen and her husband, Don, live in the Pacific Northwest with their six children, three of whom are adopted from Haiti.
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Quotes from Unlocked: A Love Story

“But the Beast was a good person...the Prince looked on the outside the way the Beast was on the inside. Sometimes people couldn't see the inside of the person unless they like the outside of a person. Because they hadn't learned to hear the music yet.” — 30 people liked it

“Pray on all occasions." Unlocked page 38.” — 12 people liked it

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