When Mockingbirds Sing, Billy Coffey

This is one of those books that sticks with you - from the first page it gives you an eery feeling of knowing something great is going to unfold in the pages of the story. I do not think I could give a description of the story without giving to much away. Simply put - Coffey has written a riveting story about faith, loss, grief, joy, knowledge, loneliness and pride. I say pride because it truly is pride that convinces the human heart that we are too big for God. Though we try to hide this and we re-label it - it is that nagging voice that urges us into subtle rebellion against God by convincing us that we know what is best, and we are strong enough. It is through one little girl who acknowledges that she is little and over-looked that truth rocks the small town of Mattingly. Since she does not think she is big - she is open to the "magic" around her and is willing to to relate the messages given to her. This small child comes into a country town where outsiders are not easily welcomed. To make matters worse she stutters and has some other issues that make it difficult to fit in with anyone or anywhere. She is easy to relate to as most of us have struggled with insecurities and not being able to fit in or feeling adequate to those around us. The difference is that Leah walks in this knowledge with a friend that changes her world and every one else's world that comes in contact with her. At the end - the reader is left contemplating many things. This book is suitable for teens as well as adults. The story telling is rich with detail and emotion. Coffey has done a wonderful job of pulling the reader into the story and involving them. Thank you Thomas Nelson for this review copy.