March Main Group Read - Not a Sparrow Falls

[Leah]

I am starting this book now. It sounds like an amazing book and I can't wait to get into it :)

[Beth]

**Possible spoilers**

Several of you all have mentioned this, so I thought I would start with this:

How did you feel about the narrative/storyline being split between several characters at the beginning? Once their storylines came togehter, did you think it added depth to the book as a whole or did it make things feel disjointed?

[ChrisGA]

I am about halfway through this book, but I am really enjoying it. The characters had a chance to introduce themselves to us in the different segments without influence of each other. I didn't like the situations the characters were in, but assume redemption will come to all involved. I love the way the theme of not a sparrow falling without the Father's eye knowing leads us to see that God is working through everyone's "mess" to make something good. Got to go finish the book.

[Kim]

Beth I don't mind the narrative being among several characters in a novel. Some of the really great bestsellers do this. But this novel really needed a good book editor to have changed the order of the narrations and formed literay bridges and cohesion in the first quarter of the novel. This is especially important when before making an purchase in the store a reader might only skim the first chapter after reading the description at the back of the book, or on an e-reader might only download only the beginning sample. I would never have purchased this novel if after reading the novel description, I only read the first chapter. Yes very disjointed and confusing begining because of the order of the narration and the long wait for the main chracter to make an appearance at all. Like another group member said, after that confusing disjointed beginning, it was definetly a can not put down novel and ignore all other responsibilties till you get it finished great work.

[Loraine]

I agree with Kim. If I had only skimmed the first chapter or two to see if I wanted to read this book, I would not have read it. Terrible disconnect for me as a reader and I had to push myself to get through about the first 1/4 of the book.

[NancyInWI]

Like I said before, I've been reading Jodi Picoult for years and her books are told from varying viewpoints, so I'm quite used to it and I really like books like that. I think it gives them so much more depth. I had no trouble with the beginning of this book.

[Amy]

Nancy/nanckopf wrote: "Like I said before, I've been reading Jodi Picoult for years and her books are told from varying viewpoints, so I'm quite used to it and I really like books like that. I think it gives them so much..."

This was by Jodi Picoult? I thought that the author was some one elce, whoops :/

[Amy]

Beth wrote: "**Possible spoilers**

Several of you all have mentioned this, so I thought I would start with this:

How did you feel about the narrative/storyline being split between several characters at the be..."

I thought this book was great, but I am with Kim and Loraine. If I had picked it up in the store I would not have bought it. I find that I am having a hard time even looking for her other books just b/c I know that I am going to have to dredge through the first part. I hated waiting until then end to figure out what the lady in the very beginging of the book was really about. It kinda distracted me throughout the whole book until I was pretty sure of who she was. I am very glad that I stayed with it though, it was a great story with a great message.

[NancyInWI]

Amy wrote: "Nancy/nanckopf wrote: "Like I said before, I've been reading Jodi Picoult for years and her books are told from varying viewpoints, so I'm quite used to it and I really like books like that. I thin..."

No, I'm sorry...what I said was confusing. The author is of Not a Sparrow Falls is NOT Jodi Picoult. I was saying the the writing style was similar to Jodi Picoult the way the viewpoint of several different characters was presented.

[NancyInWI]

I have ordered one of Linda Nichol's books from paperbackswap.com. "At the Scent of Water." I enjoyed her writing style so much, thought I was try another.

[ChrisGA]

Nancy/nanckopf wrote: "oops...hit send by accident and don't know how to edit a post.

I hope the ending ISN'T what I'm thinking it's going to be. I really don't want yet another Christian romance novel!"

Nancy, I share your lack of enthusiasm about Christian romances. I don't mind some romance as a side issue, but I need some conflict and suspense and mystery in my Christian reading to keep me interested--Problems that need to be solved and characters that struggle and overcome. I am enjoying this one.

I realize a good love relationship is an important part of life and love my husband of 43 years dearly. However, I am past the first love pathos and obsession over whether to kiss him or not. I like to read about mature comfortable relationships and am sure I sound like the old lady I am. I just prefer books that deal with issues besides just the characters' love interests. That is a good reason for the variety of books being posted as monthly reads on this site. We are all at different stages of our lives. I have enjoyed a lot of the books that I would never have checked out on my own.

[NancyInWI]

I'm with you there, ChrisGA! Exactly why I don't like strictly romance novels. BTDT! This book was NOT what I was expecting and had a great story and lots of suspense. Was perfect.

