Customer Reviews

Just As I Am (Just As I Am Series #1)

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Virginia Smith's debut novel is beyond cool. I got it in the mail last night and read it from start to finish. That rarely happens with me. Usually it takes at least a few days for me to plow through a really great book. The author portrayed the conversion and confusion of a brand new believer with perfection. The voice of the character was so down-to-earth and believable. Issues came up that Mayla handled in a Christ-like manner. She did the right thing, like Jesus would do. I loved the storyline, the reality, the humor, the honesty, and lack of sarcasm. Mayla really did want to do right by God and her fellow man. She was the perfect example of how to be a true witness for Christ by being real and not changing herself to "conform" to the culture around her. I loved how she resisted, but then gave in. She saw the reward in loving others and being the hands and feet of Jesus. She didn't know she was doing it, but she was loving Alex in a way that touched many around her, including people at work and where she lived. She demonstrated to her friends and roommate, "They will know you are Christians by your love." This overflowed into the lives of others in the church as well, even an old grouchy man. When the timing was right, she did alter her radical appearance, but not because of external pressure, but a desire to please God, which is always the right motivation to have. I would love to see Mayla a few years from now dating her pastor. I hope there is a sequel in the works. That would be awesome. I want to see more books by this author.

The question was compelling. Author Virginia Smith asked, "Can He (God) really use a purple-haired young woman with a pierced lip?" The question spoke to my own prejudices so I picked up Ginny's debut novel, and began to read. What I read changed me. It reminded me that no matter where we are in our own personal walk with the Lord, we can be reenergized in our faith. And it also reminded me how dangerous it is to judge someone's heart based on their outward appearance.

Ginny's story presents a solid example of the life-changing work of Jesus Christ. But it's also fun read with unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend it!

Rarely does a novel impact me in the way this one has. Virginia Smith's "Just As I Am" is one of those treasured finds that surpasses the expected in Christian fiction and makes its way to the instant classics list. With a heroine that challenges us to see the inside and not the outer trappings, Mayla's story had me hooked from page one--from the laugh-out-loud moments to the passages of tearful poignancy. As a twenty-something with Lagoon Blue hair, I related to Mayla on so many levels. And as an author, I marveled at the masterful way Smith crafted this tale of a young woman who learns to live a new--and unique--life in Christ.

I usually strongly dislike Christian fiction, with its cliches and sappy sweet answers to life's big questions. Here is an author not afraid to have a heroine that is outside the box in her looks, but also her faith. This is an earnest attempt to describe what really happens when someone meets Christ for the first time and how her life changes as a result. This book takes on its topics with a light hand, but is unafraid to address real issues facing real people with love and humility.

I'm frustrated writing this review. First let me start by saying that this book is wonderfully written with a dynamic story line that kept me glued to my seat with my Kindle on my lap. The author is an excellent writer and I will buy her books in the future.

I rejoiced as Mayla held on to her piercings and individuality while she grew in her faith and I cried as one of the characters passed away. The book was wrapping up nicely. Mayla could maintain her individuality and be a Christian ... then at the end she changed her appearance and conformed. Mayla's piercings and overall "look" are symbolic of her individuality within a Christian community that discourages it. By changing her appearance, Mayla is, in essence, agreeing with those people who initially judged her over her appearance and buying into their judgements of her. She now wants to look just like every other Christian out there and follow the mindless, unbiblical social mores that the mainstream church would have us adopt so that we can "look like a Christian". I felt the end of the book undid its central message, which to me was that it's what's inside that counts. That Jesus doesn't care what we look like and only cares that we love Him and live for Him. This is how the book was described and was the reason I read it. How successful would Jesus have been if he had dressed like the religious leaders of his time? It's important to note that those ministry successes that Mayla did have, came as a result of her background and the fact that she wasn't a mainstream Christian. All Christians, regardless of who they are, what they look like, or what their background might be CAN serve their Savior and lead a life pleasing to Him.

Do I recommend reading this book? ABSOLUTELY! Is Ms. Smith an awesome writer? ABSOLUTELY! Did I enjoy reading the book? Yes, until the very end, at which point my dissapointment went off the chart.

When 22-year-old Mayla Strong --- with her purple hair and assorted facial piercings --- makes the walk down the aisle to publicly commit her life to Christ, the congregation gapes. But Mayla doesn't care. She's used to stares, rude comments and the like. Somehow, Mayla's choice of hair color, clothing and jewelry make her distinctive and noticeable, and that's the intent. So the long walk to the front of Salliesburg Independent Christian Church is a piece of cake for this independent, strong-minded young woman.

It isn't until the pastor mentions baptism that Mayla's heart jolts some. Before the next heartbeat Mayla agrees, and her mom, Angela, is leading her to a side door to get dressed for this special occasion. Not expecting to being up front and center with a baptismal gown clinging to her body, Mayla's hot pink panties would be pretty obvious (and distracting), so Angela pulls off her own slip and Mayla is set to go.

