Grace
by Richard Paul Evans

    GRACE by Richard Paul Evans
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  10/7/08
    Publisher:  Simon & Schuster
    Reviewed by:  Jaglvr
    Rating:  5 Stars


    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.