Book Review of Everything Before Us by Melissa Brawdy

 At first glance, Ms. Brawdy’s story depicts the junior and senior year of two high school athletes: Mason, the more privileged of the two, and Carson, whose parents have neglected and abused him. Rivals, playing for different teams, they become unlikely friends after Carson seriously wounds Mason in a football game.

But things go much deeper than that.  Though Ms. Brawdy handles on-the-field drama as skillfully as a sportswriter, what happens between the teen characters off the field hits all readers where we’re at, sports fans or not.

A realistic depiction of high school life during the pandemic years, this novel stands as a marker of a period in history none of us should forget. Unless you were a teen, the parent of a one, or a school employee at the time, you may not have considered how the craziness of 2021 effected the lives and futures of hundreds of thousands of students.

Another bit of stark realism here is the lasting harm an abusive parent causes in the life of a child.  Carson’s parents’ rejection and cruel words push him to violence which has earns him the reputation of a hopeless bully.

Several influential adults hate him for this and make his life a living Hell. Carson believes that he’s nothing but a loser, until one man comes along side of him with the love of Jesus. Carson accepts the gospel message readily, although it takes him time to let unconditional love sink in. He still hears voices of condemnation. The real story in Everything Before Us is how God uses those who are willing to go the distance in healing the wounded spirits of damaged people.   

Though Ms. Brawdy’s novel is geared toward a teen audience, anyone living with or praying for a broken individual will be encouraged by this story. You can get a copy on Amazon in Kindel or paperback format or contact her at  melissabrawdy@gmail.com 

 To my subscribers old and new,

Have a blessed week!

Pat Mooney Sweet