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Symbala's River By Stephen M. Kelly Symbala’s River by Stephen M. Kelly is what every young adult adventure should be. Set in a small tribal fishing village, it tells the story of the title character Symbala, who is both inquisitive and independent, who sets out on a journey to find the beginning of the village’s nearby river. Syabala had been raised by the village wise woman since the death of her parents, and during that time was taught the wisdom that would see her through her journey. Symbala’s journey took her through many different and, to her, strange lands, all the while being tracked by both a wild animal and two sisters sent by village elders to keep tabs on her. Eventually the journey upriver belongs to all three who suffer hardship and enjoy success together. The wisdom taught to Symbala by her caretaker was constantly in her thoughts. It is this wisdom that sets Symbala’s River apart from other adult adventure books. She is constantly reminded of pieces of their villages sacred writings which are culled from some of the most important tenants of Christianity. Along the way she shares these concepts with those she meets. Symbala is a true Christian hero, who, though she is young and endures much, constantly relies on her faith in her Maker. Symbala learns that her journey was not just one to find the end of the river, it was to find out through her journey that she belongs back in her own village where she can help teach the faith she learned to the rest of her village, and to the rest of the world. Symbala’s River is a book any young adult would both love and learn from, and even adults could appreciate following Symbala on her journey. This book will help teach some very important lessons about faith in a way that is not pretentious by actually showing its reader what it means to be faithful. In fact, it is an almost perfect Christian adventure story hampered only by the occasional childish turn of phrase obviously intended to speak to a younger audience. I feel that this is not necessary in an otherwise smart short novel, however it does not take away from the overall message of the book. Also, even though all of the heros of the story are girls, the story itself is one that every young boy will enjoy as well. If you are a Christian parent I encourage you to pick up this little book for your children. Visit www.symbalasriver.com for more information |
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