My Review of Rain Song

Here's a description of the book from Bethany House:

"His words have unlocked a special place in her heart, but he lives in the one place she vowed she'd never return...

Nicole Michelin avoids airplanes, motorcycles, and most of all, Japan, where her parents once were missionaries. Something happened in Japan. Something that sent Nicole and her father back to America alone. Something of which Nicole knows only bits and pieces. But she is content with life in little Mount Olive, North Carolina, with her quirky relatives, tank of lively fish, and plenty of homemade pineapple chutney.

Through her online column for the Pretty Fishy website, Nicole meets Harrison Michaels, who, much to her dismay, lives in Japan. She attempts to avoid him, but his e-mails tug at her heart.

Then Harrison reveals that he knew her as a child in Japan. In fact, he knows more about her childhood than she does! Will Nicole face her fears in order to discover her past and take a chance on love?"

My Rating: Summer

My Review:

Profound. That is the word that comes to mind when I think of what I just finished reading. The book is beautiful in its simplicity--the message as clear as rain and yet, somehow, as blurred as rain on glass. I think this is due to the fact that there is so much to relate to and so much to learn from Nicole's struggles, while at the same time it is overwhelming to try and consider all that transpires within the pages.

The quote at the beginning of the book from Helen Keller is just right for this story: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." What a powerful statement! The main character seems to be trying to come to grips with this idea throughout most of the novel. In the beginning, the story almost feels like a rainy afternoon. The first person point of view is interesting and different, and it took some getting used to. But eventually the sun begins to light the drenched world the reader is introduced to, slowly. And I found myself enchanted with all of the characters and all of the possibilities.

The life in this book is authentic. Nicole's nervous habits, her time spent on the computer, her relationship with her grandmother...all of it in some way rang true for me. The romance was gently sifted in mainly through written correspondence, and yet I still felt its pull.

This book is a journey--compiled steps of growth--that comes together to utter satisfaction. So many lines touched me that I'm sad to think I might forget them. Here is one from page 215, when a pastor is praying for one of the character's healing:

"I suppose God knows how much she means to each of us in this room, but I also supposed appreciation for His creation is something He never tires of hearing."

Again, I will repeat that I think this book is quite profound. I can only hope that at least some of what I read will stay with me for a long time to come, and that I can take the story's message to heart.

*With thanks to Julia Reffner from the Dark Glass Ponderings blog for my copy of this book, which I won in a giveaway.*