The Penny

In 1950's St. Louis 14-year-old Jenny Blake has known little but fear her entire short life. Her abusive father rules Jenny, older sister Jean and their mother with a literal fist of iron. Jenny fears her father's rage and even more she fears the visits he makes to her room at night but she also feels despair as her mother turns away from what is happening and says nothing. While headed to the movies with Jean one afternoon Jenny spots a penny on the sidewalk and when she stops to pick it up she inadvertantly stops a robbery at Shaw's Jewelry Store. The grateful Miss Opal Shaw offers Jenny a job in her store but in time she offers Jenny so much more. Jenny and Miss Shaw share dark secrets and painful memories which helps them both to show more begin to heal.

Jenny also befriends Aurelia, a black girl who attends their 'integrated' middle school (although the black children are relegated to portable buildings outside of the brick schoolhouse, and Aurelia's loving family who readily accept Jenny into their lives and their church. Unfortunately for Jenny this is just one more reason for her father to beat her as he feels that she has shamed him in the eyes of the town. Jenny begins to see every penny as a promise from God that he will always protect her and love her and she spreads her message of faith by giving pennies to those she feels need God's help.

Jenny is a great character as are Miss Shaw and Aurelia but Jenny's father and mother are just horrible, horrible people. I suppose it happens outside of books that some mothers stand by while sickening abuse of her children happens right under her nose but I can't even begin to imagine how that could be. Yes, I understand that she is a victim as well, but I honestly don't get it. Other than that the story was a fairly good one but the penny metaphor started to wear thin after awhile. show less

How many times have you walked past a penny on the ground without so much as a second thought? Jenny Blake did just that, and then for some unexplainable reason, turned, ran back and retrieved the penny from the hot asphalt. At the tender age of 14 Jenny had no way of knowing the significance of her actions on that blistering summer day in 1955.

The Blake family lived in St. Louis, which during the 50's and early 60's was a hotbed of racial tension. So when Jenny, a white girl, befriends Aurelia,
a black girl recently integrated into the same school, she must keep the friendship a secret. Although Aurelia's family welcomes Jenny into both their home and church, the same acceptance could not be found within the Blake household. Jenny's show more father in an abusive, horrible man, that mistreats his daughters in every conceivable way. Working for Miss Shaw, the local jeweler, Jenny begins to see Christianity at work, in small ways that others barely notice. Yet, no matter how hard she prays, her fathers abuse continues and she struggles to understand why God seems to be ignoring her pain. With Miss Shaw's guidance, and Aurelia's unwavering friendship she continues building her faith, one step at a time. Little by little God's truth is revealed to her....."God doesn't always make something go away because we pray, He often gives us the strength to stand up to it." And that knowledge changes her life and that of those around her.

The authors indelible ability to recognize the miraculous wonders of God, even the smallest of details, is but one of the many things that makes "The Penny" a beautifully moving reading experience. Despite your religious convictions, this is a wonderful story where the authors reveal their inspirations subtly and slowly, never preachy, over-bearing or offensive, "The Penny" is much like the soft-spoken, loving direction one receives from a beloved parent. There's something for everyone in this heart-felt, inspirational story. The narration is exceptionally well delivered, adding depth and conviction to the reading experience.

I highly recommend this novel to any reader that simply enjoys a strong, powerful story. (Just make sure you don't start listening (or reading) until you have several hours of free time... you will not want to put it down.)

Happy Reading!
RJ
3Rs show less

I loved this book even in the darker parts. The characters seemed so real, perhaps it was the way it was read. It was good that a Christian author didn't try to sugarcoat the problems of the 1950's South. I think I'd like to read more by these authors, at least the fiction.

A wonderful coming of age story, very similar to The Secret Life of Bee's in many ways.

Set in the 1950's, and I believe the south, a young girl, Jenny, picks up a penny on the street which sets a huge chain of events into motion. Jenny who is abused by her father, and her mother ignores it, believes the horrible thoughts her father is putting into her head. Jenny gets a job at a local jewelery store, after the penny incident, she is hired by the mysterious Ms. Shaw. Which they eventually confide in each other to reveal their painful pasts.

She also meets a wonderful African American family, and the fathers love for blues, the families love for church, makes room for Jenny and puts some love in her.

This is the first Christian fiction book that I've read. The story was captivating and I couldn't put it down. It was inspiring and a great reminder that God has a plan for each one of us.

This is an amazingly moving and touching novel which makes you take a deep look at your life. You will not see something as simple as a penny in the same way again. A great story about a young girl who refuses to give in to the mental and physical torments she is forced to endure, especially once she realizes that God truly does love her no matter what. A very great reminder of the power of God's love for each and every one of us.

A touching story about 14-year old Jeny Blake who picks up a penny embedded in the pavement. She has o idea that this penny is from heaven and will change her lie! God leads her to new, loving friends who help ease the shame and abuse -- the secrets in her life.