Jul 312013
 

the-reluctant-blogger-ryan-rapier-978-1-4621-1254-8_coverThe Reluctant Blogger

Author: Ryan Rapier

Publisher: Cedar Fort/Bonneville

Publish Date: August 13, 2013

ISBN13: 9781462112548

Paperback: 432 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF and a paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Dr. Schenk, I don’t know if what I’ve written amounts to a breakthrough or not, but I hope you know how difficult this was for me. I also hope this proves how serious I am.

Todd knows he is in a bad place. That’s why he went to a therapist in the first place, and that alone took a lot of doing. So when Dr. Schenk threatens to stop their sessions unless Todd puts in more effort, he grasps at the last available straw: a personal blog that will force Todd to confront his demons.

Ever since he lost his wife, Todd has not been the same. He’s been forced to Single Adult activities at church, and everyone seems to expect him to just forget Marci and get married again—especially when he meets Emily, who makes him smile and starts to bring him out of his depression. But dating again is hard when Todd has three kids of his own, not to mention an overbearing father and friends with their own problems.

This beautifully woven and emotional tale is both heartbreaking and humorous. Championing friendship, love, and family, Ryan Rapier deals adeptly with the everyday struggles we face as well as the strongest ties that keep us together. You’re sure to fall in love with this magnificent tale of redemption, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

My Review

5 out of 5 stars.  I found this book very moving and enjoyable.  I took my time reading this because I didn’t want it to end.  I grew to love Todd, his kids, Emily, Todd’s mother and father, and especially Dr. Schenk.  Ryan does an incredible job of character development and telling a great story.  I liked how he was able to work in “flashback” scenes, while still keeping my attention on the present.  When we first meet Todd, he is struggling with the loss of his wife.  He is seeing Dr. Schenk, and the good doctor is very frustrated with Todd.  He suggests to Todd that he start writing a blog to try to help him express his feelings.  I thought this was very clever.  Life throws some lemons at Todd and I enjoyed how he made his lemonade.  There are some very funny moments and moments that you will need a tissue.

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