Just One Wish by Janette Rallison

I must say, Jeremy Truman's taste in TV shows is rather fabulous. When I was six, my favorite show was Blue's Clues. His favorite show is Teen Robin Hood, which I'm assuming shows the start of his take-from-the-rich, give-to-the-poor career. Teen Robin Hood shoots arrows at the bad guys while saving Maid Marion from danger, and he always manages to make the world a better place. What a role model, I must say, for any young boy.

Every week my little brother and I head to our local branch of the library. It's literally just up the street from us, and we walk or bike. That's where we go to get our books and CDs for entertainment. Even though we have DVR, about 100 channels, and three computers in our house, we were brought up to have an imagination. Reading is always a favorite passtime in our family.

My brother is four years younger than me. I was in preschool when he was born. While he and Feliza fight like cats and dogs, I'm more of the peace-keeper. I get along with both of them.

If one of my siblings ever developed a possibly terminal illness like cancer, I think I'd be a little like Annika, the protagonist of Just One Wish. I'd want to be able to do anything to make them happy, so that their time left was nice.

In this book, Annika shows a lot of courage, which I admire, even though she sometimes should think her plans through. I don't know how if I'd be that stupid or crazy compassionate about getting my siblings their wish. I definitely wouldn't drive to California and stalk a famous actor for them. Mostly because I live across the country, but also because it's a little bit
reckless and a lot bit stupid.

I know her heart is in the right place, and I have been known to do things spontaneously, but there are certain things - illegal things - that sometimes you shouldn't cross the line for.

Overall, though, the book is pretty awesome. A good mix of romance, adventure, fast cars, good will, and family love. It's an interesting read, with lots to think about God and the goodness in the world.

Annika is "not speaking" to God because she asked him to save her brother if He loved her. You know, not the best idea. I'm of the opinion that God doesn't take bribes. Sometimes you just have to go out on a limb and have faith that you'll make it through, and sometimes you just have to accept that God has others plans. According to Billy Joel, "Only the good die young." Maybe that's how it is in life. Annika's brother is an innocent six-year-old who idolizes a TV character that is all about doing good in the world and helping people who are oppressed and defenseless. He tries to do what's good for his family by wishing them to be happy and not for his own recovery. It shows a strength of mind and an acceptance of God's will to be able to be a first grader and sacrifice your own health for those you care about.

If you have a sibling and love them, read this. It puts into perspective the fact that they're in your life and what they mean to you. I'd miss my siblings terribly. Heck, I'm already going to miss my sister when she moves out to live on campus in the fall. Life is short, so spend it with the people you care about.