This book would make a great Christmas Gift

5.0 out of 5 stars a powerful book to empower women, October 11, 2010 (Amazon)
By bookworm (Durham, NC)
"Born To Return The Gift" is a book by first time author Catherine E. Johnson. She has written a gritty, at times outright harsh and brutal, story about a theme common to many social workers dealing with helping women getting out of abusive relationships. The story of Nyima shows many of the themes commonly seen in such situations. After a bad childhood, early addiction and getting into wrong relationships, these women commonly find themselves helpless on their own. Realizing that the relationships are bad, these women also often suffer from depression, but seem to be unable to catch a break and find a decent relationship that is build on respect and mutual understanding.

But unlike many of the women caught in this spiral of depression and bad relationships, Nyima finds a way out of the situation through her belief in God.

The message of the book is one of a strong belief in God and that every life has a meaning and a value. Nyima realizes these things and is able to overcome her problems.

I truly was amazed by the level of maturity seen in a book by a first time author. The language is accurately reflecting the mood of the main character and the reader can not help but feel for Nyima in her struggles and sense the relief when Nyima's fate turns to the better.

A wonderful book that I highly recommend for people working in jobs such as social workers because just as it is life-affirming for Nyima, this book will also show social workers that one life helped can make up for a lot of disappointments.

An extraordinary debut novel - review by Kratzy (Amazon)

"Born to Return the Gift" by Catherine E. Johnson is a story about a young woman finding her place on earth and a meaning on her life. Growing up in circumstances that leave little room for hope, the protagonist incurs early issues in life, including addiction and bad relationships. Trying for a clean break, Nyima moves across the country to California. Rather than turn for the better, her life is more of the same. Again there are bad relationships and little hope for a better life. Depression follows and one is reminded of the fate of many women that never seem to catch a break.

But a break does happen and it occurs through the realization of our heroine that God is present and that there is a purpose to EVERY life on earth. Empowered through that realization and her belief in God, Nyima does turn things around.

A debut novel this is an outstanding first attempt at a realistic drama that takes the reader through the personal growth of a young woman finding her place in life and on earth. Some readers may believe that this book due to its Christian message may be sugarcoated, but this is certainly not the case. The sad beginnings of our heroine are told in an extremely realistic way, with the language certainly meeting R-rated levels. While some authors use such language for added drama and to pretend to be realistic, the author in this book succeeds in using at no point language as a mere add-on for dramatic effects. The whole book is extremely realistic and authentic, the author has a clear no-nonsense style that vividly describes the fight of our heroine to better herself and her situation. Definitely not your standard Christian novel, but because of this so much more convincing and interesting to read.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fighting Cancer and Winning!

I just underwent a lobectomy and proportionate removal of two ribs. During the recovery process I will not be adding promotional posts for  'Born To Return The Gift' but be aware that articles relating to depression, domestic violence, alcohol/drug recovery, and spiritual awakening will still be automatically updated as they appear in different news mediums around the world.