[Jean]

Loraine wrote: "I finished this book last night. I had a love/hate relationship with it. I hated the beginning and felt it was very disjointed and haphazard. I had to push myself to wade through about the first..." Loraine - You must surely be the champion reader of all time. Are you a speed reader? How long does it take you to read a 200 page book? I really admire you because you must be a very disciplined person. I know that you are home a lot as a caregiver, but how are you able to back away from the television and computer to concentrate on reading. It seems like the only time I am really able to devote to reading is when I travel or when I am completely away from other things that draw me away. They are like the "sirens" that call to me wooing me to come and see instead of sit and read. I have so many book waiting to be read and instead end up in the recliner with the tv on or staring at the computer. Anyway, congratulations on being my nomintion for the "most profilic reader" I have ever known. Blessings and keep reading and recommending!

[Jean]

A Note to Loraine - You must surely be the champion reader of all time. Are you a speed reader? How long does it take you to read a 200 page book? I really admire you because you must be a very disciplined person. I know that you are home a lot as a caregiver, but how are you able to back away from the television and computer to concentrate on reading? It seems like the only time I am really able to devote to reading is when I travel or when I am completely away from other things that draw me away. They are like the "sirens" that call to me, wooing me to come and see instead of sit and read. I have so many books waiting to be read and instead I end up in the recliner with the tv on or staring at the computer. Anyway, congratulations on being my nomination for the "most profilic reader" I have ever known. Blessings and keep on reading and recommending!




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[Loraine]

Thanks Jean for your sweet "award"! My family says I am a speed reader but I have never been "officially" told that I am. I can read a 200 page book in a couple of days. I have never been much of a television person although I do have a few shows that I am "addicted" to one of which will start on Monday night - Dancing with the Stars. My "siren" would have to be the computer as I love keeping up with family and friends plus I also spend time working on genealogy. I do get a lot of reading done at my hubby's one hour physical therapy sessions twice a week, and I am not always a good sleeper so sometimes will read for a couple of hours in the middle of the night. I have always been a reader since I was very little. Guess that is why I became an elementary reading teacher. Loved to see the glow on those first graders' faces when the light turned on and they realized they were readers.

[ChrisGA]

finished it and loved it. So true that we can't use things or other people to fill those empty places only God can fill --or get healing any other way. Great book.

[ChrisGA]

I know I am monopolizing this thread, but something else really registered with me while reading this book. After spending most of my adult life as a pastor's wife, I could readily identify with the danger of having one's work for the Lord take priority over time with the Lord. As family with a chronically ill son, I also related to the effort to keep a smile on my face and soldier on while my heart was breaking. Fortunately for us, our congregations knew the whole story and were very supportive of us all and we always felt God's love through them. Alasdair's rigid self-control kept his flock from having the opportunity to minister to the shepherd.

[Libby]

Just started tonight and already loving it. Hattie reminds me of my Mother in Law who is with Jesus now. She would just start praying out loud like that!

[Beth]

I am so enjoying reading everyone's thoughts & discussions! Can't wait to look at them more this weekend :)

For now, a fairly simple question:

What character in the story did you relate to most & why?

[ChrisGA]

I guess for the reasons stated in message 67, I related to Anna--she tried so hard to make things right.

[N.M.]

Nancy: I've read 'At the scent of water' and it was pretty good. I honestly like this book better, but it still had a good story to it.

As for which character I related to the most, I have no idea to be honest. Probably a mix of most of them. I related to Bridie during the time just before I was saved, with my uncertainty about being able to be forgiven. I hope I never relate to Alisdair. I've been leading bible study at my church now for just over a year and I've told the pastor I never want to be paid for it, because it would take the joy from it. I'm doing it for God, to glorify Him. Answering God's call is my reward. If I were to be paid, I feel I would get into Alisdair's situation.

[Anna]

I'm about half way through the book. Haven't picked a favorite, although I truly like that Bridie is trying so hard to listen to what God is trying to say. I can't find much sympathy for Alisdair.

[Kim]

Beth wrote: "I am so enjoying reading everyone's thoughts & discussions! Can't wait to look at them more this weekend :)

For now, a fairly simple question:

What character in the story did you relate to most &..."

Lorna the doormat who finally gets a back bone. She reminds me of a younger me.

[Kim]

*Nichole wrote: I hope I never relate to Alisdair. I've been leading bible study at my church now for just over a year and I've told the pastor I never want to be paid for it, because it would take the joy from it. I'm doing it for God, to glorify Him. Answering God's call is my reward. If I were to be paid, I feel I would get into Alisdair's situation.*


I totally agree with you Nichole. My husband and I aren't paid by our church in our very time consuming positions. I do it to serve Heavenly Father and to be used as a physical instrument for Him to use to help others.

