5-Star Review of "A Fistful of God"

Review of A Fistful of God

by Therese M. Travis

She's never taken a drink, but she's recovering from alcoholism all the same. After the death of her father, teenager Aidyn Pierce spends all her time cleaning up her mother's messes. So when Mom announces she's getting sober, Aidyn doesn't believe her. Mom has tried before, and Aidyn knows there will come a time?a day, a week, maybe even a month from now—when the cravings will be too much, and her mother will start drinking again. So, when Aidyn is encouraged to attend support meetings, she refuses. No point in wasting her time when her mother's going to drink again, anyway. But what Aidyn doesn't count on is the healing power of love and friendship, and the incredible strength of God to walk both mother and daughter through the dark valley of addiction and recovery.

MY REVIEW:   Is she really going to remain sober? How can I ever by sure?  I know she's going to drink again.  She's probably lying anyway.   She never keeps her word.  I can't let anyone know either.   These thoughts and many others like them are constantly running through Aidyn Pierce's mind.  As if it isn't difficult enough to be a teenager.  Only Aidyn does not allow herself to be a normal teen because she's too afraid if anyone gets close to her that they will find out about her drunk mother. But when her mother insists they go to Mass together (and Aidyn doesn't trust that this will last either), Aidyn finds some teenagers reaching out to her, pulling her into their youth group, and actually including her and caring about her.  Is this for real? why would the popular kids from school want anything to do with her?

       This book touched me in so many ways. I grew up with an alcoholic father and even though he didn't actively drink during my growing up years after a car accident while drinking that almost killed him, he exhibited "dry drunk" behaviors because he did not seek any help such as counseling or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).  The feelings Aidyn experiences will help many teens to feel that they are not alone and this book certainly appeals to adults as well.   

       I rated this book 5 stars and am delighted to recommend it to readers of YA novels.       I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author:

Therese M. Travis, author of the powerful coming of age, young adult novel, A Fistful of God.  Therese has been writing since she found out that her beloved books were written by real people—about the age of eight. Since then, she’s always had a story going on in her head, and sometimes forgets reality. She loves going to church, volunteering there, spending time with her family, crafting with friends, and reading.