Yesterday I told you I was reading Peace, Love & Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle. And I went on a bit about how I learned my lesson about mocking Krazy Kristians after reading Pure by Terra Elan McVoy.
Well, Lauren really drove the lesson home. Here’s a quote to show exactly what I mean:
“How is saying that all Christians are fools different from Christians saying all non-Christians are fools?”
Nicely put, yeah?
But I do have to say that this book is definitely not a big in-your-face “Let’s all be Christians now” kind of thing. Actually, our protag, Carly, is definitely questioning. Her parents are agnostic, but she goes to a Christian school called Holy Redeemer. While she doesn’t like having religion crammed down her throat, she is definitely thinking about these things.
Carly has just gotten back from a summer work experience in the wilds of Tennessee, and this year she is all about being different. Standing out from the crowd. Wearing a dashiki (once). Unfortunately, it takes awhile before she realizes she’s hurting people she loves by mocking them for being … you know … not non-conformist. And she’s starting to question whether her ways of standing out aren’t sort of shallow.
Lauren manages to convey all of this without sounding the least bit preachy. (In fact, if there’s one person I can point to as a shiny example of non-preachiness, it’s Lauren Myracle.)
Hair disasters, sisterly jealousy, ridiculous racist comments made by people who are themselves ridiculous, cool guys who aren’t really cool, super-rich spoiled brats in Atlanta — this novel has it all. Oh, and baby ducks, too. Just like in the title.
Plus the cover (I can’t upload images while I’m here in Spain, where the interwebs suck, but I’ll put a pic up as soon as I get home) is awesome.
If you’re already a Lauren Myracle fan, you’ve already put Peace, Love & Baby Ducks on your TBR list. Bump it up to the top if you haven’t already. And if it’s not on your list yet … well, put it there already. Because this book is made of awesome.
Tags: lauren myracle
Aw, man. You nailed it. I mean, you nailed what I was *trying* to do, anyway–and it makes me a little teary even that you think I pulled it off.
And I *love* PURE. Love love love it!
I haven’t read Myracle before, but this sounds like a great place to start. I am always so impressed when people handle religious topics in a thoughtful, balanced way.
I’m not going to lie, though: I’m deeply jealous of this title. It’s basically perfect.
::blushes::
Lauren, I’m a little teary that you’re a little teary.
Michael, check the front page. There’s a surprise for you there.
I read peace love and baby ducks and LOVED IT!