Shatterworld

In this Christian SF novel, a strict pacifist Christian colony learns about surviving on a distant planet and about finding God's will and accepting that. This especially applies to Rejoice Holly, a girl who wants to be an astronomer, but finds that doesn't fit with her community's needs. Though this is written for pre-teens and young teens, the novel would be great for mid-high discussion groups and has the charm and wisdom that allows it to be enjoyed by people of almost any age. This grandpa likes it very much. Though this is science fiction, those who love fantasy and historical fiction can enjoy it, too. It is quite readable. It is a book of ideas, in a gentle form for kids, but it is not condescending. Foreman homeschooled her kids and seems to have a respect for the ability of children to think and to have opinions. Questions that might be pondered: Is pacifism right? Is it OK? How can we use discernment in changes in the practice of our faith? How do others worship? Are there really aliens? How do they relate to God? Why do we submit to our parents? This is a wonderful first novel. I am amazed and shocked that this is not considered a classic. This light should not be hidden under a basket. I recommend that folks run out and get several copies before the exploding cult following starts snatching them up. (You can sell the extras for big bucks later or give them to nieces or grandsons.) I would love to read the sequels and even more would love to read about other colonies in Foreman's universe. Learning of those colonies would expand our vision of the breadth of possibilities and tune our discernment. Hah! If Lelia Foreman took to writing political novels or books about talking mice, I'm sure I'd try those, too. When I give 4 stars, it counts like others' 5 stars; this book is recommended. My fives are rare. And I was so close to giving five...