Words by Ginny Yttrup
Reviewed by Lori Twichell, Radiant Lit
Genre: religious, fiction,
Publisher: B&H Books
Publication Dates: February 1, 2011
Kaylee is a beautiful little girl trapped in a horrible nightmare of a life. Her only escape from the abuse that her father heaps upon her is words. With a photographic memory, she works her way through the dictionary and memorizes every definition of every word alphabetically. This is how she keeps herself sane. And even though she loves words and the weight and feel of books, she never speaks them. She hasn’t spoken since her mother left and she doesn’t intend to speak again.
Sierra Dawn is a beautiful young artist who can’t escape the guilt of her past. Because of her drug use, her daughter dies shortly after her birth. Because Sierra knows it was her fault that her daughter died, she refuses to allow herself any forgiveness, grace or peace. She is tormented by guilt.
When Sierra and Kaylee’s paths cross, their lives are entwined, bringing the peace and healing that they both need. Convinced she doesn’t have a mothering bone in her body, Sierra’s unsure that she can help the horribly treated little girl. Kaylee has an ideal vision of what a mother is from the books she has read, and is desperate for affection and attention.
When I saw what this book was about, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to read it. It sat on my stack of books mocking me. Being a writer and an avid reader, I love words, so the title and the cover drew me, but each time I picked it up, I wondered if it would be too heavy for me to enjoy. Though I’ve been a reader all my life, I’m a mom first. When a child is injured or deliberately hurt, it’s difficult for me to read. But I heard such great and beautiful things (and I got a couple of copies in the mail- that’s usually a good sign I should give it a shot) that I decided to give it a chance.
I am so glad that I did. Yttrup’s journey of healing, redemption, and faith is gorgeous and uplifting. The story is difficult at times, but beautiful and stunning. I loved Kaylee and the mom in me wanted to reach out, love her, and give her peace and comfort. I’ve got three children and I could understand Sierra’s doubts. Was she doing the right thing? Did she give Kaylee what she needed?
Ginny Ytrrup’s book is such a gorgeous journey that you can’t help but be affected. It’s deeper than mere storytelling and it transcends entertainment. This is a life changing experience and one that I can’t recommend highly enough.
Give Words a chance. You’ll be glad you did.
PG-13/R. – this is a story about abuse and the journey back from that abuse. Though Yttrup handles it with deft style and seeming sleight of hand, it’s still gritty, real, and heart-wrenching. I wouldn’t recommend this book for anyone under at least the age of 16 . The emotional journey is too difficult.
Review copy provided by B&H Publishing gro
