Today I’d like to tell you about a book I’ve just had the privilege of reading, and I’m fairly certain it’s one that I won’t forget soon.

All Manner of Things

by Susie Finkbeiner

When Annie Jacobson’s brother Mike enlists as a medic in the Army in 1967, he hands her a piece of paper with the address of their long-estranged father. If anything should happen to him in Vietnam, Mike says, Annie must let their father know.

In Mike’s absence, their father returns to face tragedy at home, adding an extra measure of complication to an already tense time. As they work toward healing and pray fervently for Mike’s safety overseas, letter by letter the Jacobsons must find a way to pull together as a family, regardless of past hurts. In the tumult of this time, Annie and her family grapple with the tension of holding both hope and grief in the same hand, even as they learn to turn to the One who binds the wounds of the brokenhearted.

Author Susie Finkbeiner invites you into the Jacobson family’s home and hearts during a time in which the chaos of the outside world touched their small community in ways they never imagined.

My Thoughts

This book left me with the feeling that I’d just stepped back in time. Gotten to know some new friends from the 60s, and felt a tiny bit of the heartache they faced.

I loved meeting Annie. Her life hasn’t been an easy one. When she was only a young girl, her father walked away from their family. He just couldn’t deal with who’d he become since his return from the war.

And now, in these days in the sixties, Annie’s beloved older brother Mike enlists, too.

This is the story of what they face as Mike leaves, as they face other hard times, it’s a very difficult season in their lives.

It is a simple story of a ‘common American family’. And yet, in it’s simplicity, it blessed and challenged, and reached out to something deep within me.

Their daily life, their struggles. Their fears.

In spite of all the hard things Annie has faced (or rather, because of them), she’s become a beautiful young lady. One who knows how to be strong and stand up for herself and the ones she loves.

This story touches on many issues, including racism, PTSD, and much more.

If you take the time to read this one, I believe you will also be touched in ways that will surprise you.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255