Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The Crossing by Serita Ann Jakes

MY TAKE:
This is the first book I've read by Mrs. Jakes, and it was a very pleasant surprise. The story is told through several of the character's points of view. The shifting between characters was really well done and I think it was an important writing decision, because the story is so much richer for it. Claudia and Casio both suffer from PTSD and emotional trauma from the accident 10 years before. Reading their thoughts and seeing how they rationalized their choices was enlightening and heartbreaking. I think one of the most interesting character point of view we're shown, though, is that of the Victim. As the young teach lays dying on the school bus floor, unable to speak or respond to those around her, we see her coming to terms with her life. Facing her sins, accepting responsibility and forgiveness. Feeling the transition from a mortal life to immortal grow within her as the love of Jesus fills her spirit. It was a beautiful thread woven through the story. Mrs. Jakes shows pain and horror, then the path to finding healing and acceptance. It's not all happy endings and sunshine, but it is very moving. I highly recommend it.
ABOUT THE BOOK:

In 2000, a horrible unsolved crime is committed on a Texas school bus. At the time, Claudia Campbell was the beautiful head cheerleader, a hopeful girl who idolized her slain teacher. Now ten years later, Claudia's secret life threatens to destroy her marriage and possibly her very life.

Casio Hightower, now a prominent member of the community and a police officer, was a superstar quarterback and tapped by several colleges as their next golden boy. Casio's rages are tearing him apart and are close to landing him in jail.

The only way to move forward with their lives is to readdress the crime of their past, with the help of God and his perfect grace.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Serita A. Jakes has been involved in Christian ministry all of her adult life and has served alongside her husband, Bishop T. D. Jakes, throughout their entire marriage of nearly 30 years. As an insightful speaker, she draws heavily from her education and background in theater and mass communications. A soft-spoken woman offstage, First Lady Jakes, as she is affectionately referred to by The Potter’s House congregation, possesses the rare ability to reach and stir her audiences as she works to complement her husband’s ministry.

In August 1999, she released her first book, The Princess Within, which to date has sold more than 200,000 copies. The book, which is a poignant and revealing autobiographical reflection of encouragement and victory over pain, trauma, and abuse, is scheduled for re-release spring 2011. Serita wrote the book as a vehicle of encouragement for hurting women who want to break the silence surrounding their secret pain and obtain healing from it. In November 2003, Warner Faith published First Lady Jakes’ second book, Beside Every Good Man: Loving Myself While Standing By Him. It challenges women to explore the seasons that shape their views of male influence in their eyes.


“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

1 comment:

Diane said...

Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for your thoughts and the review. :O)