This book talks about a family who really knew or approved of their son. Through a tragedy they come to realize and accept what a hero he really was. I thought this was a very good book and that acceptance is so important within a family. ( )

It made me laugh, it made me cry. This one is definitely my second favorite of all Karen's books. I loved how Carl Joseph and Daisy were a part of the story. And Savannah was so sweet! I could almost see this book, like watching a movie! ( )

This book is absolutely beyond stunning. Where to begin? This was my introduction to Karen Kingsbury though I have heard so much about for what seems like forever. I knew that this was going to be good. I just had no idea how I would be as touched as I was.

My heart ached for Josh. I wanted so much for that young man to have an easement of his pain of body and heart. However, it was incredible to read how as he focused on others, his own pain lifted greatly. His love strengthened him. Watching the trials of Savannah also was a burden on my soul. I knew I was reading a book, but I became more an more aware that this may be a "story" but there are many young children out there that are living a life quite similar to young Savannah's if not worse. I do not want to give away any of this story. It had ups and downs and some moments that I expected. I would like to share what impact it left on me.

I realized while reading this story that we need to learn to really listen, really love, and really care for those around us. We need to BE good neighbors, parents, brothers and sisters. Learning involves concern, caring and listening. So often we are so consumed with our lives and our hopes that we miss the opportunity to share in other's hopes and lives. As a parent, I have realized how important it is to support and love my child during every moment.

Karen also shows many characters praying for each other. It was wonderful to see this active relationship with Christ. I have read books that are kind of "preachy" but really lacked in relationship. This Side of Heaven showed the relationship between a believer and Jesus Christ, and how He is there. Sometimes life does not unfold in the way we wish, but that doesn't mean it is not working according to His plan and that it isn't a life that is fulfilling. Let go of expectations and really let God is another of the many messages I got from this book.

And the characters in general were fully flesh. By the end of the first paragraph, I became strongly aware of how real they were. They became more real to me as I read and honestly, I cared about them all and I hoped for them all. I especially enjoyed JC and Daisy. They were kindness and goodness personified. I'm telling you this was like reading a dream. Everything I read, I could see. Simply awesome. :)

Lastly, I also want to add that the song "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe made me cry. I do not think that Karen could have picked a better song. This is a song that we play quite often at our station, and I know it has touched many personally. I have heard the testimonies of how the lyrics spoke to them. It touches me each and every time. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. ( )

Characters are important in a novel. They must be credible. I was pleased to see Carl Joseph and Daisy Gunner, a Down Syndrome couple, living next door to the protagonist, Josh Warren. I remember them from earlier books in the Cody Gunner Series. Karen Kingsbury is at her best when writing characters--particularly children. The children in her books think and speak in an authentic manner. For instance, a cotton ball at the doctor's office is thought of as "a wet little ball of white fur." In this novel a little girl, Savannah is introduced. She seems believable, and I can't help but wonder if I'll meet her again in a future work.

The description of chronic pain is well written.

I found the plot credible; the author's notes at the end surprised me. I can't tell you more than this without ruining the story. Running through this Christian Fiction book is the theme of loving in an unconditional style, rather than in a judgmental manner. Too often, we let a moment to love pass, and it's gone forever. I connected to the deep desire of one character's wish for ten minutes more of life in order to be able to hug a departed loved one.

There are discussion questions at the end of the novel, which makes for a good talk at any book club meeting. Her sentence fragments drive me nuts, but Karen Kingsbury fans will love this one! ( )

I loved the cover of this book when I first saw it. The little girl is just so cute and adorable. It made me want to know who she is in the book and well, it was a good book.
This was a beautiful novel about family and belief. That sometimes we are too critical with our own family and fail to realize that amazing things they do. It is about the faith and belief that everything will be okay if we learn to pick ourselves up. It is about what can happen in an accident and a court case with an insurance company. How sometimes the system fails to help those who need it. But also how that system eventually pulls through if we wait for it. Ultimately, it's about a young father who loves his daughter so much that he's willing to live - in excruciating pain - for her and to give all that he has to her. It's about a daughter who's never met her father but believes that he'll one day save her from her life.
I usually have a problem with books that sprout out Bible verses every so often, but in this book, it didn't bother me at all. If anything, it only made me believe in the characters more. I wanted to encourage Josh. I wanted to slap Annie into realizing what a great guy her son was before he died. I wanted to comfort Lindsay for losing her brother and best friend. I wanted to save Savannah when she was threatened, abused and scared. I thought it was a beautiful idea that this life we're in now is "this side of heaven." ( )