By: Karen Kingsbury
Here is a Christmas story with a feel good ending that could be read in the middle of summer. Sarah is an old woman in a nursing home. She has advanced congestive heart failure. No relatives visit. Each year she has taken out a small Christmas tree and decorated it with some slips of paper. This year she knows will be her last and she wants to gift her story and the song that goes with it to SOMEONE before she dies. Beth is an aide. Her marriage is on the rocks. And yes, she gets to hear Sarah's story and the song that goes with it . . . and yes, she and her husband reconcile in the process. If you like short novels heavy on warmth, short on angst, Sarah's Song is worth the read. You may be inspired to make the most of your life or you may just think, "sentimental stuff." In any case, you'll probably wish the book came with a recording of Sarah's song so you could hum along. Would I recommend it to a friend? Depends. If she wanted a light read that might remind her that we all have a story and that we do need to pass on some of what we've learned, yes. If she wanted something to challenge mind or heart, there are many better choices. Review by Kate. (Fiction) 07/16/09
