Reviewed by: Aubree DeVisser, a freelance writer for The Waynedale News, SEG-Way News, and a staff writer for The Echo

Introduction

Title: Just Look Up

Author: Courtney Walsh

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Publication Date: July 4, 2017

Format: Print book

Length: 416 pages

OVERVIEW

Just Look Up is an inspiring, heartwarming story of Lane; a young woman wrestling with her past. Growing up in close-knit town, she was constantly reminded of her differences and lack of inclusion. She eventually escapes the life she has known and dives into the career she has always desired. Determined and stubborn, Lane rejects everyone who tries to get close to her. When she is suddenly informed her brother has been in a tragic car accident and is fighting for his life, she is forced to return home and must face all the emotional baggage that comes with it.

A fire rekindles between her and an old family friend Ryan, who has a challenging past of his own. He attempts to suppress it out of fear that he will no longer be accepted. His love for Lane and his determination to be a better man than his father and his friends and loved ones have been, helps him to come to grips with his past and move on in a positive way.

During the process, both Ryan and Lane build their broken and abandoned relationships with not only people from their past, but also with God. During this time, both learn how to love themselves, as well as the place where they grew up, despite their previous associations with it.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

Rating: 5

Suggested Audience

YA and up

Christian Impact

Courtney Walsh develops characters with whom the readers will instantly relate to and fall in love with. Anyone with a checkered past will understand the difficulty of facing it, returning to it, or uncovering it. The author explains that everyone is going through some sort of life challenge; however, it is possible to overcome life’s obstacles and to forgive and move forward. Each character learns to conquer his or her fears by turning to God and by accepting the guidance of others. They do this not only in the most traumatic of times, but the simplest of moments as well.

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