Where is God?
…when your world is falling apart?
“Put this under your pillow and dream.”
These words, written on the back of an old photograph propel Alyssa into a world of memories and insight, not only into her past, but also into the memories of those around her.
Alyssa has a gift – she can place herself in the very moment a photograph was taken by slipping it under her pillow before she goes to bed at night.
Through these dreams, Alyssa discovers that God has a plan.
And it is very different from her own.
After the death of her mother, Alyssa is lost and alone.
The only things that bring her joy are the special needs class that she teaches and the company of two cats at her mother’s old house.
When a new child joins her class, along with a demanding father ready to sue her for any misstep, Alyssa’s job becomes less of a joy, and more of a burden.
Alyssa knows that God has a plan for her, but she is having trouble taking even the slightest step. To whom will she turn? Certainly not the parent that rages and accuses God of the burdens of his son’s life.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
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Review Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed By Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite
I was attracted by the colorful cover and, for a moment, I thought this was a children’s book on photography, but I was so wrong. I am happy I picked up Taking Pictures by Rachael Sircar, a book that explores the beauty of working with children with special needs and the light of faith. Alyssa Heartland loves her job, teaching children with special needs, but then one child will rock her world and make her doubt if she chose the right vocation. The situation becomes more complicated with the presence of the boy’s difficult father. But as she explores her depths, she makes a startling discovery — she has a rare and hidden gift. She can dream of memories captured in a picture, including those of people in the picture, when she places the picture under her pillow. Follow her as she explores her path and connects with her gift, and discovers where it leads her.
This book is a gift of faith, a story that shows a woman’s faith in humanity, and how working with those in need helps her to connect with what is most beautiful in herself. Rachael Sircar writes with unusual grace and simplicity and her prose captures the soul of her characters and the atmosphere of the novel in a vivid and arresting manner. The protagonist as well as the supporting characters are well-explored. I particularly liked the humanity of Alyssa and the internal conflict in her life, and how her character deepens with each episode as she makes new discoveries of herself. The author writes a book with a moving message on the liberating power of service, but readers also encounter characters that are real and situations that are trying. The narrative voice is strong and sweet, and the overall writing features good balance and deft prose. Taking Pictures transports you right into the heart of the characters.
Writer Rachael 