In Everything Give Thanks

by Terry Barnes

Book Overview

Growing up in a small Midwestern town in the 60s, Matt wants nothing more than to run cross-country, hang out with his friends, and act cool. When Matt's father dies unexpectedly in a tragic car... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1414313012
• ISBN13: 9781414313016
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
• Length: 371 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.6" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful coming-of-age story

The winner of The Christian Writer's Guild Operation First Novel contest, begun in 2004, receives both a cash prize and a Tyndale publishing contract. Jan Watson's wonderful historical fiction novel, Troublesome Creek, was the first award winner, and Tyndale is now releasing the book by the 2005 recipient, In Everything Give Thanks by Terry Barnes. In Everything Give Thanks is a touching and realistic coming-of-age story about fifteen-year-old Matt Collins, who finds his world and faith shaken by his father's unexpected death. Matt, almost overnight, goes from being a typical teenage boy with a passion for cross-country running and a desire to be a preacher, to a disillusioned grown-up who is now the man of the house. In his pain, Matt makes a deal with God--he'll leave God alone, if God will leave him alone. When Wade Hampton, a teenage boy with cerebral palsy, moves in next door, he determines that Matt is his new best friend. But Matt wants nothing to do with Wade; hanging out with him only brings trouble, and Matt has enough trouble of his own to deal with. But Wade is persistent, and eventually Matt learns that Wade and God have a lot in common--neither one will leave him alone. While I felt the many narrative passages slowed the story down more than necessary, this heartfelt novel shines, especially in the last few chapters. Matt's feeling of abandonment by God is one I'm sure many readers will understand. And I appreciated that Matt's struggle with faith did not have a quick resolution. Just as in real life, rarely are all of our questions answered. But Terry Barnes handles the emotions and questions of loss authentically, while leaving the reader, in the end, filled with hope Armchair Interviews says: Look forward to reading more by this promising author

A book that anyone who has ever been a teenager can relate too.

I love this book, I couldn't read it fast enough I was so anxious to see how it would end. Loved the open honest questions of Matt. I understood the pressures that Matt felt about Wade and Colby. I think most people who read this book will sit a remember how it was to be a teenager, the pressure between those we "thought" were our friends and our true friends. It was just a really good book. I hope this author continues to write. I felt like it was open and honest about people, grief and forgiveness.

superb inspirational tale

Fifteen years old Matt Collins loved his dad Tommy, who was wounded at Iwo Jima where he found Jesus. His dad loved watching Matt run cross country and attending the Bethel Baptist Church service with his family. So Matt questions why God failed a man like his father, who loved the Lord deep in his soul; why allow a drunk to kill him in that horrible car accident. The grieving teen vows God will no longer be in his life. Cerebral palsy sufferer Wade Hampton and his family move next door to Matt. Wade wants to become best friends with Matt, who wants nothing to do with the stuttering dork especially since the newcomer wants to become a preacher. As school bullies pick on Wade, Matt begins to wonder how his handicapped neighbor, who was dealt a bad hand by the Lord, can believe like his dad did so strongly in God. Matt is the key to this superb inspirational tale as his first person account of how he feels seems raw and real especially when he questions God with the whys. Readers will hope he finds solace as his grief is hurting him. Wade is also a wonderful character who will have the audience marvel at the strength of his conviction in the Lord including overcoming his so called handicap. Terry Barnes provides a thought provoking tale that will lead fans to understand how much greatness we all have and thereby IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS. Harriet Klausner