Book Review - Things Worth Remembering

It's been a long time since I read a book where I really just wanted to reach in the book and slap one of the main characters. Unfortunately, Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark, was such a book. The book takes place during a five day time span leading up to the wedding of one of the main characters, and is told in first person from both the mother and daughter's point of view. This is probably another reason that I'm not thrilled with the book. I don't usually like first-person stories as it makes it harder for me to identify with the character.

It's easy to discern early on that there is a rift between the mother and daughter from early in the daughter's teen years. My only question was why the mother and father allowed the daughter to be downright disrespectful for 9 years. Over and over the daughter character is portrayed as a pouting, sulking, spoiled little brat, who should have been called onto the carpet way before her wedding week and by her parents and not her fiance'.

I was impressed with the author's portrayal of a family going through the affects of an affair. I especially liked the way the husband handled this with true human emotion, but was able to also see areas in his own life where he might have contributed (being too busy at work, etc.). I also liked the way they healed together, slowly, but surely.

Overall, the writing style of Jackina Stark was very good. I would be interested in trying another book of hers, but this particular book will definitely not be staying in my library. Please remember this is only one person's opinion, and while it is very strong, I know friends of mine, who did like the book.

This book was provided for review by Bethany House Publishers.