Salma Lahlou Lahlou itibaren خنفر، Yemen itibaren خنفر، Yemen

** spoiler alert ** This book is a sorrow filled journey to discover the relationship one has with faith in God and what one views as the role of God. Fairly well written and in the first person narrative of a 9 year old girl who struggles with defining a paternal relationship and finding God, Ann Tatlock certainly makes the reader question how their faith would survive through major loss and horror. Tatlock helps us to realize that it is pointless to blame God or anyone when accidents happen. I probably would have rated this book at three stars through the first 3/4 of the book simply because I found it rather depressing. However, as the characters overcame their trials even when circumstances did not improve, I enjoyed the book much more. I even found the very end to be happier than expected. (I'm a sucker for a happy ending!)

I thought this book was quite clever when I was younger. I don't see why I didn't feel that same attachment now. I thought Sam's antics were sweet and cute. Him trying to make a perfume for his mother's birthday by collecting various things and whatnot. I liked his concern and care for his mother. The ending was weird, though. I was expecting a nicer ending. I was surprised to learn that Lois Lowry, the same author who wrote The Giver, wrote this book. I guess it isn't this book's fault. Maybe I've just outgrown it. I was set on giving this book a one, but I've gotta hand it to Sam for really being determined to give his mom a great homemade birthday present.