The house that love built

Reviewed by:

Ceil Carey, retired public librarian and long-time book discussion leader

REVIEW INTRODUCTION

Title:

The house that love built

Author:

Sarah Jackson with Scott Sawyer

Publisher:

Zondervan

Date:

April 30, 2020

Format:

Paperback

Length:

219 pages

OVERVIEW

The subtitle to this book is How one young woman opened her heart – and her home – to almost 3,000 detained immigrants and their families. Hard to believe? Perhaps, but it is true. Sarah Jackson visited the US/Mexico border in 2012 thinking that justice in immigration was being administered. She discovered that was rarely true. When she met an immigrant named Agustin, well, as they say, the rest is history. His story spurred Sarah on and gave her the inspiration to turn her small home into a haven for detainees and their families. I am sure she would be the first to tell you that though it involved sacrifice for her, the benefits to others and the satisfaction she received in doing the right thing, far outweighed any cost.

Sarah eventually had to make a move to a larger place (of course!) so no one would be turned away. She created the Volleyball Internacional, a volleyball league that now donates 100 percent of its profits to pay for the operation expenses of Cas de Paz.

As you read the House that love built, you will feel yourself walking in the shoes of these asylum seekers and discovering their hopes, dreams and what their lives are all about.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5):

5

Suggested Audience:

Teens and adults interested in immigrants and how to assist in healing the broken system of immigration in the United States

Christian Impact:

Sarah’s journey is inspiring and gives hope that the simple acts of love can begin the healing proccess.

Other Notes (Optional):

-contains and appendix: How you can be a neighbor to an immigrant/