Now that my girls are older, I rarely get the opportunity to read children’s books.
Okay, that’s a lie…
- Image found on Flickr, Linda Jordon
On occasion (aka not so occasionally), you can find me sitting in my library/sewing/writing/soon-to-be-bed room reading Dr. Seuss — out loud. (Not sure what it says about me that there’s a room in my house with an identity crisis) (Also, in case you weren’t aware… out loud is the ONLY acceptable way to read a Dr. Seuss book!)
Since my girls are now 17 and 12, there aren’t many children’s books that I’m even willing to read, let alone take the time to re-read over and over again. (Other than Seuss, obviously.)
For a book to achieve such an honor in my currently WAY overloaded schedule, it has got to be phenomenal. To be honest, I would have told you such a book did not exist.
Turns out, I was wrong (again).
Normally, being wrong makes me want to vomit. (FYI – I hate the word vomit. It makes me want to vomit and I use it here only to emphasize how strongly I oppose even the idea of being wrong… Also, sorry for the use of the word, vomit.)
When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner was one time that I can say, I’M SO GLAD I WAS WRONG!!!!! I CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE THIS BOOK WITH MY FUTURE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN!! (Yes, the shouting was necessary.)
Not only did I read this book out loud to myself, but I read it to my 17 year old daughter (twice) and then to my husband! I just loved it so much I HAD to share it!
The rhythm of the words are written in such a way that I felt as if I was reading a Dr. Seuss book. The way Seuss wrote in a fun, upbeat way to convey important matters has always been inspiring to me. I love finding new books able to do that just as well as the Cat in the Hat man, posthumously can.
I would dare say that When God Made You isn’t just for kids. I’d give it as a graduation present along with Oh, the Places You’ll Go. (Are you Seuss’d out yet?)
It’s so uplifting and its message so powerful that I would recommend it for anyone struggling with depression or just going through a “down” time. I know that I can get really harsh with myself and start to feel as if I don’t matter…
This book reminds us that we are ALL important, loved, cherished, and needed.
Jess Combs 
My publisher just sent me your review. Reading your kind words made my morning. Thank you for not only taking the time to engage the book; but thank you for writing such a thoughtful and positive review. I’m so happy that the book is connecting with young and old and those in between. Your words are sweet encouragement for me, and I’m so grateful. Best to you, Matthew Paul Turner
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Thank you! It’s encouraging to me to have such positive feedback from an author on my review of their work. I’m looking forward to reading more of your books. My husband and I are in the process of adopting and we’re so excited to read your books to them!
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