Change of Heart

This is a beautiful, heart-felt and heartbreaking true story. In trying to come to terms with her sister and brother-in-law's murder, Jeanne Bishop discovers that the capture and life sentencing of their killer doesn't bring the peace she thought it would. She begins to feel God calling her to action. The specific act - forgiveness and reconciliation with her sister's killer.

Many people will have a problem with her decision to follow through on what she believes God is calling her to do - forgive the young man who brutally murdered her sister, brother-in-law, and their unborn child. Basing her decision on what she knows of scripture and, specifically, of Jesus, Jeanne finds a way to promote justice AND mercy, following Christ's example.

At times, heart-wrenching, this remarkable story of forgiveness and healing really made an impact on me. I hope that it will help others, who may find themselves is similar situations, to act in a godly and Christ emulating way. Beautifully done!

I finished this one very quickly: partly because I was sucked into Bishop's storytelling, and partly because I unexpectedly had a lot of time to read this week and it's a short book. I do not support the death penalty, but I'm not sure how I feel about restorative justice (or, as Bishop notes, even how I define it). Bishop's story is heartfelt, real, and complicated. I really enjoyed reading it.

Writing I was quite impressed with the quality of Bishop's writing, both in terms of its literary merit and in terms of its thoughtfulness. I expected it to be mainly memoir with some musings about forgiveness, with a mostly inspirational bent. And while Bishop's story is certainly inspiring, I was very pleased to find that she spends just as much time discussing her belief that Christians should oppose the death penalty as well as her own personal views regarding Christianity and the imposition of a life sentence without the possibility of parole for juvenile offenders. It took a much deeper intellectual and theological route than I expected, but in a challenging and thought-provoking way that I greatly appreciated.

Entertainment Value I think this will appeal to a pretty wide range of readers, although it should be noted that the author is a Christian and comes at the issue from a decidedly Christian viewpoint. A large portion of the book examines her work in the justice system attempting to outlaw the death penalty and her growing concern and activism against sentencing juveniles to life without parole - most of her reasonings coming from a Christian worldview. Of course the book is also filled with inspiration surrounding forgiveness and what it means to forgive without condoning or excusing criminal behavior based on the author's personal experiences. I found it to be very compelling reading and devoured it in just two sittings. I had planned to read it a chapter at a time over the course of a few weeks, but found that I couldn't put it down.

Overall I think this is definitely a must-read for Christians who have an interest in issues of social justice, as well as those who enjoy inspiring stories centered around forgiveness and mercy. It may also appeal to those who oppose the death penalty and are interested in looking for ways to discuss their opposition with Christians from a theological stance. I also think it's a book that can appeal to those who do support the death penalty, but who are interested in hearing other points of view. And it's absolutely idea for readers like me who are or have been on the fence.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to review.