As a fan of both authors of this book, I had looked forward to reading PAPER ANGELS for well over a year before it was released, AND I had very high expectations. I can honestly say my expectations were met and exceeded!
The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides Christmas to disadvantaged children who would otherwise not receive gifts. Each child's name is written on a "Paper Angel" and placed on the Angel Tree to await being "adopted" by a kind-hearted person. Jimmy Wayne, co-author of PAPER ANGELS, was a Paper Angel child. It is from this experience, and with gratitude to those who gave, that PAPER ANGELS the book came to be.
Jimmy and co-author Travis Thrasher have created a touching and memorable Christmas story, yet PAPER ANGELS is so much more than just a Christmas story. It's an everyday story with realistic characters living lives familiar to many who might read this book. All the characters, minor to major, are people you know or see everyday...neighbors, friends, co-workers, the guy selling papers on the corner, the woman waiting tables at the local diner, the mean kid at school, the new kid no one knows much about, the businessman with a desperate look, a mom who dearly loves her children, a father worried about providing for his family, someone at risk of losing everything dear to them...they could be you.
The two main characters, 15 year old Thomas and 43 year old Kevin, come from different worlds and are at different points in their lives, yet something as simple as a Paper Angel randomly chosen from a Salvation Army Angel Tree links the characters together and begins a chain of events that changes both of their lives and those around them. As the reader takes this journey with them they experience every emotion possible...fear, hope, sadness, joy, humor, pain, questioning God, trusting God, anger, love, faith, forgiveness. There is a beautiful lesson for everyone in this story...adults, parents, teenagers, children. It's a story to be shared together as a family and passed along to friends. It opens one's eyes to seeking a better understanding of people you don't really know. It reminds us to appreciate what we have and the loved ones in our lives. It gives hope that a bad situation can be turned into good. It shows how a act of kindness can lead to something so much more and that forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself.
Anyone who reads this book will enjoy it and be touched by its message, but for those who have supported Jimmy Wayne through the years and know his personal story, this book will carry even more meaning through the pieces of Jimmy's own life he and Travis have woven through the book. A line here, a little story there, a place or character that sounds familiar, little tidbits of information that only someone who has followed Jimmy's story would know. This touched me as much as the story itself because it made it so much more personal. For those not familiar with Jimmy's story, nothing is lost by not knowing these things. It would be my hope that after reading PAPER ANGELS more people will learn about Jimmy Wayne and the incredible dedication he has as an advocate for America's foster children and homeless youth.
Fans of Travis Thrasher will easily recognize that this is a true collaboration. While Jimmy Wayne is credited as the primary author of PAPER ANGELS, it is evident that Travis contributed much to the story and characters as well. Just as Jimmy's life experiences are reflected in the story, I believe Travis put much of himself into this story too. There is a definite chemistry at work between the two authors which makes the story even more honest and real and a pleasure to read. Those familiar with Travis's books and writing style know he is a gifted writer who refuses to be "branded". He has written beautiful, heartfelt romances and dark, make your skin crawl thrillers. Travis has used his talent perfectly in weaving together the characters and story of PAPER ANGELS to make it the moving and inspiring book it is.
Yes, PAPER ANGELS is a beautiful Christmas story...and so much more. It is a story that should be remembered and lived the whole year through. Buy this book, read it and be inspired to see the good in the world and to make a difference in someone's life. The first step could be this Christmas when you adopt a Paper Angel.
And as you read this book, should you question whether an act of kindness can change a life, give someone hope...stop and remember that the book you are holding is a dream come true for a man that once was a Paper Angel.
