Book Recommendation: A Map of Heaven
“Those who believe in God must realize that the beliefs we were born with are no more significant than the color of our eyes unless we explore why these beliefs are meaningful to us. We cannot know God unless we seek Him out for a relationship.” – Monsieur Espoir to Elizabeth from the novel A Map Of Heaven by Susan Elizabeth Anderson
I find this quote so thought provoking, as a matter of fact the entire book had me thinking and rethinking my own relationship with God and what He means to me. Yes some of the experiences of the main character seemed a bit fantastical and so it had me asking myself how can I know this for a fact, but really and truly that’s the beauty of fiction, even better when it can be imaginative and not compromise the truth. What I think really mattered to the writer was exploring the mind and experiences of a woman who had once believed in God, enough to ask him for something that an adult skeptic would consider ridiculous. It shows us how the main character’s experiences drew her away from God, but her childhood prayer led Him to take great measures to get her back to the place where she can trust Him. I loved it.
The writer spoke about working on this book over a 20 year period and trust me, I could see why. She intertwined purpose with salvation so well it was thrilling and her presentation of arguments raised by skeptics were well done. It had me thinking of how some people who do not believe in God are so adamant in their beliefs while some of us who do, are so easily distracted and I think it comes back to what Monsieur Espoir told Elizabeth in the book, our beliefs are not significant unless we explore the significance of it. True knowledge of God is impossible without relationship. Many of us think we know God but we don’t truly understand what we know and why we believe it, because we don’t pursue a relationship. An athiest or agnostic will tell you exactly why they don’t believe, whether its scientific or based on personal experiences with religion, they are usually quite aware of the significance of what they believe. Which the writer explores very well through the character that falls in love with Elizabeth while she is days away from death.
The book explores the theme of death, prayer, purpose and the forces of darkness and light and as the two main characters in the story are faced with the reality of it all they must come to a conclusion that hinges on their freedom to do so (without being too ‘preachy’). Also and most importantly, it is well written!
So my question to you is, do you have a relationship with God, do you know him, like really know him? Because its through relationship that we find meaningfulness, so instead of scouring through his word (the bible) for a list of do’s and don’ts, read it as you would a love letter, to understand the writer, His interests, what gives Him pleasure, what He desires for you. As Beau Hughes put it, ‘beauty transforms, rules don’t’. I think that’s the main message I got from this novel, find the beauty in your faith and chase after your purpose regardless of the cost.
So if you have the time I recommend you check out S. E Anderson’s novel a map of heaven. You can find it on amazon, also if you’re looking for a place to get some sweet deals on books, check out Bookbub if you haven’t already.
Be a blessing,
KellyP
Kelly is the founder of Royalty Press United. Author of the Gemstone Royals fantasy series, Twist of Faith and Crossroads. Counseling psychologist, proud Grenadian and devoted follower of Christ.
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