Review: We Are Called to Rise by Laura McBride

An immigrant boy whose family is struggling to assimilate. A middle-aged housewife coping with an imploding marriage and a troubled son. A social worker at home in the darker corners of Las Vegas. A wounded soldier recovering from an injury he can't remember getting. By the time we realize how these voices will connect, the impossible and perhaps the unbearable has already happened. We Are Called to Rise is a boomtown tale, in which the lives of people from different backgrounds and experiences collide in a stunning coincidence. When presented the opportunity to sink into despair, these characters rise. Through acts of remarkable charity and bravery, they rescue themselves. Emotionally powerful yet tender and intimate, We Are Called to Rise is a novel of redemption and unexpected love.

Kindle Edition, 240 pages

Expected publication: June 3rd 2014 by Simon & Schuster

Kristine's Thoughts:

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from Simon & Schuster via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is June 3, 2014.

I find it difficult to put into words exactly how I felt about this book. It was a compelling story told in an understated kind of way that some people may not appreciate but I found to be extremely effective.

The story is told through four different personalities. You have a middle aged woman, an injured soldier, an eight year old boy and a volunteer CASA worker. Initially it feels like four different stories and it leaves you wondering how they connect and intertwine but when you get to (roughly) 57 percent it becomes abundantly clear. Each story is equally interesting and I was invested in all four stories but once I hit that pivotal point in the story I was glued. I couldn't wait to find out how it was going to play out.

Without giving anything away I will say that this story deals with real and current issues that far too many people are dealing with every day. It gives you a small glimpse into these problems through the eyes of the four characters within this book. You read about the effects of war, the child welfare system, separation, love and so much more. McBride pens the story beautifully with such raw emotion that I felt like I truly understood what each one of them were going through.

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this story and could have easily kept reading. I would have loved to know what happens after the story leaves off. This was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend this book.

About the Author

Laura McBride is a writer and community college teacher in Las Vegas, Nevada. She grew up next to a river in Spokane, spent her bright college years at Santa Clara and Yale, met her husband while living hand-to-mouth in Paris, and wrote part of We Are Called to Rise while in residency at Yaddo.

Connect with Laura

Website/Twitter /Facebook/Goodreads