Never Letting Go of Hope

This is Guymon's first book and is beautifully written for a freshman effort. While I could relate to the interracial adoption issues she paints, having grown up most of my life in the south and seeing some of these things first hand, I just simply cannot imagine hearing that volume of backlash to interracial relationships/adoption in Utah (after plenty of time living in that state as well). Maybe it happens but I think the reactions were taken more from Guymon's childhood in the south as opposed to her life in Utah. However, she tenderly writes the issues facing families that adopt children outside of their race. Everything is covered from making sure the child not only feels loved and whole as a family member but is able to experience and cherish their own race all the way to facing the challenges/questions/issues for the adopting parents. The dialogue wasn't as overwhelming as it tends to be in her later works but there is still an over-the-top dramatic climax that sums up into an all-too-perfect happy ending; both of which are clearly Guymon's fiction signatures. One of her better works and a fast read (I think I covered this one in about 3 hours).

For a first novel,this book has several layers of both plot and nuance.She delves into our prejudices,both expressed and repressed.We are forced to examine our own souls in ways that may not be comfortable in the least.I thought she was a little viscious with the mother figure,but maybe that was a bit autobiographical.Her later books have improved in any number of ways.Maybe her opinion of her sainted mother has improved too.Her brand new book looks pretty good.I'll have to read it,I guess.

This is a wonderful story. It brought forward all the fears, and struggles we all have in our relationships with other races. But as we accept, with all our hearts the real person, the soul of another being, our love grows and expands. Our circle of family expands, and then hope really can spring eternal. If Cassie can accept the chalenges, so can we. Great little story, would love to hear more from this author!!! We need more stories that are uplifting, and to beable to read a book with out foul language or vile sexual content, is wonderful. I could recommend this book to any one, of any age, or race.