Family, tough questions and open hearts - White Picket Fences

by Debi Stangeland

November 3, 2010

@funkiplanet

Recently, I was preparing to post this review. I planned on posting it after I drove across the mountains to visit my sister in law for her birthday. We never made it to our destination however. Our car flipped over in a snow storm and we, my kids and I, were left hanging from our seat belts up-side-down. After a while another car came along and then another and the kindness of strangers was a blessing to use that day. Needless to say I never got my review posted.

However, today is another day and in our house we are planning for a family wedding. Which got me to thinking about the book White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner. I highly recommend this book. It is a touching story and deeply moving. It encompasses several generations, different life phases, family dynamics and it all works.

Meissner does a great job of intertwining the stories of all the characters involved. I was particularly pleased with the meatiness of this book. The subject matter was difficult and could have come across as trite or vapid, but to the contrary it is deep and meaningful.

Family is an important part of our lives. Deep meaningful relationships are to be cherished and appreciated. After seeing what could have happened to my own family last week I think it is important to foster good relationships, ask difficult questions and love with open hearts.