The Sparrow Found a House (Book Review)

The Sparrow Found a House 
By: Jason McIntire
Rating: 2-ish stars (It was okay; I kinda liked it)

What if your new stepdad was a Bible-toting Army Sergeant? Fifteen-year-old Jessie Rivera is living every teenager's nightmare. Her widowed mom has married a man who wears his heavy Christian values like his sergeant's stripes - on both sleeves.

Glenn Sparrow is persistent, immovable, and not afraid to be firm. Worse than that, he's loving, kind - even fun - and he has Chris, Moe, and Katie completely won over.

But Jessie is determined that she won't be won over, or give up her "freedom" without a fight. She knows what she wants, and it isn't what they've got.

Or is it?

The book was two-ish-star for me mostly because it was not really exciting. It was just okay for me. There wasn't much action or adventure, which I find I like in books. Also, it felt like it tended more towards legalistic Christianity at times. That opinion of mine being said, I think the group that Mr. McIntire has written this book for will enjoy it's similarities to life (conservative Christians who homeschool). It has good morals and messages which resonate with everyday life. It also had a different cast of characters - not really stereotyped, like jocks or geeks. (Hah...yeah, those stereotypes. ;))

My favorite of the characters? Probably Chris Rivera. I think it was because he was so willing to change, and he was kind. He's so completely different at the end from the person he was when the book started. I especially liked the fact that he even started working out later on in the book (I know, that sounds weird, but it showed that he truly did want to become a better person. It was the change on the inside showing on the outside!). :) I also agreed with the video game section of the book. My family has always been into video games (me the least of all the siblings), but we stray far away from violent video games. We play Mario Party and Lego games and the like. ;)

My favorite message of the book? Probably when Katie, the youngest sister, was about to go to the spelling bee, I believe, and her mom talks to her about our talents being for the glory of God. This was impressed upon me the most because I can struggle with what Katie was struggling with, even though I am quite a few years older than her nine years. Everybody can struggle with wanting to be praised for their gifts. It was a nice reminder that God gave us our gifts and talents, so His glory should be our focus.

Everything was played out pretty realistically in this book. Especially when God intervened (won't name the situation, but it had to do with homeschooling). Because HE DOES THAT. God is a good God, and He is right by our sides. He really does intervene for us!

Overall, however, this book was just okay for me personally.

*Thanks to the author for a free review copy! I was not obligated to right a positive review. The feelings above are my own.*

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