With such a morning as becoming a Christian and being dunked under water by a young and handsome preacher, Mayla wouldn't have been surprised by anything. Yet the afternoon's welcome to the church family picnic stirs in Mayla some interesting and thought-provoking questions. Should she get rid of the nose piercing and labret stud? What about her hair color of choice? Mayla also works as a server at the restaurant/bar, distributing liquor to customers. Does this matter? With some not-so-subtle remarks Mayla is immediately thrust into the world of Christian do's and don'ts, but she isn't taking anything lying down. In her own style, Mayla is determined to discover what God's Word says about such things.

During the following days and weeks, Mayla immerses herself in daily Bible reading, asking poignant, thoughtful questions of her mom and pastor, and tries to find her place in this church world community. Despite some setbacks, her non-believing friends thrust Mayla into Personal Evangelism 101 and her experiences are delightful, humorous and genuinely real. This new-to-the-faith young adult must overcome friends' disappointments and prejudices from Christians who hurt them. She meets and befriends a young man dying of AIDS, all while attempting to live a life alive to God and in service to others.

Throughout this lively and often comedic text, author Virginia Smith successfully bridges the gap between Christians and their failures in reaching a hurting world with a message of hope through kindness, love and transparent humility. Excellent reading!

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe

Virginia Smith's debut novel Just As I Am was delightful. I identified with heroine Mayla Strong in ways I never expected. No, I don't have purple hair or numerous body piercings - but I have struggled to find my place of service, bumbling as I travel along my journey.

Mayla is persistent, kind and a willing vessel for God to use in such unique ways. Her heart is pure and her actions well-meaning. She became my friend and an inspiration.

Ginny's other characters are just as lively and memorable. The Scriptural truths (expertly weaved throughout) are practical and applicable to everyone.

I can't wait for the sequel to see where Mayla's journey takes her next!

I have had this book on my shelf for a couple years and just now got around to reading it. I liked it immediately. I loved the main character. Who couldn't identify with her in some way? I don't have neon hair or body piercings but I question myself all the time, hoping I am doing the right thing.

This book was fun and entertaining but was enlightening as well. The main character is a new Christian so this book would be great for a new Christian to read however this is also a great book for people who have been Christians for awhile and have sort of fallen into a stagnate relationship with Christ and in their Christian walk. This books reminds us that sometimes it is the little things we do that can make the most difference. It also teaches an important lesson about legalism, something that many Christians, including myself, have struggled with.

I loved the way the author portrayed Mayla talking to God. Others have done it as well but I sometimes forget that when I am praying I do not have to have some formal format, God just wants to hear from us in our own voice and our own words.

Another scene I liked was right after she was baptized and prayed on her way home. She felt the presence of someone laughing near her. I loved the idea of Jesus laughing for joy when someone gives their life to him. What a beautiful thought.

I identified with the idea that Mayla wanted so badly to bring someone to Christ so she could have that on her "resume" and feel good about herself. I have had that feeling myself. I wonder how many people have hoped for that glory?

One of my favorite scenes was Mayla with the kids in Children's Church. I laughed out loud when I read it. I read it to my husband and he laughed out loud as well. I love it when a book has some humor to go with the serious. Virginia Smith did a great job of combining the two for a truly fun, entertaining and spiritual read. I plan on using this book in my monthly Christian book club.

Mayla Strong has purple hair, a nose stud, and a labret stud below her lower lip. Definitely not the type of convert the Salliesburg Independent Christian church is used to. Not that Mayla was all that interested in church. She only came to make her mama stop hassling her, but there was something about Pastor Paul's sermon that sent her down the aisle. Although Mayla's tiger striped blouse that shone through her baptism robe and her hot pink "hooker" panties gave Mama heart palpitations, (she hadn't raised her baby to dress that way,) Mayla was baptized that very morning.

Mayla knew she'd been changed, but the church members weren't that accepting of this wild child, and her old friends didn't like the new Mayla. Pastor Paul wanted to help Mayla get involved in church, and he kept finding her job after job, but nothing seemed to work out. After she taught a children's church lesson that scared the little darlings half out of their wits, he retired her from teaching. . .forever.

Part of the trouble was Mayla's refusal to give up her purple hair and face jewelry. If God accepted her just as she was, she felt others should too. This is a funny, touching story about one young woman's struggle to live an obedient life. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This book is fantastic!

Virginia Smith touches on some of thee most controversial subjects in the church by showing us just how much God loves each and everyone of us... even those that some would deem the most vilest of sinners.

What I love most about Just As I am is, it shows just how much God accepts people just the way they are, and how He doesn't change people to conform to the church's standard of how a Christian should dress or act. Instead, this delightful story shows us how God takes each one of us and uses us just the way we are. It also reveals the difference between humans and God. People sometimes judge a person by their outward appearance and their lifestyle, while God looks at the heart and sees each individuals potential.

So the next time "I" am tempted to judge someone by their outward appearance or by what they do, I'll remember that no one else's sin is greater than my own, and that God loves them as much as he loves me.
Thanks for reminding me, Virginia. You did it with such grace and such tactfulness. And fun too!

Keep up the excellent work!