My book club has read books by Susan Meissner in the past. I think one of our members had gotten Why The Sky Is Blue at a discounted price from BookBub, or some such site, and suggested we read it. The name Meissner was enough for us all to give a unanimous assent. I didn’t know this book was her debut novel until after I had read it. I never would have guessed. It is a well-written story that touches a nerve in a reader. I could not put it down, and I think you may have the same experience.

Claire Holland is faced with a nightmare scenario. With no memory of the vicious attack that left her broken, she must face the reality of a pregnancy. It is not an unwanted pregnancy, at least for her. But the child is not her husband’s, and that reality alone puts a strain on her marriage and family. Faced with no other choice but to have the baby and then give it away, Claire struggles to do the right thing. Sixteen years later, Claire is faced with another decision that threatens to turn her carefully constructed life upside down.

Why The Sky Is Blue created more discussion in our group than we have seen in recent months. We actually spent most of our time talking about the book! That is quite an achievement for us. 😉 Our conversation centered mostly on the complexities of the characters’ reactions to the situations in which they found themselves and their motivations in attempting to control the uncontrollable. We found most of the characters to be believable and relatable. Meissner’s handling of the difficult subject matter showed a great deal of insight and sensitivity.

This book is definitely great for book club discussions, and we highly recommend it.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Great for book clubs. ( )

Susan Meissner is one of my top 5 favorite authors. I found that I had not read Why the Sky is Blue, one of her earliest books so I just had to pick it up (on my Kindle). I'm very glad I did! The story is hard to imagine as the main character has some very difficult things to deal with; ones that I would not want to have in my life. She wakes up in the hospital after being attacked, raped, and not remembering it. The decisions she must make along with her husband change their lives and their children's forever. The mind struggles she faces follow her throughout the whole book. The book is told in two segments; one in the main character's voice and the other by her daughter. The tone is different in both yet adds to the depth of the damage done and the redemption that occurs. Life does not go as we plan and this book is a good reminder of that reality. It's how we deal with what comes along and how much we depend on God to give us direction, comfort, and peace.

I recommend this complex book Why the Sky is Blue by Susan Meissner. She does not disappoint!
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Ms. Meissner takes an unbearable situation - wife and mother is assaulted and ends up pregnant - and then walks us through the aftermath. The twist is that the mom is a faithful Christian and somehow she has to reconcile love and revulsion - not only in her own heart, but in her family (particularly with her husband). Then the story picks up 17 years later ... I really enjoyed the things Ms. Meissner explores about faith and trust and love. For those who are looking to reconcile life experiences with their faith in God, the story she tells here is rich with reflection and hope. ( )