The Penny by Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford
When I first heard about The Penny I had no interest in reading it. While I love Joyce Meyer, her nonfiction books, and teaching, I was hesitant to read a fiction account written with someone. But my mom, being a big time Joyce Meyer fan, told me how much she enjoyed the book and all about picking up pennies, and I became intrigued.
The Penny is about one girl’s journey to finding self-worth and unconditional love while having to endure a painful and unimaginable family life. When Jenny isn’t being abused by her father, or ignored by her older sister, she shys away from friends so that no one will want to come to her house. She can’t protect herself from her father and fears she won’t be able to protect her friends either.
Then she finds a penny in the middle of the road, and the chain of events that follow change the course of Jenny’s life.
I loved Jenny’s voice and it was reminiscent of one of my 2007 favorite books Watching the Tree Limbs by Mary DeMuth. I enjoyed Jenny’s journey to finding friendship and freedom from her horrid life. The storyline kept me engaged, though for some reason I really couldn’t connect on an emotional level with Jenny and the story had a ton of potentionally, emotionally engaging scenes. Still, it was a worthwhile read and the book will be included in my current book contest which ends today! I’m looking forward to the movie version!
Here’s what others are saying about The Penny:
Have you ever passed a penny in the street and only thought about picking it up but didn’t bother?
Well, don’t let this penny pass you by!
Here is your opportunity to read Joyce Meyer’s fictional debut before the movie adaptation is released. Follow 14-year old Jenny Blake as her simple discovery of a shiny penny on the asphalt leads to her learning to see God’s message in the simpler things in life and find true forgiveness.
A bestseller in hardcover, THE PENNY is now available in paperback.
More about The Penny
Read an excerpt
Available in Audio, listen to a clip!
Use the Reading Group Guide
More about Joyce Meyer
In her own words, A Story of Restoration by Joyce Meyer
Visit Joyce Meyer.org
More about Deborah Bedford
Deborah Bedford on Writing With Joyce Meyer
Visit Deborah Bedford Books
My StumbleUpon Page
I learned to pick up pennies (and sometimes other coins) while walking to work with my dad as a teenager. I still do it. I have a quart milk jar that holds all the money I’ve found over the last several years. Maybe one day it will be full.
My favorite story about picking up money (which I think Max Lucado tells) is of a wealthy man who was observed picking up a penny, then stopping quietly for a moment. When asked why, he responded that the penny said “In God we trust” and he stopped and prayer whenever he found a penny. Good thing to do, I think.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:43 amThis sounds like an interesting read.
Hey, stop by my blog today and comment. I’m giving away a Starbucks card
May 16th, 2008 at 7:31 amI’m looking forward to reading this book. I’ve heard only good things.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:33 pmAt first I kind of thought like you did about Joyce Meyer and fiction, Gina. But after everything I’ve heard, along with your honest review, it’s definitely on my list. Joyce is such a gifted teacher and writer that I’d like to see how she uses the vehicle of fiction to convey spiritual truths.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:39 pmHi.. just found your place through a search on a friends
journal..
A very special friend in USA sent me this book as a gift..
I am in Australia.. I don’t normally read fiction but
this book was very good.. I like Joyce Meyer very much and
thought her book with the other writer Deborah was very good.
She didn’t hide that bad things happen to good people.. but
she showed how God uses even small things like a penny
to help us find peace and His better purpose for our lives.
God bless..
May 16th, 2008 at 10:40 pmI only pick up a penny if it is heads up! I don’t know if that is an old wives tale or not. With other coins, it doesn’t matter to me. I have read a few of Joyce’s books and saw her speak at a “Women of Faith” Conference. I didn’t know she had a fiction book out. It has an interesting story line. Cindi
May 17th, 2008 at 1:09 amGina, thanks for the heads up on the book. My mom is always picking up pennies.
May 18th, 2008 at 5:13 pmSounds like a touching read. Would love to read a copy.
May 19th, 2008 at 11:56 am