Forever Lily is a memoir that begins with Beth Nonte Russell traveling with her friend Alex to China. Alex is going to China to bring home the daughter that she is adopting and asks to Beth to go along with her. Before and during the trip, Beth has vivid dreams of living in China in a past life. Unfortunately, once they have the baby Alex begins withdrawing from her and Beth begins caring for the baby instead. And then comes the time when Alex says she can't take the baby and has changed her mind. Beth has a decision to make and this book takes us through her journey as she realized that she cannot leave the baby behind.
Wow! I had strong feelings about this book but it pulled me into two different directions. The journey that Beth takes the reader on, that she actually experienced for herself is amazing. She shares the horrors of seeing the orphanage where the baby was living and hard it was to walk away from the children living there. It is easy to understand how and why she grows attached to the baby and to see the reasoning on why she doesn't want to leave the baby behind. Also the difficulties she faces with Alex are portrayed which was interesting to read about as well.
On the other hand, I had a hard time with this book at the beginning because of our different belief systems (I guess that is the best way to put it). The author obviously believes in past lives and believes that she was from China in a previous life. She shared her "dreams" that she was having and they were very vivid and detailed. I had a hard time reconciling this until I finally just let go. I decided to read the book with more of the opinion that this was her beliefs and even if I was skeptical to just read and enjoy. Once I did that I enjoyed the book much more and found the author's story much more satisfying.
All in all, I enjoyed this story especially as I am a mother myself. The ending of this memoir was immensely satisfying and I'm glad that I gave this book a try. Thanks to the author for sending me this one to review!
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Great review Sam. I've been seeing a lot of reviews of this one lately. Not sure yet whether it's one I want to read or not-kind of on the fence.
ReplyDeleteDar- It was a good read but I just had a bit of a problem with it at first. She is an interesting woman and I found her journey to be interesting as well :)
ReplyDeletethis sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteits good that you were able to enjoy it even though
you were skeptical of her beliefs on past lives.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
I've heard kind of mixed reviews about this one, but your review has me really curious about it again! I'm glad you mostly enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteNot really up my alley but I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteNaida- It really did end up being a good book and I'm glad that I read it.
ReplyDeleteTrish- I have to admit to having my doubts in the beginning. She writes beautifully though and I'm glad that I stuck with it.
Ladytink- Now that is something that I can understand :) To each their own as they say.