Official Review: Not All Of Me Is Dust

cpru68 · Post by **cpru68** » 29 Oct 2019, 20:23

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Not All Of Me Is Dust" by Frances Maureen Richardson.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Readers are introduced to the Engle family as this novel opens. The oldest daughter, Kathleen, carries a family secret. Stephen has a calling to serve humanity and ultimately gives up all worldly possessions in pursuit of that. Clare, who is six, looks to her brother Stephen for guidance and wisdom. Their father, Lawrence, is still consumed with grief over the death of his wife and their mother. Even though two years have gone by, he seems to be going through the motions of life stuck in the mourning process. These are the integral characters that make up the book, Not All of Me is Dust, written by Frances Maureen Richardson.

There are three parts to the story that encompass the years from 1964 to 1994 as each child grows and experiences life. It's as if one is flipping through a photo album with snapshots of achievements and disappointments. The writing is highly descriptive, but the dialogue, which isn't as abundant, holds weight. I found myself sitting up and taking notice when a character was speaking because of its importance to the core idea of the book.

Dealing with loss, infidelity, and sacrifice of self are some of the issues and conflicts the characters face. The book's genre is Christian fiction and focuses on the Catholic faith. The writer included philosophical poetry, historical facts, and quotes from scripture, which are woven beautifully into the story. Readers will instantly be aware that the author has a love for writings of old that still have significant meaning to our era. Victor Frankl and his work, Man's Search For Meaning, seems to be near and dear to the writer's heart, and she uses his message quite exquisitely as a theme.

There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book. The writing was exceptionally done with only three minor errors earning it 4 out of 4 stars. While there is absolutely no foul language used, there are a few scenes of violence and suggested sexual encounters that some may find offensive. None of the intimate scenes are too graphic but are left up to the reader's imagination. There is a bit of brutality toward humanity. However, this author chooses her words carefully so that the reader gets the idea of what is happening versus long, oppressive details. I mention both of these issues in case some readers prefer no sex or violence in their reading material.

Furthermore, some may not prefer to read about this particular religion and its practices. For those who like a moving, deep story that involves Catholicism, this may be of interest.

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Not All Of Me Is Dust
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Anon_Reviewer · Post by **Anon_Reviewer** » 31 Oct 2019, 09:28

Loss, infidelity, and sacrifice are heavy subjects. In fact, the entire book sounds heavy. Too bad I'm not into Catholicism. I'll have to pass. Glad you enjoyed it, though! Thanks for the review.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 31 Oct 2019, 10:34

This sounds like an engaging read, and your review further piques my interest. Thanks for the recommendation.

cpru68 · Post by **cpru68** » 31 Oct 2019, 16:06

Ever_Reading wrote: ↑31 Oct 2019, 09:28 Loss, infidelity, and sacrifice are heavy subjects. In fact, the entire book sounds heavy. Too bad I'm not into Catholicism. I'll have to pass. Glad you enjoyed it, though! Thanks for the review.

It’s not a book for everyone. I was okay with the Catholic framework of the story, but I wasn’t sure all would be. It’s definitely a book that isn’t light reading. Thank you for reading my review. I appreciate it.

cpru68 · Post by **cpru68** » 31 Oct 2019, 16:07

Cecilia_L wrote: ↑31 Oct 2019, 10:34 This sounds like an engaging read, and your review further piques my interest. Thanks for the recommendation.

It’s not light reading material that is for sure. I appreciate you reading my review. Always good when you stop by!

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 01 Nov 2019, 15:16

Thanks for the review. I think this is a pretty heavy yet engaging read. I am not sure it is a book I would enjoy though.

Falconcrest · Post by **Falconcrest** » 04 Nov 2019, 20:07

I am interested in topics that deal with grief and depression so I will be reading this one. Thanks for a great review.

Sophy Chunge · Post by **Sophy Chunge** » 08 Nov 2019, 18:41

Looks like a moving deep story involving deep themes. Definitely looks like a worthy literary work based on your amazing review.

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 09 Nov 2019, 03:09

A captivating family story in the book "Not All Of Me Is Dust" by Frances Maureen Richardson, which follows Eagle family. Kathleen, the oldest daughter,carries a family secret. Stephen who likes to serve humanity gives up all worldly possessions in pursuit of that. Six year old looks to her brother Stephen for guidance and wisdom. Nice mix of family characters makes this book quite entertaining.

LeDiplomatique · Post by **LeDiplomatique** » 10 Nov 2019, 22:47

The characters sound intriguing. Definitely, this is a book I would enjoy.
Thanks for the beautiful review.

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 11 Nov 2019, 22:02

The themes of the book are very solemn: loss, infidelity, and self-sacrifice. I'm not into religion-based books, so I'll give this one a pass, but I'm sure it will find it's readership with no problem. Thanks for the touching review.

cpru68 · Post by **cpru68** » 12 Nov 2019, 16:30

Falconcrest wrote: ↑04 Nov 2019, 20:07 I am interested in topics that deal with grief and depression so I will be reading this one. Thanks for a great review.

This one has those topics in it for sure! Thanks for reading my review.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 12 Nov 2019, 22:12

I like how the author balances the heavy themes with faith. Readers can see how the difficult stages of life do not overwhelm those who have hope in higher things. Thanks for the fascinating recommendation.