Grace by Morris Gleitzman

In the beginning there was me and Mum and Dad and the twins.

And good luck was upon us and things were great and talk about happy families, we were bountiful.

But it came to pass that I started doing sins. And lo, that's when all our problems began.

The cover and the synopsis made me think that it was going to be some creepy evil child story. But then as I read the story, I felt sympathy for everything Grace had to go through to save her family from their staunchly "religious" community. Grace's father has been of bulk positive influence on Grace and has raised her to be a creative thinker and to question the religious practices of their exclusive church.

This book delves into themes of family, community, hypocrisy, questioning your faith.

<< Warning: Spoilers of ending and quotes from the book >>

My favourite characters would have to be Grace, Mr. Denny, Kyle and Dad. I would also hail Mr. Denny and Kyle as MVPs. Most outsiders probably wouldn't have done what they did, so a big kudos to them.

     It was a difficult question, but I knew God was used to those.

     I thanked God for listening. Almost immediately He gave me an idea and I got busy. For I remembered what Dad had taught me. Don't sit back and wait for God to do it all. Ask for His advice, but be prepared to do the hard yards yourself.
     Which I was.
- "Grace" by Morris Gleitzman, pg 93

... As I reached out to stroke the kitten, I noticed something else hanging from its collar. A small metal disc with engraved words. I looked more closely. It was an address.

28 Spinoza Crescent, Clayton Lakes.

...'Thank you,' I said to the kitten.
It gave a few small miaows and peed on my bed.

Fair enough, I thought. Even messengers from God have bladders.

- "Grace" by Morris Gleitzman, pg 94

... Everything was going wrong. God had lost His temper with me and now He didn't even want to give me the chance to prove myself.
That's what I thought until I saw the name tag the bloke was wearing on his carwash jacket.
Then I did smile, because I realised God was just telling me I'd chosen the wrong ordeal. And now I knew exactly which ordeal He wanted me to undergo.
It was written on the name tag.
Daniel.
- "Grace" by Morris Gleitzman, pg 130