Lynn Dove

As a contemporary Christian novel for youth, SHOOT THE WOUNDED delivers the gospel with enough angst that it is sure to meet with the approval of today’s teen. It delves into relevant topics such as teen pregnancy and family violence, mixed with the usual boy-girl relationships and coming of age themes common to YA fiction. In this book we see that being a Christian isn’t easy, and it certainly doesn’t mean you are perfect. SHOOT THE WOUNDED is the first in a trilogy by Canadian author Lynn Dove and sets the stage for its equaling engrossing sequel, HEAL THE WOUNDED. This is a set that should be in every school, church and public library.… (plus d'informations)

HEAL THE WOUNDED is the second in a trilogy by Canadian author Lynn Dove. The entire series is aimed toward the YA market, but it is worth reading no matter what your age. In HEAL THE WOUNDED , we are introduced to several teenagers who are facing some tough problems. First, Jake, a Christian from a loving family, has to deal with the fact that his mother has been diagnosed with cancer. He is still reeling from the death of a close friend and wonders where God is in all of this. His girlfriend Leigh is also struggling. Her insecurity and an untimely fire force the two apart. Meanwhile, another teen, who happens to be the brother of the deceased friend, has turned his anger and confusion inward and begins ‘cutting’ himself to ease the emotional pain. I don’t want to spoil the story by explaining what happens, but the author draws us into the emotional whirlwind that is the life of a teenager with skill and conviction. Her characterization seems very true to real life as she deals with some tough issues. In fact, the series has apparently been listed as a helpful resource for anti-bullying. My only negative comment, which in no way reflects on the author or the book, is that I think I may have gotten more out of this second book if I had read the prequel, SHOOT THE WOUNDED, first. Dove does a good job of explaining the back story, however, which includes teenage pregnancy, gossip, stereotyping and other issues about making choices. In the end, this is a solid book that is entertaining yet manages to pack a wallop in terms of its message to teens. I highly recommend this, and the rest of the series, to young readers everywhere.… (plus d'informations)