We Are Called to Rise by Laura McBride

Avis knows her marriage is in a bit of a slump, but she is caught completely off guard when her husband admits to an affair and declares that he is moving out.

Meanwhile, an elementary school student starts an assignment in class that has him becoming penpals with a soldier overseas. He has a few issues with his home life as well.

The soldier also goes through some major turmoil, and somehow all three lives become intertwined.

I didn’t know what to expect from this novel but I was familiar with the poem for which it was based.

We never know how high we are
Till we are called to rise;
And then, if we are true to plan,
Our statures touch the skies

– Emily Dickinson

The poem served as the thesis to the novel. Each character was able to rise above the less-than-ideal situations they found themselves in, and even find a happy ending. I really enjoyed this novel and I hope you will too.

My List of 2015 Reads – continually updated all year long