Book Club Fiction - Janine Harris never really thought about homeless people. She barely even notices them as she passes them by on her way to work in downtown Washington D.C. All Janine can focus on is the shambles of her own young life, afraid that she will never be able to get past the painful mistakes she has made. However, all of that changes on a snowy evening in December when Janine unexpectedly finds herself alone with Vera, an old, homeless woman who seems to need her help. Now Janine wants to know what could have possibly happened to Vera to leave her so broken and alone.
As Vera shares her life story with Janine, the two women form an unusual bond and begin a journey that changes both of their lives forever. Reluctantly, they each confront their own past and in the process, discover the true meaning of sacrifice, family and love. Although to truly move forward in their lives, they must face the most difficult challenge of all – forgiving themselves.
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Assessment:
Guilbeau's novel -- about Janie's encounter with a homeless woman named Vera -- will hook readers from the opening paragraph. The characters are ably crafted -- allowing readers to relate to their stories. Additionally, the story is well plotted and the premise fascinating. Readers will find a lot to like here.
Date Submitted: June 10, 2016
What's It About?
God Doesn’t Love Us All The Same is an emotionally engrossing novel about a young banker who callously steps over a homeless woman every morning on her way to work. One day she takes the time to speak with her. After a few more discussions, she learns her entire life story, and becomes closer to this homeless woman than she ever would've thought. Her discussions with this woman change the path of her life, and her attitude towards people in general.
My Thoughts:
Finally the weeping has stopped! I cried throughout most of this novel. Can I please give it 10 stars? Because it was THAT GOOD!
God Doesn’t Love Us All The Same is a story about racism, stigma, familial love and devotion, and the power of forgiveness. It is a story that will have you crying, and then smiling ear to ear. I was very emotional reading this book.
I hated Janine at the beginning of the story. She was self absorbed and unfeeling to others. I couldn’t believe the turnaround she made by the end of the novel. It’s amazing how a chance meeting with someone (Vera, the homeless woman), can influence, and ultimately change your life. –And I think that this is the underlying message of this story.
Recommendation:
Anyone who enjoy stories centered around a woman’s experience, and/or anyone who enjoys the drama of societal issues, (and this book has PLENTY).
I just completed reading "God Does Not Love Us All The Same" and I was so completely and emotionally vested (completed in 5 hours) that I am drained! When I feel this way after a read, the author has done an excellent job with characterization and bringing the book to life (for me). During the course of this read, I felt myself literally running through the fields and standing outside in the freezing cold.
This book was selected by member, Jackie for U.S. G.I.R.L.S Book Club's upcoming meeting,. The author was new to me, so I was excited to read this offering. The title is somewhat misleading because you immediately think it is a work of Christian Fiction, and may not be prepared for murder, mayhem, sex, lies and a whole lot of psychological and social issues. Fortunately, it does not take long for the author to introduce these elements to the reader.
The narrative vacillates back and forth from current to past with dream sequences interjected here and there. Since I am a self-proclaimed history buff, I would liked to have had more historical references for the time periods of each narrative for points of reference.
Overall, a very good read with resounding messages centering around family, love and redemption.
I found this novel to be a very delightful read. It provided a unique perspective on some things we take daily for granted. I found myself acting like the main character in the book "Janine" as I hung on to every word that Vera spoke as she told her story. At the end of this novel, I was filled with such an indescribable feeling (awe, joy, sadness and a profound sense of self). This novel will make you re-evaluate your feelings toward those less fortunate than yourself and really, truly appreciate all of your blessings. Job well done, Nina!!
Have you ever walked past someone on the street and wondered “what is their story?”? I’m not just talking about homeless people (which is a theme in God Doesn’t Love Us All the Same by Nina Guilbeau, but I’m talking about people in general. I often wonder about people’s stories and their history. What does the man with the tattoos and the tattered bible do for a living? What kind of house does he live in? The woman with the partially shaven head and pink Mohawk, does her mother take issue with her “look”, or does her mother have a green Mohawk? Since I live in Wisconsin where it is cold most of the year, I don’t have an opportunity to see many homeless people. However, when I see pictures of homeless people or have come across them in my travels, I find myself wondering about them as well. My thoughts venture to the extreme fear of COULD THAT BE ME?
My own fears and observations are what drew me to God Doesn’t Love Us All the Same by Nina Guilbeau. Like myself, Janine Harris seldom thought about homeless people. She was busy living her own life until she meets Vera, an old, homeless woman who seems to need her help.
Once Janine notices and befriends Vera, she wants to know how Vera ended up in her homeless situation. Vera shares her story and the two are forever changed by their new found knowledge, understanding and friendship. The lesson in the end is about self-forgiveness, but the path to that lesson is a lesson in itself. Guilbeau’s characters are richly written and God Doesn’t Love Us All the Same is an emotion filled read full of laughter, tears, sorrow, and understanding.
Just as Janine finds herself changed by her friendship, I felt changed as I finished the final chapter. I enjoyed everything about God Doesn’t Love Us All the Same and I am richly blessed to have “met” both Janine and Vera. This is a great read for anyone (regardless of your favorite genre). Thank you Nina Guilbeau for sharing your writing talents and bringing Janine and Vera into the lives and homes of your readers!
