If Stars Can Break the Darkness Down

by J. Grace Pennington

Love. Depression. Hope.

Coming into your own as a new adult can be a tumultuous experience, full of struggle, emotions, and discovery. In this collection of 25 pieces of poetry and prose written between ages 22 and 28, J. Grace Pennington explores and recounts her own journey from confusing and often dark young adulthood to the hope and joy of new motherhood.

Through it all is woven a single, unifying thread -- no matter the depth of the struggle, there is the substance of things hoped for in the love and care of a Savior. And like the stars in the night sky, sometimes this love shines brightest in the darkest of times.

182 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2021

About the author

J. Grace Pennington has been telling stories since she could talk, and writing them down since age five. Now she lives in the great state of Texas, where she writes as much as adult life permits. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading good books, having adventures with her husband and daughters, and looking up at the stars.

Reviews

[Angie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well...I don't read poetry very often, but the very first piece in this had me tearing up. I did that a few more times through the collection. Laughed a couple times. Nodded in understanding. Winced sheepishly when a point hit a bit close to home. Also shrugged a couple of times over a certain piece I just didn't connect with for whatever reason. But overall very much enjoyed and connected with these glimpses into the soul of a writer whose work I love and whose spirit seems to resonate with mine in a lot of ways. I know that written pieces can't ever substitute for the real work of relationship, even when they're as raw and vulnerable as these. But as she says, the best authors are the ones who aren't afraid to explore those broken and hurting pieces, or the intensely dear and personal ones, and share them with the world despite their fear. Thank you for sharing these bits of your heart. <3

Content--a few mentions of depression; one quick reference to sex in the context of self-control; one poem that explores some dark topics, including suicidal thoughts, addiction, betrayal, abuse, and divorce; one piece discussing married life that includes mentions of things like seeing each other naked (no details)