My Soul Cries Out (Urban Christian) [Paperback]

Sherri Lewis (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Urban Books; Reprint edition (November 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601629966
• ISBN-13: 978-1601629968
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An awesome story with true character and depth!, June 26, 2007

By 

Michelle Sutton (Arizona) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: My Soul Cries Out (Urban Christian) (Paperback)

My Soul Cries Out is a powerful redemption story about Monica and Kevin that on more than one occasion moved me to tears. I loved how the author wasn't afraid to tell it like it is when it came to internal thoughts, especially the skank ho references to certain women. Hilarious! The author masterfully wrote about Monica's rage the way it might really happen and didn't soften the issues for fear of offending the reader. This is real life trauma and heartache! Monica was a very flawed character but the author did such a fantastic job of growing her in her relationship with the Lord and with others that I couldn't help but love her. I just can't say enough good things about this book.

Kevin's characterization was so well done that I can honestly say I haven't read any novel highlighting the pain that comes from childhood abuse that was better at showing it than this one. And I've read a lot of them. You can't help but have compassion on Kevin when he reveals his struggles and you see how even the church had betrayed him by not protecting him. The way Kevin and Monica's relationship developed throughout the story is proof that God can use anything--even the most horrible sin or mistake--to make us more like Him.

In addition to the main story, there were several subplots regarding redemption that were both believable and moving. The story of Alaysia's quest for peace and redemption was perfectly done and complimented the main theme of My Soul Cries Out. True-to-life, the comments made by an unbeliever can often be used to turn the struggling Christian's life around. Oh, and the ending gave me the happy shivers. I SO loved this story and can't wait to read the next book from this author, who is even more beautiful than the model on the cover.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Faith Healing, July 18, 2007

By 

Sharon M. Russ "RIredlitlover" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: My Soul Cries Out (Urban Christian) (Paperback)

Title: My Soul Cries Out
Author: Sherri Lewis
Genre: Urban Christian Fiction

APOOO Rating: 5
Amazon Rating: 5

Faith Healing

My Soul Cries Out by Sherri Lewis is not the typical Christian
novel. In this novel, faith is tested and the daily struggle a true
Christian faces is clearly illustrated. My Soul Cries Out tells the
tale of Monica, a woman who struggles with inner demons, and
Monica's husband, Kevin, a man that is torn between two worlds.
Monica is introduced to the "dark" world and second life that her
husband, Kevin, leads and must face the reality of it all. Monica
learns that to deal with the matter with Kevin that she must first
examine herself and put in perspective her beliefs and ideals that
have been formed by her church.

Sherri Lewis is a welcome addition to Christian literature and her
novel could not have been more beautifully written. I applaud her
for touching on subjects that sometimes the church may close their
eyes to. The characterization in the novel is phenomenal and brings
depth to each character that is introduced to the reader. Lewis was
able to strengthen the plot by bringing the Word of God to the
storyline without doing too much preaching. After reading this
book, an individual will walk away knowing that being a Christian
can be tough at times but strength is formed through the adversity
faced. The story of Monica shows that an individual grows daily as
a Christian and that their faith can only become deeper. I
recommend this book to anyone who may be on their own individual
search for personal spiritual fulfillment in their lives.

Reviewed by Sharon Russ
APOOO BookClub

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lewis is a talented new author who's breaking ground that's needed breaking for quite some time., May 4, 2008

By 

C.J. Darlington "Author of Thicker Than Blood... - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Soul Cries Out (Urban Christian) (Paperback)

"The worst day of my life was the day I caught my husband cheating on me."

That alone would be enough to throw even a strong woman into a tailspin. But the fact that Monica Harris-Day finds her worship-leader husband cheating with another man is an even greater shock. How could she have been so blind and not seen the signs? Should she divorce him on the spot? And why is their mega-church pastor so quick to look the other way?

Monica faces an emotional tempest in My Soul Cries Out. As a Christian woman she wants to do the right thing in God's eyes, but it's hard to know what that is in an age when Christians either pretend homosexuality doesn't exist or cast the first stone. Just how are we supposed to react to situations like Monica's? Should we make those caught in this sin leave our churches? Should we pretend we don't know?

This is an edgy novel that compassionately deals with the issue of homosexuality in the church. There are no easy answers here, but by following Monica's journey readers will start asking themselves the right questions. And that's the first step toward understanding God's point of view. Why is it that some sins are treated worse than others in the church? Why do we condemn gays to hell but allow gossip and envy? A relevant topic indeed.

Ms. Lewis doesn't condone homosexuality in this novel. Sin is sin, and she makes sure we realize that. However, we're also shown both sides of the issue through the pain of Monica's husband.

Granted, there are scenes and phrases in the book you probably won't find in your Mom's Christian fiction. Sex is talked about openly several times. But even in those few eyebrow raising moments, you can tell Lewis took care not to push the envelope just because she could. Let's be honest. Homosexuality DOES stretch the limits as a topic for Christian fiction.

It's a heavy subject, but there are many lighter moments too, like Monica's initial obsession with "Ben & Larry's" ice cream and her subsequent health and fitness makeover, something all females will relate to. Monica is the woman next door dealing with some very real issues. She struggles. She falls. She gets back up again because she wants to please God.

In the vein of Claudia Mair Burney and Marilynn Griffith, My Soul Cries Out will be a breath of fresh air to those longing for a little more grit in their stories. Lewis is a talented new author who's breaking ground that's needed breaking for quite some time.

--Reviewed by C.J. Darlington for TitleTrakk