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Monday, September 5, 2011

Book Review: Nobody's Child

Click to see a larger image of Nobody's Child by Austin Boyd

Publisher's Synopsis:
"For Laura Ann McGehee, her body represents the one remaining financial resource that can save the family farm. For Sophia McQuistion, Laura Ann’s unusual sacrifice fulfills her own dream of having a child. Weaving together bioethics and faith in a heart-rending tale of love lost and loves found, Nobody’s Child dramatizes the ethical question we can no longer ignore in medicine: Just because we can do something … should we?"
My Take:

Nobody's Child asks a good question but is wrongly called a Christian bioethics novel. Although "God" is made mention of numerous times throughout the novel, "Jesus" is mentioned only once (on page 199 of 328) and that in a rushed prayer, "Why this, Jesus? Please save Sophia. And baby James" (pg. 199). While there were many opportunities to proclaim the truth and hope of the Good News of Jesus Christ, Boyd drops the ball repeatedly.

The book is filled with phrases that reflect a poor understanding of Scripture and doctrine. For example, sin is blamed on circumstances (Paragraph 1, pg. 49); doing "home church" is suggested (pg. 73); and hard times, death, and disappointments, are chalked up to "part of living" (pg. 254). Boyd never mentions that these things are consequences of the Fall nor does he communicate the hope that one day, God will restore all things because of what Jesus has done.

Furthermore, the main character, Laura Ann, struggles with shame and condemnation for selling her eggs. Many folks tell her that she was courageous. In the end, she sees the good that comes in spite of her choices, but she is never confronted with the hope of the Gospel. Regardless of the choices that we make, we can be right in God's eyes and walk in newness of life. The decisions that we make don't save us, only trusting in Jesus will save us. He lived the life that we should have lived and died the death that we should have died in order that we might be made right before God.

Nobody's Child was a disappointing read. I wouldn't recommend this title.

*Zondervan provided me with this book free of charge, for the purpose of review.

2 comments:

Trisha said...

And this is one that makes me shake my head and wonder why it was published as a "Christian" book. I know..I shouldn't be surprised. All I need to do is walk in the average "Christian" bookstore.

Thanks for another thorough Christian review!

Trisha said...

Ha! I didn't mean to say "Christian review" but I guess it is. Oh, my brain. I'm leaving to look for it. :)