Title: Right in the Middle But Left Out
Author: Jeffery Trees
Publisher: BookVenture Publishing LLC
ISBN: 978-1-64069-609-9
Pages: 139
Genre: Autobiography/Religion
Reviewed by: Ella Vincent
Pacific Book Review
Right in the Middle But Left Out is the inspirational story of Jeffery Trees, a minister who endures hardships in his marriage. However, with faith and forgiveness, Trees has found a way out of his unhappiness to find peace in his life. Trees is a Methodist minister who falls in love with a young woman, Kathy. Soon after they fall in love, they marry and have children. Their marriage unravels, however, when Kathy becomes distant towards Trees and exhibits strange behavior towards him. Trees soon discovers the tragic reason why Kathy is acting strangely and steps in to help her. With counseling and through prayer, Trees discovers strength he never knew he had.
Right in the Middle But Left Out is an emotionally honest and searing novel. Trees speaks honestly about the trauma that abuse in families can have on people. He also unflinchingly looks at the devastating effect that abuse can have on survivors and their spouses. Trees writes about how faith helped him through the difficulties in his marriage. He not only shares his pain and triumph, he also helps others who may be in similar situations. His advice in the end of the memoir offers comforting advice to abuse survivors and the people who love them.
Though Trees is a conservative Methodist minister, he has open-minded ideas toward people who have lives and viewpoints that are markedly different from his own. Trees’ writing is conversational and will be very engaging to readers. He has an inclusive view of church congregation members that are gay or from different countries. His vision of God as a forgiving and welcoming spirit gives the book an optimistic theme which will inspire readers.
Right in the Middle But Left Out would be best for readers who are abuse survivors or friends and family of survivors. The book would also be best for religious readers who have overcome turbulent times and need an inspirational text. Additionally, this book would be best for church groups or for groups that support abuse survivors or their spouses as well as it would also be ideal for readers who want to read about how to help abuse survivors.
Right in the Middle But Left Out is a gripping and moving memoir which will inspire readers to persevere through life’s biggest challenges; as the author has written a book which will make every reader feel that they can succeed with faith with love.
