Invisible by Ginny L. Yttrup ~ review

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: B&H Books (April 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1433671689
• ISBN-13: 978-1433671685

This book is also available as an e-book

If you would like to purchase a copy of "Invisible" just click here.

Release date: April 1, 2013

Ellyn DeMoss -- chef, café owner, and lover of butter -- is hiding behind her extra weight. But what is she hiding? While Ellyn sees the good in others, she has only condemnation for herself. So when a handsome widower claims he’s attracted to Ellyn, she’s certain there’s something wrong with him.

 

Sabina Jackson -- tall, slender, and exotic -- left her husband, young adult daughters, and a thriving counseling practice to spend a year in Northern California where she says she’s come to heal. But it seems to Ellyn that Sabina’s doing more hiding than healing. What’s she hiding from? Is it God?

 

Twila Boaz has come out of hiding and is working to gain back the pounds she lost when her only goal was to disappear. When her eating disorder is triggered again, though she longs to hide, she instead follows God and fights for her own survival. But will she succeed?

 

As these women’s lives intertwine, their eyes open to the glory within each of them as they begin to recognize themselves as being created in God’s image.

My take on this book:

"Invisible" takes place in Fort Bragg, CA and told with four unique voices. Dr. Miles Becker, who lost his wife Sarah to cancer, but before she died she made him promise her that he would move on, even suggesting someone for him to get to know. Ellyn DeMoss is a chef who runs her own restaurant  She is very critical of herself because she is carrying several extra pounds.Sabina Jackson, is a counselor who says that she is taking a short sabbatical, but in truth she thinks that she is mildly depressed. There is more going on in Sabina's life than she is willing to admit. Twila Boaz had weight issues and was finally diagnosed with anorexia  but now recovering she works with her mother at a health food store and uses tattoos in order to cover up her body, but also to express her feelings. Each of these characters lend their voice to "Invisible" and as their stories unfold, they blend together making for a remarkable tale with several powerful messages.

I was afraid that this book might get confusing because it had four unique stories, but instead the voices and stories are so unique that it is easy to understand and follow along. While I found each characters story interesting, I have to say that Ellyn was the character that really resonated with me. Her poor self image and struggle with weight was something that is very relevant in today's society. Her inner voice that she named Earl, was very negative. Because she was so disappointed in herself she was certain that she was a disappointment to God as well. When the doctor shows an interest in her she can't imagine what he would see in her, even thinking there might be something wrong with him.

Overall, this was a story where the characters are struggling with issues that were very relatable, but more than that left the message of God's love and acceptance. Not a light fluffy read, instead the author crafts characters that are so easy to relate too, because each in their own way are struggling with things that are relevant in today's society. The discussion questions provided at the end of the story would make this a great group read. A story that will inspire and challenge, and maybe even motivate. 

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.