Review of The Importance of Now

[kdstrack]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Importance of Now" by Paul Schumacher.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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“To err is human, to forgive is divine” (Alexander Pope.) Shawn had no trouble admitting his humanity and his many failings. His difficulty came with the divine part of the deal. How could he forgive the man who had killed his father? The Importance of Now, an other-fiction novel by Paul Schumacher, explored the themes of family, forgiveness, and faith.

Shawn felt the burden of his father’s death. He was only fourteen when it happened, and it impacted his life and future. Overwhelmed by rage, Shawn took out his anger on an innocent bystander. After serving his time in a boys’ home, he returned home to remake his life. Pastor Mike invited him to mentor a group of teenage boys. Uncertain of his abilities to counsel the youths, he opened up about his past and the consequences of letting resentment grow in his heart. His new beginning also opened the door to a new love.

Aidan is Shawn's son. Aidan didn’t know much about his father. He discovered a box of letters in the attic. Against his mother’s wishes, he began reading the correspondence and the police reports that had collected dust over the years. Would the truth about his father soothe the ache in his heart or sharpen the pain of his absence?

The chapters alternated between Aidan in the present reading the letters and Shawn’s life in the past. Shawn’s character developed as the author revealed the events that shaped his attitude and actions. Aidan matured as he learned more about his father and why his mother hid these facts from him. I enjoyed this manner of piecing together the story from the dual perspective of father and son. Aidan learned about his father’s mistakes and how Pastor Mike had guided his thoughts and attitudes toward confronting his anger.

Pastor Mike initiated the mentoring sessions with biblical messages. The speeches that impacted Shawn the most were the talks based on the biblical commandments. Readers will encounter numerous Bible passages and the advantages of applying these principles to their life. Readers familiar with the biblical commandments and Scriptures will find it easy to relate to Pastor Mike’s focus.

I found very little to dislike about this book. My only suggestion would be to include a small family tree to avoid confusion as the story shifts between Shawn and Aidan’s telling of the narrative. The book has neither profanity nor sexual content. I only came across a few grammar errors, leading me to conclude that the book has been professionally edited.

I rate The Importance of Now four out of four stars. The author captivates readers with a story of how anger imprisons us when it is not dealt with quickly. This wholesome story and satisfying ending will intrigue adults who enjoy novels about family and faith. Teen readers can relate to the characters in the youth group. "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that prisoner was you" (Lewis B. Smedes, p. 8)

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The Importance of Now
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[Lauren Hanna]

This seems like an interesting storyline. I like how the author gives perspective to both Shawn and his son. I do agree that anger can seize us when not dealt with quickly. It is so important to try to forgive someone to set yourself free. Great review!

[Ada Ling]

This seems like an interesting storyline. I like how the author gives perspective to both Shawn and his son. I do agree that anger can seize us when not dealt with quickly. It is so important to try to forgive someone to set yourself free. Great review!

Agree here. It is more important to forgive than to deal with the ranger. Thanks for the nice review!

[Benaron]

We often fail to realize that anger and resentment only harm ourselves, to let go is actually doing us a favour. Sounds like an interesting read!

[Raluca_Mihaila]

Forgiving someone, especially when you don't have all the insight knowledge about that situation or person, is very subjective and personal. Your review made quite curious about the context of the crime. Thank you for this interesting review!

[kdstrack]

This seems like an interesting storyline. I like how the author gives perspective to both Shawn and his son. I do agree that anger can seize us when not dealt with quickly. It is so important to try to forgive someone to set yourself free. Great review!

I loved the book's theme. Forgiveness is something that many people struggle with without realizing who they are really hurting. Thanks so much for stopping by!

[k_madhu_jha]

Thank you for the review. I will read this book.

[kdstrack]

Thank you for the review. I will read this book.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoy this book.

[kdstrack]

We often fail to realize that anger and resentment only harm ourselves, to let go is actually doing us a favour. Sounds like an interesting read!

Yes. This is true. Alas, it is a very hard lesson to learn. Thanks for your thoughtful comment!

[kdstrack]

Forgiving someone, especially when you don't have all the insight knowledge about that situation or person, is very subjective and personal. Your review made quite curious about the context of the crime. Thank you for this interesting review!

This is part of the internal debate one goes through when struggling with forgiveness! Thanks so much for sharing your reflections about this review. I hope you will enjoy the book.

[Josephe-Anne]

I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for Shawn having to deal with his father's death. This sounds like a very emotional coming of age story.

Thank you for an excellent summary and review.

[kdstrack]

I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for Shawn having to deal with his father's death. This sounds like a very emotional coming of age story.

Thank you for an excellent summary and review.

The author has written a moving story that teaches an important lesson about forgiveness. Thanks for your thoughtful comments.

[ROSEY-ANN]

I enjoyed reading your review. The summary portion was also well done. I would like to read this book. Well done.

[kdstrack]

I enjoyed reading your review. The summary portion was also well done. I would like to read this book. Well done.

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your kind and motivating words! I hope you will enjoy the book, too!

[Brenda Creech]

I love the last quote in the review! The hardest thing we ever do is forgive ourselves. This sounds like an emotional read as Shawn and Aidan both tell their own stories. I will have to check this one out for sure! Thanks for the excellent review!