Almost Heaven

Yesterday, I started reading a book called Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry.  I got it for free on my Kindle a couple of weeks ago and while I was looking for a title to start my Thankfully Reading participation, something kind of “called out” to me.  I can’t describe it any other way.  It just felt that for some reason I should begin with that particular title.

I didn’t have great expectations for it but thought it might be a good read to get me started.  As I started reading it, I was hooked by the Prologue and couldn’t put the book down.  I finished reading it this morning and have been thinking about it and unable to begin another book while I process this one.

Why was I compelled to read this particular title?  What grabbed my attention so that I continued reading it, almost non-stop, until I finished it?

I don’t know.  I’m glad I read it.  I found it comforting even while it disturbed me.  I feel like a the tiniest of seeds has been planted inside of me as a result of reading Almost Heaven.

The book has two main characters in it.  First and most obvious is Billy Allman who we meet when he is just 5 or 6 and follow throughout his life until he’s in his 40’s.  Billy’s life is filled with tragedy.  It seems that just as one negative chapter of his life ends, another and worse one begins.  It actually made me think of the storms I have weathered and continue to do so.  That part kind of really hit home.  The second character is Malachi, an angel.  Billy’s Guardian Angel.  I know it sounds corny.  It wasn’t.  The presence of Malachi and the insight he brought into Billy’s character  and why things were happening to him as they were, both added significantly to the story.

I won’t try to summarize the book here.  Let me just say that this was the most important book I have read in recent months.  Why?  I’m not sure.  I just feel that the next days and weeks and months will continue to divulge the reason I was led to this book.

It’s a Christian title but it has a lot to offer to every day people, regardless of your faith or lack thereof.  Take a peek at it and see if it calls to you as it called to me.