Customer Reviews

Kathryn's Fountain: A Novel

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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Kathryn's Fountain, by David J. Classen, Cladach Publishing, November 2008, 192 Pages,
ISBN-13: 978-0975961995, $12.97

David Classen, pastor and columnist, spins an inspirational tale of wonder when protagonist--wheelchair-bound Kathryn--one of ten senior residents at Victorian Manor, hesitantly asks her visiting pastor if he believes in miracles. Thus Kathryn's mysterious journey begins--a journey that originates at Victorian Manor's three-tiered fountain. The journey brings Kathryn breathtaking challenges and change-- where she meets Jasmine, an unkempt hungry child, and falls in love with an attractive, young police detective named Ben. Sharon, a social worker assigned to Jasmine's care at Kathryn's insistence is with her, when Jasmine's mother is found dead. It's a story of miracles, loss, hope and love, senior isolation, and family distance, but also, a story about perceptions. What some call the generation gap only serves to isolate family groups, instead of recognizing age as another season of life whether you're a child, young adult, or senior. Kathryn's adventure, "a mystery wrapped in an enigma," is a sweet reminder that everyone has hopes, dreams and disappointments, and that we all look for love, irrespective of age, because it's never too late to make a difference in someone's life.


"In this ageless story of miracles, adventure, suspense, and intrigue, Classen keeps the reader guessing until the last page. The excellent plot and realistic characters shows the strength of this author's writing. Everyone will enjoy it, but seniors will love it. I look forward to more books by Classen."
Gail Welborn--Book and Audio Review columnist.

You'll wonder about miracles after reading this story!! In the beginning I thought it was going to turn into a scenario you and I are all too familiar with...where someone goes back in time...but alas, this was really different. The author takes the reader down a path I've never been on before - it fascinated me. David Claassen creates loveable, quirky characters you can't help but instantly care about.

The main character, Kathryn and a former preacher, Ed, talk about something I hadn't ever thought of before. He says, "...aging seems unnatural. We never quite get used to the idea of getting old. It's like it's an enemy. We're all at different stages of aging, and that separates us, by what we call generations, from each other. Sometimes I think it separates us as much or more than race, creed, or economic status."

I love how the author weaves these very intriguing, powerful gems that make you go `Hummm,"! in the middle of Kathryn's adventures. These gems turn up throughout the story when you least expect it. I loved that!

Kathryn doesn't know how to take Ed at times but he is a fountain of fun and companionship for her at Victorian Manor. She asks Ed "Do you believe in Miracles?"
He says, "Jesus never did miracles to make someone without faith believe. In fact, he required at least a little faith on the part of someone involved before he did a miracle!" Another gem!

I was taken on a great unexpected journey filled with adventure, wonder, love and self-sacrifice. I found myself rooting for Kathryn's determination to do God's will in her life, when it seemed impossible for her to do it. This is a story that fairy tales are made of--I can't wait for others to share in the great adventure I've just been on reading Kathryn's Fountain. Treat yourself to drink from Kathryn's Fountain - You'll be glad you did.


Finding Hope Through Fiction
Book Club Servant Leader

This is a book you will want to keep in your library. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.

I was intrigued by the concept behind this book and really enjoyed seeing how it all played out. We meet Kathryn who is living out her days in a nice retirement home, watching life from her wheelchair. One day something almost magical happens, a miracle, and then it happens again, and again.

The struggle is Kathryn trying to decide why the miracle is happening... it's happening TO her, but is it happening FOR her? I loved the way everything worked out - not a beautiful red bow at the end, but with a bittersweet ending that loops back to the beginning. I enjoyed this book a lot and found it to be a welcome break from the same old, same old - and the fact that it made me think and question why miracles happen along with Kathryn was a big bonus. Wonderful story.

Kathryn's Fountain by David J. Claassen is a wonderful story about generational separation and being a miracle to others. When Kathryn's pastor visits her at her assisted living center, she asks him an unusual question, "Do you believe in miracles?" The story that she shares with him changes his heart as it will to readers' hearts. Kathryn feels as though life is going on without her and the rest of the residents at Victorian Manor. Other than short visits from friends and family, they have no real impact on the world around them. A visit from a little girl named Jasmine brings about a miracle that changes Kathryn's life and in the end just may save Jasmine's. Claassen tells a fantastical story that gently get his point across without hammering readers' heads. Kathryn is a terrific character who doesn't want to stop living just because her body has started to fail her. Her kindness and love for others shines through on every page. It's a story that will make readers consider Kathryn's choices and how God uses others to do His work every day in the world.