4.0 out of 5 stars
PARENT REVIEW: A solid book for teens that tackles many relevant subjects and sets a positive example for healthy self-esteem, November 28, 2009
This review is from: Absolutely Worthy (Laurel Shadrach Series, 4) (Paperback)
"Absolutely Worthy" is the fourth book in the five-book Laurel Shadrach series by Stephanie Perry Moore. Even though it comes in the middle of a series, this is a fine stand alone book. The text begins with a quick recap of the previous plot history before diving into the next chapter of Laurel's life: her first semester at college.
Laurel, the daughter of a pastor and a talented gymnast, has big plans for college. Of course, she wants to do well in all her classes and she wants to share her faith with others, but she also wants to win a coveted spot on the Gym Dawgs gymnastic team and make it into her mother's sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. Drama ensues as she struggles to find her place among a back-stabbing suite-mate, an always confident roommate, intimidating teammates and an ex-boyfriend she may want back. Laurel's first semester is filled with temptations and distractions. Can she remember what's most important? Where will she find her self-worth?
WHAT I LIKE: Self image is a big issue with girls. This book hits the base of that issue again and again, always pointing the main character and the readers back to God. Only by focusing on Him can we find peace. While I worry that this book might cover too much, I like that it covers topics highly relevant to teens: premarital sex, underage drinking, peer pressure, self-discipline, racial tensions, even suicide.
At one point, Laurel leads a friend to Christ. I greatly appreciate this scene because it offers teen readers a clear and concise guide for leading their friends to Christ. It's simple, straight-forward and Biblically spot-on.
WHAT I DISLIKE: The flow is erratic, and the dialog a little too Christianese at times. I would not recommend it to unbelievers. The book covers so much, and sometimes jumps from one dramatic storyline to another without a smooth transition.
Also, I never felt truly connected to any of the characters. I wanted to know what happened, but held no affection for any of them. As a reader, I felt like a spectator rather than someone truly drawn into the story. It's unfortunate, because I don't know how much readers will internalize if they feel unattached to the characters.
Finally, several plotlines were incomplete, details abandoned. For example, Payton and Laurel never settled their dispute over race and Laurel's choice of costume. Anna was upset that no one visited her in the hospital, but everyone seemed to ignore that and move onto something else. Laurel mentioned her brother's gambling problem several times, but no one did anything about it. I realize some of this may be handled in Book 5, but the unfinished stories distracted and annoyed me.
AGE APPEAL: The publisher says "teen," and Amazon says 9-12. I suggest 15 and up.
SPECIAL INFO: Parents should note that this book contains under-age drinking, premarital sex (resulting in HIV and unwanted pregnancy), murder and suicide. None of these topics are glorified in any way. Laurel does partake in drinking and suffers consequences. Sex is not described in the book, but is discussed by the characters. The murder is a very minor subplot and simply serves the purpose of warning against unsafe dating. The suicide attempt is described, but not explicitly.
Also, a doctrinal note: At one point in the book, Laurel prays for the soul of someone she knows is deceased. The mention is extremely brief. While this may align with Catholic teachings, it contradicts the doctrine of other denominations.
OVERALL RATING: Very good. Even with my frustrations over the writing, this book covers several relevant topics for teens and college students. I recommend it.
Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review
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