The Encounter by Stephen Arterburn. Thomas Nelson Publishers. Religion/ Christian Living/ General. $15.99 US
The Encounter is a parable. For those not too familiar with that term, it is a story that teaches a lesson. In this case, the story is of forgiveness given and received. The parallel to Gods forgiveness is unmistakable.
Jonathon Rush is an incredibly successful businessman from Miami who is haunted by the mother who gave him up at the age of 4. He is convinced that she must have hated him to give him away. His adoptive parents were wealthy and compassionate and her learned unconditional love from them. But when they are tragically killed, he reverts to unresolved anger issues. A series of bad decisions lands him in the hospital following a suicide attempt and in counseling with a pastor, Tim, who convinces him to return to his native Alaska for answers.
From Miami to Fairbanks Johnathon travels in search of his mother. But he does not even know her name. Through a series of encounters with a driver, pastor, and reporter, he slowly unravels the mystery surrounding his mother, but she still eludes him.
At the same time Ada Gutherie has been keeping track of her son from afar. She knows of his arrival in Alaska and attempts to see him. After a quick glimpse she returns to her dry cabin in the woods. While she longs to meet him she is ashamed and afraid.
The parable is well constructed and realistic. It shows the emotions and consequences of decisions. But most of all, Gods grace is portrayed and forgiveness is both given and received. The book includes a chapter of the real life example that inspired the story as well as discussion questions for group or individuals.
Easy to read and enjoyable. Would be good for small group to read and discussion. Excellent for a book club wanting to go a little deeper.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Thomas Nelson as a member of Book Sneeze, review team. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Encounter is a parable. For those not too familiar with that term, it is a story that teaches a lesson. In this case, the story is of forgiveness given and received. The parallel to Gods forgiveness is unmistakable.
Jonathon Rush is an incredibly successful businessman from Miami who is haunted by the mother who gave him up at the age of 4. He is convinced that she must have hated him to give him away. His adoptive parents were wealthy and compassionate and her learned unconditional love from them. But when they are tragically killed, he reverts to unresolved anger issues. A series of bad decisions lands him in the hospital following a suicide attempt and in counseling with a pastor, Tim, who convinces him to return to his native Alaska for answers.
From Miami to Fairbanks Johnathon travels in search of his mother. But he does not even know her name. Through a series of encounters with a driver, pastor, and reporter, he slowly unravels the mystery surrounding his mother, but she still eludes him.
At the same time Ada Gutherie has been keeping track of her son from afar. She knows of his arrival in Alaska and attempts to see him. After a quick glimpse she returns to her dry cabin in the woods. While she longs to meet him she is ashamed and afraid.
The parable is well constructed and realistic. It shows the emotions and consequences of decisions. But most of all, Gods grace is portrayed and forgiveness is both given and received. The book includes a chapter of the real life example that inspired the story as well as discussion questions for group or individuals.
Easy to read and enjoyable. Would be good for small group to read and discussion. Excellent for a book club wanting to go a little deeper.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Thomas Nelson as a member of Book Sneeze, review team. All opinions expressed are my own.
Wendy H. (donkeycheese) -
Jonathan Rush became a ward of the State when he was four and sent to live at a children's home in Alaska. He was adopted when he was nine and moved to Florida. But Jonathan was a very angry boy, not understanding why his mother abandoned him. He threw himself into his work and became very successful. But three marriages later and a suicide attempt has convinced Jon that he needs help. His Pastor has convinced Jon that he needs to go back to Fairbanks, Alaska and try to find his mother or why she abandoned him. He is convinced that Jon needs to forgive his mother or it will destroy him.
With the help of a reporter, Erica, Jon begins his search for his mom. Unfortunately, the children's home has burned down, along with all of the records. He does meet a mysterious woman, Mercy, who he feels a kinship with, but she isn't very forthcoming with what she knows about Jon's mom, Ada.
Will Jon's hatred and unforgiving heart be the death of him? Or will he learn to forgive and from there, heal? The Encounter is a fast-paced read with emotional and spiritual impact. How we treat others reflects on our own selves, and the journey Jon takes into his past will help lay the foundation for his future. I read it in one sitting - Jon's anguish and my hope for his healing entranced me and captured my heart. Don't miss this one!
With the help of a reporter, Erica, Jon begins his search for his mom. Unfortunately, the children's home has burned down, along with all of the records. He does meet a mysterious woman, Mercy, who he feels a kinship with, but she isn't very forthcoming with what she knows about Jon's mom, Ada.
Will Jon's hatred and unforgiving heart be the death of him? Or will he learn to forgive and from there, heal? The Encounter is a fast-paced read with emotional and spiritual impact. How we treat others reflects on our own selves, and the journey Jon takes into his past will help lay the foundation for his future. I read it in one sitting - Jon's anguish and my hope for his healing entranced me and captured my heart. Don't miss this one!
This was a quick read. I started it yesterday around 4 and read on and off until bedtime. Then, I got up this morning, made my coffee and had the book finished by 8:30. Although a quick and easy read, it was touching yet somewhat predictable. I am going to let my mother read it next. She will probably like the warm fuzzies it will leave you with.
