A Fistful of God

I was given a copy of A Fistful of God through the publisher and their partnership with Netgalley in exchange for my honest review which is as follows:

Aidyn has never taken a drink in her life but she feels the effects of Alcholism just the same. Her Mom is a recovering alcoholic and wants her to go to Alateen meetings but she doesn't really want to go and she doesn't believe her Mom is genuinely trying to quit.

Will Aidyn attend the Alateen meetings and be able to get the help from those who have been through what she's been through?

Will she ever let go of the anger and forgive her Mother so they can both truly begin to heal?

I give this book five out of five stars .

Happy Reading.

A Fistful of God by Theresa M. Travis Aidyn Pierce does not drink, she has seen first-hand what drinking can do a person. Although she still suffers with alcoholism. She had that perfect family until her dad died and then everything changed. Her mom suffering through grief turns to alcohol. Aidyn has heard it all before that her mom will change, quit drinking, etc. all of these would allow Aidyn to turn back from having to become the adult to being the teen she should be instead. Aidyn’s mom asks her to go to church and that’s when she sees that she might not be alone in this situation. Will Aidyn’s mom quit drinking? Will the church youth group her mom suggests she attend make things easier?
This story reveals a side of life for many teens either in their own life or one of their friend’s life. Ms. Travis writes each character in such a way that many teens will identify with one or more of the characters. This novel is well written and very thought provoking. Even if the reader has not experienced alcoholism in their life, they can learn that sometimes just being a friend and reaching out to another can change a person’s life or at the very least, diminish the loneliness. Give this to a teen who likes realistic fiction. This novel would be good for a book discussion group.

Is she really going to remain sober? How can I ever by sure? I know she's going to drink again. She's probably lying anyway. She never keeps her word. I can't let anyone know either. These thoughts and many others like them are constantly running through Aidyn Pierce's mind. As if it isn't difficult enough to be a teenager. Only Aidyn does not allow herself to be a normal teen because she's too afraid if anyone gets close to her that they will find out about her drunk mother. But when her mother insists they go to Mass together (and Aidyn doesn't trust that this will last either), Aidyn finds some teenagers reaching out to her, pulling her into their youth group, and actually including her and caring about her. Is this for real? why would the popular kids from school want anything to do with her?
This book touched me in so many ways. I grew up with an alcoholic father and even though he didn't actively drink during my growing up years after a car accident while drinking that almost killed him, he exhibited "dry drunk" behaviors because he did not seek any help such as counseling or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The feelings Aidyn experiences will help many teens to feel that they are not alone and this book certainly appeals to adults as well.

I rated this book 5 stars and am delighted to recommend it to readers of YA novels.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This book is written with so much empathy - for the daughter and her alcoholic mother - that it's impossible not to feel for them. Even without personal experience. I suppose if you have personal experience this novel will make you cry for sure.
Although it is a christian book it does not try to give easy answers or declare you only have to have faith and everything will be fine. The way out is still hard but with God by your side you're not alone in this fight worth fighting.