Reason to Believe

Reason to Believe was one of the most true-to-life novels I've read. It covers a journey through true love that includes betrayal. Most of us have too much pride to survive it. Even though the circumstances are never justified, love saw them through it. The deep issues of this book really do almost justify the betrayal. So the question becomes, "Is it better to love him but never let him know I still love him for fear he'll hurt me again, or to risk the hurt and not deny the once-in-a-lifetime love?" Ms. Eagle covers life's issues - always in her books. This is a beautiful book that touches the heart and remains there. It's a huge switch for her. Typically, Ms. Eagle's characters are loyal to the core. This one was a shock, but a tremendous read! Ms. Eagle's latest book comes out this month (Jully 2002) and I've had it on pre-order since April. You'll lose lots of sleep reading her books! She has proven to be timeless!

Clara and Ben Pipestone's story is moving, emotional, and realistic. The book begins almost 2 years after their separation. It deals with a broken marriage, infidelity, alcoholism, parenting, and family. It is beautifully written and very true-to-life. I usually dislike such seriousness in my books, but the author manages to turn this into an incredibly uplifting book. I loved reading it. Very, very highly recommended!

Nobody developes characters as honestly as Kathleen Eagle. In "Reason to Believe" we are allowed to see into the lives of a family torn apart by alcoholism and infidelity. The story begins with Anna, the teenage daughter, rebelling against her estranged parents by shoplifting and getting drunk. In an effort to reach their daughter, they embark on an arduous winter trail ride in the Dakotas, following the trail of those who died at Wounded Knee. Anna's Lakota grandfather is the spiritual leader and Pipe Bearer. Her parents, Ben and Clara Pipestone, find themselves looking deeper inside themselves, and each another than they'd been able to before. Kathleen Eagle shows incredible insight in dealing with these very difficult issues. The story unfolds naturally, and never feels contrived. I love all of her books that I've read, but this is one of my favorites.

"Reason to Believe" left me in tears when I read it. It was touching in that it not only followed the journey to the Wounded Knee, but it also followed the relationship between two parents and how their relationship evolved with their troubled daughter and how they interacted and grew together. The book also brings to light how the journey to the site, which should remain private to the people involved, is made into a semi spectacle by the press. On the other hand, the press provided to the journey brings to light some of the history involved of a people who have often received the short end of the stick from our government. "Reason to Believe" is a good book to read for anyone who likes a good combination of a little history, a little romance, growth in relationships, and a lot of feeling.