Heart of a Shepherd Rosanne Parry
Random House Books for Young Readers (January 27, 2009)
“Brother”, the youngest of five siblings, has more responsibilities than most eleven year olds. Truth be told, more than most adults nowadays.
“They’re not the ones who have to look at the Grands after they’ve worked for ten hours straight and the gate’s still not fixed and the wood’s not split or stacked and the tractor engine is still in eight pieces on the back porch.”
He doesn’t mind the responsibilities. He loves the land, his family and his community. When his father is deployed to Iraq, he determinedly shoulders even more responsibility as his older brothers are also away. With his grandparents and Ernesto, the hired help, he works hard to maintain their Oregon ranch even though he isn’t quite sure that the ranching life is for him.
I suppose I should admit it. It isn’t often I find myself finishing a book with a tear in my eye. I did with this one. This is a beautiful novel of family, duty, sacrifice and faith. God is just as much a part of life as the land.
“Land shapes a man’s heart, too, and his aspirations. A man near the mountains learns to look up, and it calls his mind to God.”
With action enough to satisfy the middle-grade reader and depth enough for any adult, this simple, well-written story is highly recommended for all.
“Don’t confuse the right thing with the easy thing, Brother. Sometimes choosing what’s right for you breaks your heart.”
“They’re not the ones who have to look at the Grands after they’ve worked for ten hours straight and the gate’s still not fixed and the wood’s not split or stacked and the tractor engine is still in eight pieces on the back porch.”
He doesn’t mind the responsibilities. He loves the land, his family and his community. When his father is deployed to Iraq, he determinedly shoulders even more responsibility as his older brothers are also away. With his grandparents and Ernesto, the hired help, he works hard to maintain their Oregon ranch even though he isn’t quite sure that the ranching life is for him.
I suppose I should admit it. It isn’t often I find myself finishing a book with a tear in my eye. I did with this one. This is a beautiful novel of family, duty, sacrifice and faith. God is just as much a part of life as the land.
“Land shapes a man’s heart, too, and his aspirations. A man near the mountains learns to look up, and it calls his mind to God.”
With action enough to satisfy the middle-grade reader and depth enough for any adult, this simple, well-written story is highly recommended for all.
“Don’t confuse the right thing with the easy thing, Brother. Sometimes choosing what’s right for you breaks your heart.”
Rating: Hardback
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