Review + Tour: A Forest, a Flood and an Unlikely Star by J.A. Myhre

Just thirteen-years-old, Kusiima has no time for school, sports, or hanging out with the other boys in his African village. With no father or mother to take care of him, he works long hours to support his grandmother and sickly baby sister. Then one day, Kusiima s life suddenly changes when he travels into a nearby protected forest. In the forest, Kusiima is presented with many choices, all with uncertain outcomes. Should he go along with illegal logging? Help to save an endangered baby gorilla? Follow a donkey to who knows where? With each choice, Kusiima has to make yet another decision about what is right in front of him. As he does, he meets a mysterious doctor who holds the key to his past and his future. In the end, Kusiima is faced with the hardest choice of all. Can he forgive a great wrong and heal a broken relationship? Readers of all ages won t want to put down this exciting book that addresses current realities like AIDS, malnutrition, and environmental destruction, all set in a richly detailed African adventure story. Following along as Kusiima makes his decisions, readers will find themselves considering their own choices and growing in empathy for others. This action-packed tale of a boy, his sister, and an orphaned gorilla is also a clear call to give up bitterness and forgive deep hurts, restoring broken lives and relationships. A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star is the third book in the Rwendigo Tale Series and follows Book One, A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest, and Book Two, A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue.

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~ My Review ~

This was a lovely story that instantly pulled me in. I cried over Kusiima's eagerness to hear his grandmother tell him about his mother and their past, only to be met with the honesty and realities of what their life was then, and what uncertainties their life has now. Although, like most adolescents, you feel his stubbornness and struggles and fears, you also sense the transition period of understanding and hope and willingness towards the end.  This book had adventure and life lessons that I appreciated and enjoyed. I especially loved the little illustrations sprinkled throughout the book. This was a good story for the young and a great reminder for us adults. 

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review. However, these thoughts and opinions are my own. I'm not required to write a positive review.***

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About the Author

J. A. Myhre serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom many of her stories were written as Christmas presents.
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Find out more about J.A. at http://paradoxuganda.blogspot.com.

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**For more about this tour with Litfuse Publicity or about the book, or author, please visit:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/JAMyhre