Just Chris [Paperback]

It isn't often that I am privileged to review a book written by a youth and I was very honored to be asked to review, "Just Chris." This is a work that will capture your heart, and certainly give you more than the title implies. In this book you will meet, Christopher Shiveley Welch, who is one remarkable young boy. Christopher came into this world with many physical problems, born to a mom who just was not able to care for this new soul. However, there was a couple who had been believing for the child of their heart, and as Christopher writes in his book, God gave him to them.

Christopher takes us on his journey from settling into his new home as a baby, to his present time. He opens his heart to the reader. He tells of the love that covered him, the struggles he encountered in his schooling, the pain of his many surgeries to make him acceptable in the eyes of our society, and his amazing life in general. Chris also speaks of friendships, mentors in his life, emotional struggles and miraculous victories. His story is simple, but complex. It is heart tugging and at times amusing, yet always laced with innoncence and truth. I liked that.

I believe after reading his story there were several things impressed upon me. One, Chris is a young boy who faced many insurmountable obstacles in life, but through each one he found new hope, and determination to continue on. He is certainly one remarkable boy. If I was watching this unfold in a movie, there certainly would have been times that I would have given him a standing ovation for the obstacles he encountered and overcame.

I also feel that he knows how special he is. He understands that every person comes from the heart of God and has their own purpose on this earth. No one is a throw away person, and because of his wonderful upbringing, and what he has already overcome, he sees the world and those in it as very special. That in itself is a rare gift.

"Just Chris," is more than a boy telling of his life. It is a story that surely will bring encouragement to many who face challenges, feel worthless due to some physical handicap, or face rejection in anyway. It is a story of hope, courage and steadfast love. I believe Christopher has an exciting life ahead of him, and he will fly to heights that even he cannot imagine at this time. A great read, from a great young man.

I don't write many book reviews. But when Debra asked if I would review her son Christopher's book, I couldn't wait. I had read Chris's previous work and was amazed at the talent of this young man. So I had to take advantage of the opportunity to share this book with others.

"Just Chris" - a simple title for what could be a simple story. But the story of Christopher's life is anything but simple. Born with an assortment of physical problems, he was more than his birth mother could care for. But God had a plan for this young man and the first step was a couple who had been longing for the child of their heart - Christopher.

Chris shares his life with us. Settling in with his new mom and dad, the difficulties he faced in school, the surgeries he endured - all are discussed freely. But if you think this is simply a story of all that Chris has endured, you are wrong. It is a story of triumph and hope and most of all love. Chris writes of the love of his new family, his friendships and his victories - both large and small - over the many challenges he faced. His story will make you laugh at times. At times you will find tears in your eyes. But at the end of the book, you will look at Chris with respect and admiration for all that he has achieved. And you will become, as I have, a member of his "fan club", - praying for and encouraging him, watching to see what new challenge he will conquer next - and hoping he continues to write!

I was asked to read and review a few books. One of those was an autobiography by a young author. I read the story from start to finish and then had to back away from it. I kinda know what I will say about it, but I want it to percolate a bit. What I will say at this point is that it is "moving" and "speaks to the great power of love" while "good struggles against multiple misfortunes and wins" in the life of this lad. These points are true and will be in my review; but I need to let it resonate within my soul for a while. If you want to read it, bring a box of tissues. You will cry. God brought together the right people for the task of loving "Just Chris". Check it out

I've percolated this for a spell now. Everything in my original assessment holds true. There was but one section that bogged me down a bit. That was the section where Chris tells of his travels to cities and states. Each of those are important, to Chris; but the nexus is not made to how they might have formed his current character. Maybe I just missed it. I never like a laundry list, even when I write them. :) Why do I mention this? Because I'm being totally honest in my review. Chris, just keep in mind this one thing when you do your next book. I am looking forward to reading it.

I said it once and I'll say it again. You will cry. God brought together the right people for the task of loving "Just Chris". Check it out