May 28 2009
Contest Winner, First Place: Christy
Review by Bethany M., Age 16
As a freshman, I stood staring at the dreaded bookshelf at school. Each quarter, we had to pick a different literature book to read. Scurrying to choose the shortest and easiest books, my classmates left me only two choices: Christy by Catherine Marshall, or The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. After I read the back cover of Christy I knew that I would have the greatest chance of finishing that over The Hobbit. Instantly, everyone was advising me not to read it because of its length and difficulty. Determined to prove them wrong, I confidently picked up Christy, and my journey through Christy’s story began. Little did I know that this would become my favorite book.
Christy Huddleston, the book’s main character, was 19 years old and just discovering who she was, and what she wanted to do with her life. After attending a church conference one summer, Christy decisively knew that she would become a missionary to the people in a secluded mountain area known as Cutter Gap. Sadly, the people didn’t accept her at first. As her relationships with the people strengthened, her faith was also tested, tried, and truly tempted to give up through many hardships and disasters along the way. Fighting through the rough times, Christy and the others learn what it truly means to work together, love each other, and have perseverance. After Christy recovered from being ill herself because of a typhoid outbreak, she discovered that the doctor who nursed her back to health was also in love with her.
As I reluctantly opened the 500-page book that I just wanted to get over with, I was surprised as I was almost instantly pulled into the story of this 19 year old girl. Catherine Marshall, who is the author, did an amazing job with the dialogue of the story. For me personally, I enjoy stories like Christy because there is more interaction between characters, not just a narrative of the novel. Additionally, the language in the dialogue was easier for me to follow; more modern, yet it was still written very well as a novel. Believability of the reality of the story was incredibly effortless because of its more modern tone. When she said, “I’m not afraid. I just don’t like it,” in response to a question from Dr. MacNeill, I simply had to laugh because of the many times I have said that exact thing. I also liked how this book is written in first-person point of view. When I was wondering why I was so lured in, I realized that among other factors, it was because it felt like she was telling her story to me, talking directly to me, being written in first-person point of view.
As I walked back to that dreaded bookshelf to return Christy, I realized that it wasn’t my enemy anymore. I grinned as I thought how I had just gained a favorite book from it. Christy, because of well-written dialogue and first-person point of view, is now and unforgettable novel, which I hope, will stay on that bookshelf for all the freshmen in years to come.
Bethany’s review of Christy not only reviews a story, it tells one. This review pulled me in from the first line, making me want to know how one reader’s negative expecations were challenged and then transformed. Bethany also does an excellent job of pointing out what narrative techniques are used to bring Christy to life. Thanks for sharing this, Bethany, and congratulations!
