Leah's Way

by Richard Botelho

Leah's Way is that rarest of novels, one that combines an inspirational story with unapologetic realism, where characters come alive and fill the heart with experiences as unforgettable as life itself. The tale of one woman's quest to find the meaning of her life, Leah's Way examines the soul at search, set against a world full of human weakness and misgiving. It is in this seeming despair that Leah's Way becomes a story of personal triumph, the kind of singular determination that inspires the reader toward a greater appreciation of all the soul struggles to achieve. Above all, Leah's Way is a testament to the irrepressible will of the human spirit and a tribute to an indomitable faith that guides the soul homeward.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 25, 2004

About the author

Richard Botelho is the author of the forthcoming The Full Extent: An Inquiry Into Reality and Destiny. He also wrote the philosophical science fiction novel Reason for Existence as well as two other books, The New Individualism: Personal Change to Transform Society, a non-fiction social commentary, used in over 100 colleges and universities across America, favorably reviewed in The Midwest Quarterly and other scholarly journals, and winner of the S.C.P.H.C. Gold Award for Philosophy in 1996; and Leah’s Way, his first novel, which received a rave review in the February 1st, 2004 edition of Library Journal. He has a B.A. and M.A. in Government from California State University, Sacramento, graduating with honors. His work has also been reviewed in Philosophy East and West and The Review of Metaphysics.

Always eccentric, Richard believed the system kept people "categorized" and unable to see a larger picture. So his works have focused on an interdisciplinary approach since it allows for a larger and more accurate perspective. He also found it particularly bizarre that the greatest discoveries in life come from piecing different parts of knowledge together, yet the system often discourages such integrative thinking. It appears it was being done with intent. Perhaps we should all be asking "by whom, and for what purpose?" In fact, no one has assimilated all of knowledge in a comprehensive way so that we can truly make sense of this world. That is the objective of his forthcoming exploration of reality entitled The Full Extent: An Inquiry Into Reality and Destiny.

Reviews

[jimtown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this library book last week. So far, it's not quite what I expected and I don't want to read the reviews on Amazon yet so I can form my own opinion about it. There is no description of the story there that I can share.

It's an in depth look that touches on some very real things. I want to call them emotions or attitudes but the author, for being a man sure sees what's inside a woman's head and heart.

I'm probably halfway through the book and I still have no idea what's to become of Leah but her story makes me sad that life leaves some of us so few choices.

More when I finish...

I finished Leah's Way last night, skimming the last couple of chapters because my attention was waning toward the end and I just wanted to be done with it.

An alternate title might be Anatomy of a Marriage and yet it's more than that, tries to go farther but the views of Vic and Leah's marriage were very insightful and probably too often correct.

This was a book of faith and though Leah lost her way, that part was skimmed over in this in depth look at her life. Leah never lost her little girl dreaminess or her faith and belief in God. I know a lot of what was written holds true and yet the story was a hard one, it left me less than satisfied.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is not a bed of roses for Leah who grows up in Tennessee and yearns to leave the country hills behind. She marries a promising semi-pro baseball player. In the end she cannot escape her desire to wander to find herself.

[Elaine]

4
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388

[Carrie LeAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good, with a message.

[Julie Palmer Terrazas · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books i've ever read!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theologically thought provoking and well written.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A girl/woman searching...slow moving at times...with a message

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, I think I am this woman. One of the best books I have ever read. You will cry.