#18 Keeping Faith

I’m back. And with a Jodie Picoult book.

I read half of this book in the last week of my time in Costa Rica. After I moved out of the beautiful and serene rainforest, I embarked on a 257km ‘Dragon Trek’. It was a mixed experience filled with; bruises, sweat, blisters, cramp, exhaustion, crying, and a little bit more crying. But throughout all that, it was an incredible journey. I have never felt prouder of myself, and I have no clue what task will ever replace this on it's pedestal.

However, my trek was cut short on Day 14 when I had to pull out due to a very irritating knee injury. My amazing turtle of a walker, Annie, sent me back to base with her Kobo reader, which contains a very random selection of books. So, I took my chance on ‘Keeping Faith’ purely because of the word ‘faith’, and mine was tested and relied on many times during the trek.

Back to the book…

Life was good for Mariah White: she had married her college sweetheart Colin, lived a beautiful old house and they had a 7-year old daughter Faith. Then one afternoon, Mariah and Faith walked into the master bedroom and found Colin with another woman.

A lot of things changed that day for both Mariah and Faith. Mariah realised her marriage had failed and Faith now had a very special imaginary friend, God. Soon Faith’s friendship became public and the White girls face extreme media attention. Their lives are change and not necessarily for the best.

Once again Picoult has told a compelling story that makes you reflect on society and family. This story, although fiction, was told in such a strong way I have found myself Googling the characters to find any hint of truth

Finishing this book did make me think about miracles and how the term can be applied loosely in exclamations rooted in joy. A miracle is defined as: an extraordinary and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to a divine agency.

Whilst away, my faith was questioned and challenged by a fair few people. I have always struggled to back-up my beliefs when people interrogate me on it. I always respect people if they lack faith, I would hate to be a person who forces my religion on people. Some may say atheists are ignorant to a higher power or maybe it's a case of that they simple believe that without proof how can we place our love and trust in a ghost that allows pain and suffering.

Although this book has a religious theme, it is not overbearing or bias, so don't let that put you off.

Hx