So for those who know me, I don’t do much casual reading. Not that I don’t love it but I just have other reading that is always pressing on my mind; scriptures, Ensign, kid books, ads, blogs…..
So when I spend an afternoon or evening reading a book, I hope to be impressed. But when I’m not I feel a little cheated of my time. This book left me feeling just like that; cheated of my time.
Jacob I Have Loved is right up there with Bridge to Terabithia. Don’t get me wrong. In my opinion both books were written well (they both sucked me in, causing me to give up entire mornings and early bed time). Both made me feel emotions (which I think makes a book good because it’s emotions that make you passionate about something whether for good or bad).
However, both books feed off this oppressed youngster. Not oppressed by society, peers or the world, but by their families. Both books paint this image of an awful family out to make this individuals life miserable. Why do “good” books have to paint the picture that families are awful? Why do we require our children to read books that put into their minds that perhaps their family members don’t really love them? Why can’t this individual address the issue? Why must they hold it inside creating a hatred for the very people they should love and cherish the most? It irks me to no end!! Families should be put on a pedestal, not crushed underfoot. And yet, I suppose that is exactly what satan wants. It’s his plan. How then do we make sure our children understand the importance of family when all around them, even in their literature, family is being demeaned and unappreciated.
I hope and pray through reading the scriptures, praying and spending quality family time together, my children get a sense of the reality and importance of families. I hope their desire to be part of our family is so strong that they won’t let the screamings of the world taint their views. I pray each and everyday that my children will always love and cherish their siblings and us, their parents. What a scary world they have to grow up in. But what a glorious time. We have the fullness of the gospel. We have the scriptures, prophets and personal revelations that we need to truly succeed and make it back to live with our Heavenly Father for eternity. What a marvelous thought. Even though the world wants to make our lives seem dull and good for nothing, we have the gospel to enlighten and uplift us. What a great gift and I am grateful for it.
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