Keeping Faith in Jodi Picoult Books Reading Group.

Nov 12, 2007 Britta rated it it was amazing

"I figured that motherhood would be something that descended naturally, the same way my milk came in - a little painful, a little awe-inspiring, but part of me now for better or for worse. I waited patiently... any day now, I told myself, I am going to wake up and know what I am doing."

"My mother used to tell me that when push comes to shove, you always know who to turn to. That being a family isn't a social construct, but an instinct."

"Being a father... is not AT&T commercial, no simple feat of ...more

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Apr 06, 2009 Rhonda Rae Baker rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book was amazingly powerful...a psychological thriller of sorts that addresses many levels of religiosity. I became quickly engrossed in this novel, even after hesitating at first about picking it up because I didn’t want to read about divorce and custody of children. However, Jodi did such an awesome job weaving the truths within this story that any reader will be affected in a good way by what happens. I’m sold on this author and can’t wait to read more of her novels!

The title is what dre This book was amazingly powerful...a psychological thriller of sorts that addresses many levels of religiosity. I became quickly engrossed in this novel, even after hesitating at first about picking it up because I didn’t want to read about divorce and custody of children. However, Jodi did such an awesome job weaving the truths within this story that any reader will be affected in a good way by what happens. I’m sold on this author and can’t wait to read more of her novels!

The title is what drew me in and I’m happy that I laid pre-conceived thoughts of what it would be about aside so my mind could be open to what lay between the covers. Keeping Faith, not only was the title but was and underlayment of all beliefs. It didn’t take me long to realize that I was going to really like this book. There was no way that I could have known where the ‘adventure’ was going to take me but I wanted, really wanted, to hear more about this God that could allow bad things happen to good people. In fact, I was anxious to see that there was justification to my doubts that a loving God could allow bad things to happen to good people...I mean, who hasn't ever asked this question?

Personally, I’ve been angry at God for many years…I’ve not been able to grasp onto the fact there have been such horrible circumstances within my own life and the lives of my children. I felt the confusion of these characters as well as the questioning of who in heaven is God anyways. I understood the search for which ‘view’ of God was correct and what we as people go through when difficult situations come into our lives. There was such depth and reasoning behind what this author said. Thoroughly researched and right-on were the descriptions of religion and belief.

When it comes to Faith…the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen – we are left with many unanswered questions. A person can feel as if they are being lead astray and will be if they don’t look within their own hearts. As children, like Faith, we are to go to God with total trust, believing as a child when we are adults…having faith in God is that simple. It doesn’t matter what you think that God is, but what matters is that you allow things to unfold as they will and that you believe that everything is for a reason…AND that you KNOW without a doubt that everything will work out in the end. As you think in your hearts so you become. Believe when you ask for things, know they are yours and it will be so. I couldn’t help but remember so many scriptures while reading this book and I didn’t want to remember any! This was not a religious book but it touched me in a spiritual way…(-:

Also, as a mother is connected to her child through the umbilical cord during pregnancy so is the mother connected to her children through the heart. As a mother, I know the feelings and emotions of my children. I’m connected to them even now when they are grown. A mother has compassion for her children like no other. A father protects and supports but a mother not only protects and supports but she is tied in such a way that sometimes she knows what is going on with the children without them even telling her. Sometimes she may not be aware of what it is but she knows there is something.

I liken this to the description of the universe in Divine Matrix. We are connected with everything physical and everyone is connected spiritually as well. There is a matrix that connects us to father God and the universe as well as mother earth. There was something that happened to me in this book that I can’t quite explain right now but I feel greater spiritual strength and have a certain hope in the future of my children, simply because I know that when I have faith and believe everything ‘will be alright’ with them then it ‘will be alright’ with them. There is a balance in life and part of it has to do with our positive thoughts towards the harmony of our universe.

Pick this one up and READ it...allow your heart and mind to be opened...even let go of anger at God if you are harboring some deep down within your soul. Maybe you too can experience healing and have renewed hope, evidence of good everywhere and Faith in your God, whomever you understand that to be. Be strong and of good courage!
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Aug 12, 2008 Yaya rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: my-books, jodi-picoult

Well, from a moslem point of view this book is quite challenging to finish because there are so many things described here that so different from what my belief (Islam) taught me (except the Big Bang theory).

However it would have been a lie if I said I didn't cry toward the end of the book. I mostly feel sorry for Ian, he's like a lost soul without anything hang on to and when he found Mariah and Faith he's like being slapped in the face, knowing what he believed he trust turned out all wrong.

So ...more

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Apr 01, 2008 Jennifer (Parsons) Marquez rated it really liked it

I had to get past the first few chapters to get hooked into this book ... then I couldn't put it down. I've always been curious about religion (not really having a religion myself, but considering myself spiritual), so I thought it was interesting the way Faith White looked at "her God." Does it really matter if God is a woman or man? If it's God or Jesus or Allah? To me, it just matters what she/he/it represents in your life. This book validated a lot of things I already felt. Plus, it was a he ...more

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