[Amy]

Nancy/nanckopf wrote: "Amy wrote: "Nancy/nanckopf wrote: "Like I said before, I've been reading Jodi Picoult for years and her books are told from varying viewpoints, so I'm quite used to it and I really like books like ..."

Oh lol, sorry. I think I read one of hers, The Pact, I think. I agree with you. It was a very different style for me, but I really liked her book. I do not think I have read any since then though.

[Amy]

Jean wrote: "Loraine wrote: "I finished this book last night. I had a love/hate relationship with it. I hated the beginning and felt it was very disjointed and haphazard. I had to push myself to wade through..."

She is amazing!!! I love it.

[Amy]

ChrisGA wrote: "I know I am monopolizing this thread, but something else really registered with me while reading this book. After spending most of my adult life as a pastor's wife, I could readily identify with t..."

Wow, Chris, amazing that you dealt with all of that. It is amazing what we can do when we have God with us. :)

[Amy]

Beth wrote: "I am so enjoying reading everyone's thoughts & discussions! Can't wait to look at them more this weekend :)

For now, a fairly simple question:

What character in the story did you relate to most &..."

Loraine, was that her name? When I was younger my mom and sister were very dominate so I was more the quiet one that let everyone elce have their way. I always felt like what I had to say was unimportant and wrong. Sometimes it felt like I was not even in the room lol! This character had such an amazing way of dealing with it and I love the way that God spoke to and used her.

[N.M.]

Amy wrote: "Beth wrote: "I am so enjoying reading everyone's thoughts & discussions! Can't wait to look at them more this weekend :)

For now, a fairly simple question:

What character in the story did you rel..."

Her name was Lorna :) I loved her character, too. I shared with my bible study class what God said to her when she first prayed, that He said "This is what I want to do. May I use you?" I thought that was so well done, and it really speaks to the character of God. He can and will (and does) do whatever He wants. He doesn't need us, but He gives us the chance to be a part of it, and gives us a chance to follow His call.

[Loraine]

Nichole wrote: "Amy wrote: "Beth wrote: "I am so enjoying reading everyone's thoughts & discussions! Can't wait to look at them more this weekend :)

For now, a fairly simple question:

What character in the story..."

I really liked Lorna as well. She was so open to what God wanted her to do with her life.

[Karen]

I should finish this one tonight. I had to deviate some from it to finish another I had received from the kindle lending site and had a deadline of 2 weeks on it. This is a great book. Not as sad as the other one I read which I am thankful for, but not quite as good either. I am still going to give it at least 4 stars though.I actually liked the first part of the book, then it slowed down for me and the endings pretty good.

[Lisa]

just downloaded the free kindle version and plan to start reading it now. this is my first main group read!

[Anna]

I liked both Bridie and Lorna. While Bride made some really poor choices in her life and may have chosen what she thought was a path of escape from abuse, she ultimately placed her life in God's hands. From there she was able to accept grace and be the person God meant her to be. Haven't we all made regretable choices, how great to know we are forgiven. Lorna was such a sweet soul. How great she was finally able to stand strong in front of her sisters. Samantha's story of growth, acceptance and strength was a nice ending to the story.

[Karen]

I took my time reading this book. I wanted to think each point the author made. At points it was confusing, then, the story became very interesting. I am impressed with how the Author wove the past with the future. It kept me pondering the what if at the end of the book. It would be nice a story for a series. A great read.

[NancyInWI]

I thought about a "series" too when I finished the book. Sequel could be how their lives changed. I'd especially like to see how Alisdair changes with more of Bridie's influence. And how Samantha would flower with Bridie's influence as well.

[Kim]

I had posted last week in the free books discussion that Not a Sparrow Falls was still free for the Kindle. Today Sunday the 24th it amazingly is still free. So those who want to join in quickly in the March Main Group or read it at a later future time at your leisure, go download it now.

[Beth]

I just want to thank everyone that posted & kept the discussion flowing! You guys are great :) I rarely even had to post questions to keep things flowing.

I'm moving this to the arhive to clean up for the month of April, but it will still be open for posts, so please still feel free to discuss.

[Shaz]

I just finished reading this book. This was a new author to me. Like others have already said I did find the start a little slow going but overall I think the author did a good job of getting the message of the story across to the reader.