Unclouded Day [Kindle Edition]

I cried real splishy splashy tears, the mark of a good book. This was such a moving and thought provoking story to be aimed at a younger audience but I think older readers would enjoy it too. William Woodall really gets into the mind of a 14 year old boy. What I like about this author is that he's not trying to be like anyone else. He's not copycating C.S. Lewis like so many others try to do. He's not afraid to approach the Christian aspect but he doesn't beat anyone over the head with it either. His work is unique and I really enjoy it.

I think he should have included discussion questions at the end of this book because there are so many ways to start a conversation with the many themes it contains.

I would give the writing 4 stars only because the characters weren't as distinct as in other books I have read by this author. For instance, the names Brandon and Brian were so similar I kept confusing them. I thought the two main characters could have used something in their speech to set each one apart. I really enjoyed the unique way he has of putting things though. Here's an example.
"Nor did he dream, except the sweet and simple dreams of the pure at heart, of the kind that nourish the soul but are never remembered."

I should also mention that the writing reminded me of a bedtime story in places. Some people might find that a bit distracting but I felt it added to the fairy-tale fantasy feel. I give the story line 5 whole stars. I'm sure someone has written about similar things but this felt original to me.

The Christian aspect I'd give 5 stars also. It is very appropriate for the intended YA audience but also appealing to a much wider age range. I could see reading this book in a homeschool setting. I guess because there are so many nuggets of truth hidden in there. It's about Heaven. It's about bad things happening for a reason. It's about deciding for yourself what matters most in life. It's a really good book!

I am working on his short story collection next.
Note: I wasn't asked to review this book and I bought my own copy. I'm a blogger and I have access to tons of free books. I just love this guy's work!

William sent me a copy of this book, my very first ever request to review, so I'm honoured and delighted to do so! Now I'm an anti-Harry Potter sort of person, so when I saw an amulet was involved I was a little wary. I also come from a completely different writing culture. I needn't have worried! William has the gift of writing , well what I'd call young adults stories, though anyone could read this and be blessed. He has that knack which pulls you into the perspective of Brian, and tells the tale from a child of his age's point of view. The whole text has for me that wonderful fairytale feeling that I love in the Elizabeth Goudge stories such as the Little White Horse.

Brian is maybe old for his age due to the abuse he has suffered in his life but he also acts just like a teenager. His journey to find the Living water is has great narrative tension and I'm glad that it went on long enough after the climax to make the ending balanced and it sort of ties in to the supernatural of the story.

I began thinking, ok, so this is a magical story in many ways, just how would this appeal to any teenager? Its adventure with a twist of romance, reality and excitement. Yet as a Christian, how is this tale justified. (see my standpoint above). Of course William related this to the Native Americans, and has a bible verse. Then it hit me, maybe I'm being dense, and William had this in mind but the whole book is one huge allegory or metaphor. Come to me and drink the streams of living water (John 4, v 13-14) . As Christians, we all seek and drink the living water of Christ and our lives should then reflect and bless all around them. This is what Brian and Rachel did with their lives. It gives you the gospel message that through Christ we can be all things and bless others. This book does it in a way acceptable to the teenage mind if they can see it! Bravo!

Part allegory, part coming of age, part spiritual awakening, this book is about a teenage boy living with an alcoholic mother and a fragile younger brother. Even his mother is quick to tell him the truth that the solution Brian thinks he has found to his sad and sometimes terrifying life is the wrong one. Will his little brother pay the price for his short-sightedness, his simple plan to "make everything better"?

When his easy fixes begin to crumble to ashes Brian is forced to examine his own motives and what is really important to him. An elderly stranger and a desperate, outcast new friend push him to search for the real power to make the world a better place.

What is the source of healing, of restoration, of hope? Is it in magic and ancient legends or is it closer to home, from a different source, far from "the center of the world"? The physical quest and the spiritual one are intertwined all along the way.