∎ PDF Hiding a novel every scar has a story Rachel Runnalls 9781503372566 Books

Hiding a novel every scar has a story Rachel Runnalls 9781503372566 Books

Download As PDF : Hiding a novel every scar has a story Rachel Runnalls 9781503372566 Books

Hiding a novel every scar has a story Rachel Runnalls 9781503372566 Books

Hands down this book is phenomenal! There are several reasons why I have found Hiding to be a compelling narrative, which is relatable to hurting young people and those who seek to come alongside them. First, during my time working in youth ministry, I encountered many youth who had deep hurts and chasms of pain present just below the surface. I believe many of these youth could relate to a character like Cary because they are walking a similar road. Aspects of their stories are different, but they experience a similar isolation in their struggles. Often young people are surrounded by adults who seem oblivious to their turmoil, or who are at a loss to help, or who, most tragically, may truly be responsible for causing the majority of their pain. Hiding does not shy away from these realities but presents them with compassion for adults and youth alike. Many youth can also relate to John as he wrestles with God. John’s initial anger toward God may make us uncomfortable as it feels at times both unspiritual and extreme. However, there is in John’s wrestling an authenticity that recalls the psalms and that is present in the real life relationships of many who continue to seek God despite hard circumstances.
Hiding also takes the experience of its target audience seriously. This is demonstrated by the fact that both heroes have a depth and complexity of emotion which mirrors the internal experience of young people. Cary’s and John’s inner motivations are at times unconscious and confusing, even to them. This realism is not only a tribute to Runnalls’ skill as an author but is validating to young people attempting to make sense of their own journeys. Along the same lines, the character, loyalty and at times even heroism the boys display in their friendship is not far-fetched. On the contrary, despite negative portrayals of teens’ shallowness in popular media, many strive to truly help their friends, sometimes at great personal cost. Many young people desire to deeply empathize with others and Hiding shows a way of doing that which is healthy and noble.
The most important reason why I love this book is because of where Jesus is in the story. He is right where He is in real life, down in the muck and the filth, available to those He loves. Both Cary and John meet Jesus who was broken on the cross for sin and who is “a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief”. The Jesus portrayed in Hiding is Immanuel, God with us! The Jesus in this story also calls John to grieve for Cary when he is incapable of doing so for himself.
To close I would highly recommend this book to anyone. I would say for young people, they need more authors like Runnalls who portray them as living lives imbibed with meaning and significance. I also believe caring adults would benefit from Runnalls’ insight and would find it useful in talking with the young people they are close to. As a youth leader I have read this book in a group, but would also readily recommend it to youth to read on their own. Reading a book like this makes it easier to have meaningful group discussions surrounding topics like bullying, self-harm, abuse and hypocrisy in the church. I celebrate a book like this that acknowledges the darkness in the world and meets it with life giving hope.


Tags : Hiding: a novel: every scar has a story [Rachel Runnalls] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Every scar has a story… but Cary Douglas isn't talking. He learned a long time ago that secrets and silence equal survival and he's kept his promise to his family ever since. So when the clean-cut new kid starts paying attention to him at school,Rachel Runnalls,Hiding: a novel: every scar has a story,CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform,1503372561,Christian - Suspense,FICTION Christian Suspense,Fiction,Fiction - Religious,MysterySuspense,Religious & spiritual fiction

Hiding a novel every scar has a story Rachel Runnalls 9781503372566 Books Reviews

Hands down this book is phenomenal! There are several reasons why I have found Hiding to be a compelling narrative, which is relatable to hurting young people and those who seek to come alongside them. First, during my time working in youth ministry, I encountered many youth who had deep hurts and chasms of pain present just below the surface. I believe many of these youth could relate to a character like Cary because they are walking a similar road. Aspects of their stories are different, but they experience a similar isolation in their struggles. Often young people are surrounded by adults who seem oblivious to their turmoil, or who are at a loss to help, or who, most tragically, may truly be responsible for causing the majority of their pain. Hiding does not shy away from these realities but presents them with compassion for adults and youth alike. Many youth can also relate to John as he wrestles with God. John’s initial anger toward God may make us uncomfortable as it feels at times both unspiritual and extreme. However, there is in John’s wrestling an authenticity that recalls the psalms and that is present in the real life relationships of many who continue to seek God despite hard circumstances.
Hiding also takes the experience of its target audience seriously. This is demonstrated by the fact that both heroes have a depth and complexity of emotion which mirrors the internal experience of young people. Cary’s and John’s inner motivations are at times unconscious and confusing, even to them. This realism is not only a tribute to Runnalls’ skill as an author but is validating to young people attempting to make sense of their own journeys. Along the same lines, the character, loyalty and at times even heroism the boys display in their friendship is not far-fetched. On the contrary, despite negative portrayals of teens’ shallowness in popular media, many strive to truly help their friends, sometimes at great personal cost. Many young people desire to deeply empathize with others and Hiding shows a way of doing that which is healthy and noble.
The most important reason why I love this book is because of where Jesus is in the story. He is right where He is in real life, down in the muck and the filth, available to those He loves. Both Cary and John meet Jesus who was broken on the cross for sin and who is “a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief”. The Jesus portrayed in Hiding is Immanuel, God with us! The Jesus in this story also calls John to grieve for Cary when he is incapable of doing so for himself.
To close I would highly recommend this book to anyone. I would say for young people, they need more authors like Runnalls who portray them as living lives imbibed with meaning and significance. I also believe caring adults would benefit from Runnalls’ insight and would find it useful in talking with the young people they are close to. As a youth leader I have read this book in a group, but would also readily recommend it to youth to read on their own. Reading a book like this makes it easier to have meaningful group discussions surrounding topics like bullying, self-harm, abuse and hypocrisy in the church. I celebrate a book like this that acknowledges the darkness in the world and meets it with life giving hope.