The Best and the Worst of the Church

Home for Erring and Outcast Girls by Julie Kibler is simultaneously a look at the best and the worst of the church particularly in regards to sexual violence against women. The description drew me in immediately--a timeslip novel about an historical church-based home for girls who had no where else to go AND a modern day, university librarian who was doing research related to this same home. However, by the end of the book, I was angry at the injustices experienced by both the historical and modern day characters.

As I started to read the book, early on I found myself checking the publisher information as I didn't think this was from a Christian/religious publishing house, yet the setting of a Christian home for wayward girls allowed for numerous scripture passages and Christian teaching. I really enjoyed the emphasis on grace the girls and women who lived at the Berachah Home were given. However, early on I picked up that something would happen the cast an unfavorable view of the church as well. As I suspected, towards the end of the book there are spurious actions by those in powerful positions as well as huge twist in the identity of one of the characters. Throughout the book, as each character's story unfolds men who should protect and care for them instead abuse and use them in unspeakable ways. To say anymore would spoil the storyline. Home for Erring and Outcast Girls is recommended for mature readers. Book clubs will find much to think about and discuss in these pages. Hopefully, readers will return to their churches and communities and ask what would happen here if similar events unfolded. If you are looking for a sweet enjoyable read, this not the book for you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Home for Erring and Outcast Girls via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.