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About Grace


Synopsis


Beautifully written and compelling, About Grace is the brilliant debut novel from Anthony Doerr.

Growing up in Alaska, young David Winkler is crippled by his dreams. At nine, he dreams a man is decapitated by a passing truck on the path outside his family's home. The next day, unable to prevent it, he witnesses an exact replay of his dream in real life. The premonitions keep coming, unstoppably. He sleepwalks during them, bringing catastrophe into his reach.

Then, as unstoppable as a vision, he falls in love, at the supermarket (exactly as he already dreamed) with Sandy. They flee south, landing in Ohio, where their daughter Grace is born. And then the visions of Grace's death begin for Winkler, as their waterside home is inundated. Plagued by the same horrific images of Grace drowning, when the floods come, he cannot face his destiny and flees.

He beaches on a remote Caribbean island, where he works as a handyman, chipping away at his doubts and hopes, never knowing whether Grace survived the flood or met the doom he foretold. After two decades, he musters the strength to find out…

Summary

Chapter 1: The Weight of Glory

* Summary: Explores the concept of "glory" and its transformative power.
* Example: The story of Robert, a convicted murderer who finds redemption through the transformative power of grace.

Chapter 2: The Refiner's Fire

* Summary: Discusses the trials and tribulations that test our faith and help us grow spiritually.
* Example: The experience of Sarah, a young woman who struggles with cancer but finds strength and resilience through her trials.

Chapter 3: The Grace of God

* Summary: Explores the nature and attributes of God's grace.
* Example: The parable of the prodigal son, highlighting the unconditional and overflowing love of God.

Chapter 4: The Abundance of Grace

* Summary: Argues that grace is not limited but is available to all who seek it.
* Example: The story of Mary Magdalene, a former prostitute who found forgiveness and new life through the grace of Jesus.

Chapter 5: The Grace of Sanctification

* Summary: Focuses on the role of grace in our sanctification, or spiritual transformation.
* Example: The testimony of John Smith, a believer who shares how grace has enabled him to overcome addiction and lead a holy life.

Chapter 6: The Grace of Prayer

* Summary: Highlights the importance of prayer as a means of accessing God's grace.
* Example: The experiences of Laura, a woman who found healing and spiritual renewal through persistent prayer.

Chapter 7: The Grace of Giving

* Summary: Explores the concept of giving as a reflection of God's grace and its transformative impact.
* Example: The story of Benjamin, a businessman who discovers the joy and fulfillment of giving to others.

Chapter 8: The Grace of Service

* Summary: Emphasizes the role of service in extending God's grace to others.
* Example: The example of Mother Teresa, whose tireless work with the poor and dying demonstrated the transformative power of grace in action.

Chapter 9: The Grace of Heaven

* Summary: Examines the ultimate destination for those who have lived by grace.
* Example: The vision of heaven as a place of everlasting joy and communion with God, where grace reigns supreme.