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Grace
Grace
Author: Richard Paul Evans
She was my first kiss. My first love. She was a little match girl who could see the future in the flame of a candle. She was a runaway who taught me more about life than anyone has before or since. And when she was gone my innocence left with her. — As I begin to write, a part of me feels as if I am awakening something best left dead and buried, ...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9781416550037
ISBN-10: 1416550038
Publication Date: 10/7/2008
Pages: 192
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 72

4.3 stars, based on 72 ratings
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

GeniusJen avatar reviewed Grace on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

If one were to look up the definition of "grace," this is what one would find: a virtue coming from God or disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency among others. But either of these definitions could apply to the beautiful story written by Mr. Evans.

GRACE is another amazing story written by the author of THE CHRISTMAS BOX. For those who have never read anything by Mr. Evans, GRACE will not disappoint, and will most likely lead you to read the rest of his works.
For those that are already fans (such as myself), this is another wonderful novel. Many of Mr. Evans' stories celebrate the Christmas season. Though not completely revolving around the holiday, GRACE reaches into the heart and touches all that is special with the Christmas spirit.

Eric's life is far from wonderful. After his father hurt his back, the family packed up everything they owned and moved from California to Utah. Money has dried up in the summer of 1962 and, to survive, his family moves into the house left vacant by the death of his maternal grandmother. The house is falling apart, but they are together and have family nearby to help them.

To help with finances, Eric works at McBurger Queen after school. It's there, while cleaning up after closing, that he discovers a girl "dumpster diving" (sorting through the Dumpster for food). He recognizes the girl from one of his classes, but doesn't want to embarrass her. Instead, he invites her inside and offers her the food that would otherwise be discarded.

While she is eating, he learns her name is Grace. She admits she is running away. Eric can't fathom what a girl his age will do to survive. Without thinking of the consequences, he offers up the only place he can think of, the clubhouse in the far corner of his backyard that he built with his younger brother, Joel.

He sets Grace up in the clubhouse with a heating pad for warmth, a flashlight, a transistor radio, and a supply of sleeping bags. As time goes by, the two become friends. He sneaks her food when he can. She sneaks out when it seems safe, and passes her time in the clubhouse with a collection of books from the library.

But her family starts a frantic search for Grace. Announcements are made at school. Flyers are put up around town. And eventually it makes the evening news. Eric is terrified he will be found out and that they will find Grace. He vows to keep her secret. His resolve grows more so when she reveals the reason for running away.

Eric is only fourteen, and the pressure from all sides start to mount. He knows Grace can never be turned over to her family, but what can a teenager do to help her in the end?

Eric berates himself as a grown man that he couldn't help Grace more. He continues to search for the grace he doesn't feel he deserves. Reminiscent of the ending of Saving Private Ryan, the main character searches for the goodness that he hopes he has lived up to in the eyes of those that have gone before him.

Mr. Evans has a way of bringing forth buried feelings. GRACE touches you deep in the spirit and makes you want to be a better person. With the upcoming Christmas season, may we all show a bit of grace to those around us.
bouncy01 avatar reviewed Grace on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book grabbed me from the very beginning, and did not let up. It is the story of Grace, a pregnant teenage runaway, and Eric, the boy who loves, and tries to help her.

It is not a "feel happy" type of read, but a very real novel, that gets to the heart of the characters.

I recommend it.
reviewed Grace on + 83 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A very poignant story that is sure to touch your heart and well worth reading and one you will reflect on even after the last page is read.
fabricmom avatar reviewed Grace on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A great quick read. Grab the box of tissues. Heart felt story about a first love.
sm avatar reviewed Grace on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is absolutely beautiful and soul touching. I read this in least than 2 hrs and cried at the end. Grace is lovely.
Read All 11 Book Reviews of "Grace"

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reviewed Grace on + 32 more book reviews
Another great story by Richard Paul Evans but was sad too.
It did bring me back to my childhood in the 60's.
reviewed Grace on + 19 more book reviews
I wish the story were longer and more involved...but a great read.
reviewed Grace on + 11 more book reviews
What a beautiful story. I just loved this book and couldn't put it down until I finished it. Always love to read anything by Richard Paul Evans during the holiday season.


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