What can I say? I absolutely loved it. I devoured it in an afternoon and was rather disappointed that I had finished it so quickly. It is pure escapism, full of hope.
By the time I finished this book, I was motivated and inspired. I had so many ideas in my head that it felt like it was about to explode. I was motivated to do good and get involved in something just to see things change for the better. This book opened my eyes to possibility, to what could happen if we stopped complaining and started acting.
It was a wellspring of positivity with a healthy dose of reality. This was no fantasy, idealistic world, it was a real one. The characters faced challenges that many people face today, these people were survivors and inspirations. They had problems that they didn’t let hold them back. They fought for what they wanted even if they failed. This book filled me with joy and hope. It simply overflows with goodness.
The Good News Gazette is a reminder that failure isn’t the end but rather a catalyst for growth and better things ahead. A reminder that no matter how hard things get there is light in the darkness and it is possible to find joy in it if we shift our perspective away from the negative. While reading the power of words was reinforced within me and the power of positivity grew stronger. Perspective matters and sometimes we just need someone else to point out the obvious.
After I finished reading and was considering writing this review several bible verses came to mind.
“Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”
James 1:2-4
These verses from James 1 came to mind as I thought about the challenges these people faced. In the middle of it, negative emotions ran high and the wrong choices were sometimes made. But by the end the growth was obvious and if I could’ve shared these verses with them I would’ve. There is some comfort in knowing that the hard times can lead you to being a better person.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgement.”
2 Timothy 1:7
In the same vein this verse from 2 Timothy I wish I could share with the protagonist to help her make her decisions. If she knew this verse at the beginning of the book I like to think it would’ve been of some comfort to her, and maybe she would’ve found ways to deal with her fear sooner.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
The final verse was from 1 Thessalonians. It sums up the relationship between many of the characters, and I just think how much better off our world would be if we stopped to encourage people instead of judging them. The world would be a much better place and I like to imagine that it could still happen someday.
I’ve got nothing but praise for The Good News Gazette, and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel.
Wholeheartedly Faithul 
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