The patient one

Reviewed by:

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

REVIEW INTRODUCTION

Title:

The patient one

Author:

Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher:

Gallery Books

https://simonandschusterpublishing.com/gallery-books

Date:

2019

Format:

Hardcover

Length:

288 pages

OVERVIEW

The Eight are a group of Amish, English and Mennonite young people who have been friends for ages. When one of their group, Andy, commits suicide, they are all left bereft and considering where they are going in life.

The Patient One is particularly about the relationship between John B. (Amish) and Marie (English). It is obvious they are in love with each other but where are they going from there? Marie to become Amish, John to “jump the fence” as they say? Molly, injured in an accident and now in a wheelchair, and her “friend” Danny (both Amish) are also important characters in the story.

Written about their future and where they are going after the death of one of the eight is truly the main plot to the story. All in their teens or twenties, the book seemed to be written more for younger readers, in those age groups themselves.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5):

3

Suggested Audience:

Fans of Christian fiction, Amish fiction, romantic fiction

Christian Impact:

Being true to oneself, trusting God to lead in decision making, the importance of friendship

Other Notes:

-contains a preview of the next book in the Walnut Creek Series: The loyal one

-contains book discussion questions