Born To Return The Gift

Celebration

2013-07-04T13:19:00.001-07:00

5 out of 5 Stars for 'Born To Return The Gift' - rated by the African Americans on the Move Book Club - Novels That Reflect You and Me

2013-06-10T06:52:00.001-07:00

Born to Return the Gift by Catherine E. Johnson is a book that should be ready by many women.
This book is both a look at the physical and the spiritual side of the human being.I started reading and could not put down. This book was very good. Born to Return the Gift beautifully portrays the struggles of the main character. Being exposed to the harsh realities of addiction at a young age, she grows up with low self-esteem and throws herself into the world of depression, abusive relationships and suffering. Yet, somehow she finds herself reaching towards a stronger being. Johnson has written a novel that probably describes many women, especially the depression when nothing seems to go right. Nyima was an abused woman who simply didn't know how to chose the right man. It is a novel well worth reading. The conclusion creates a tension in Nyima. She finally sees the pattern of God's purpose in all that has happened. She meets the final challenge of finding the courage to fight for her future.
While some of the topics and language are "R" rated, this is a story that is faith driven and faith based. It is written with a gentle sense of humor. When you leave the book, you will believe in Nyima. I recommend this book to all women book clubs out there. This book has a lot of life reality.

Barbara Morgan
AAMBC Reviewer

NOTE - This review was posted to GoodReads

An Update On Books That Have Made An Impact On My Life

2013-06-04T03:52:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading 'The Warmth of Other Suns' by Isabel Wilkerson, and below is the review I posted to Amazon.com.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Fact Of Life Lesson In American History,June 3, 2013 by Catherine E. Johnson

'The Warmth Of Other Suns' is a brilliant work documenting America's Great Migration from the South to the North and Western cities of America during the twentieth century. This analytical and profound story of American's socio-economic development was spurred by the Jim Crow Era of the South.

As Black migrants fled from the South, immigrants who fled Facism and Stalinism in their home countries fought Black migrants coming to Northern cities for resources such as jobs and housing; and with a perceived sense of fear, they desired to segregate themselves with those who shared their cultural attachments.

The interweaving personal stories of Ida Mae, George, and Pershing (Robert) humanizes history with the portrayal of the strength of character and human spirit indicative of most Blacks migrating to a new world within the same world. Their struggle and search for the freedom afforded them by the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the equality eventually insured by the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth amendments, is a monumental testament to generations of all ethnicities wanting a better life for their children.

Despite Federal Law, America's melting pot evolved into a psychological warfare for Black migrants because it proved to be more opportunistic for immigrants from other countries, while those who were born in this country were subjected to threats, violence, and bombings to keep them out of newly established neighborhoods. Generations of Black migrants persevered and adapted to the trappings of overcrowded ghettos and thirty years later their children still dream of escaping - a concrete jungle overruled by gangs, guns, drugs, and prostitution.

Jacqueline Joan Johnson - South Carolina migrant to New York in 1971, said, 'It occurred to me that no matter where I lived, geography could not save me.'

Notes at the end of the book (pg. 586, Notation # 535) list famous African Americans with their family's state of origin, who have successfully made it out and paved the way for generations to come.

Many quotes are cited from other's works, but I've chosen two to sum up the reality exposed in this book.

Revolutions - 'I can conceive of no Negro Native to this country who has not, by the age of puberty, been irreparably scarred by the condition of his life . . . The wonder is not that so many are ruined but that so many survive. - James Baldwin, Notes of a Native Son.

Disillusionment - 'Let's not fool ourselves. We are far from the Promised Land - both North and South. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

This was a tedious read due to the painful atrocities recorded in the beginning, but the insights eventually established outweighed the discomfort.

We study History to understand the past in order to avoid repeating the same mistakes. I highly recommend 'The Warmth of Other Suns' as a 'must read' for ALL Americans in order to not only understand what has established us as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all; but also to further promote a healing that is still long overdue.

Congratulations to Isabel Wilkerson for her tenacious research and journalistic skills. I'm sure that many tears were shed in compiling this book. This Pulitzer Prize winning masterpiece succinctly portrays an in-depth history truer than anything I was fortunate to read as a High School student in Connecticut, (A state only mentioned once.) during the 1960's.

In a World Wrought with Competition ...What Would Life Be Without Spies?

2013-06-04T00:50:00.000-07:00

I must apologize for my last post when I invited you to borrow my books through Amazon's Kindle Prime Program. They have since notified me that it has come to their attention that because my books are now available through sources other than Amazon, readers may not freely 'borrow' my titles through this program.

For those who are still interested in reading my books, please email me at onyzproductions@yahoo.com to request free copies in the following formats:

Kindle (.mobi); Epub; PDF; RTF; LRF; Palm Doc (PDB) and Plain Text. (download lacks formatting)

All I ask is that you submit your reviews first to Smashwords.com at the following links.

Born To Return The Gift : https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/7915
End All To Be All : https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/99857

And then copy and paste the same reviews to Amazon.com at the following links.

Born To Return The Gift : http://www.amazon.com/Born-Return-Gift-ebook/dp/B002T460JU/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370309886&sr=1-1&keywords=born+to+return+the+gift
End All To Be All : http://www.amazon.com/End-All-Be-ebook/dp/B0062T2LIW/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370309842&sr=1-2&keywords=end+all+to+be+all+by+catherine+johnson

And then to Barnes & Noble at the following links

Born To Return The Gift : http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/born-to-return-the-gift-catherine-e-johnson/1101744455?ean=2940000831359
End All To Be All : http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/end-all-to-be-all-ms-catherine-e-johnson/1107695185?ean=2940032858362

I thank God for the support each of you visiting this page give me, and I am grateful for all those who include me in their circle(s). As my circle expands, I am also aware that I become prey for those who will stalk only to find cause to undermine my efforts to become a distinguishable writer but . . . .

2013-05-25T14:53:00.001-07:00

2013-05-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

For the victims, the survivors,
and all the able bodied persons
who are there to assist in the clean up.

BORROW BOOKS FOR FREE

2013-05-20T12:51:00.002-07:00

Born To Return The Gift and End All To Be All can be borrowed in eBook format through Amazon’s Kindle Prime Program for FREE. Those who do not own kindles can start a FREE trial to borrow these books for their PC with FREE wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet.

My books are being buried by millions of other titles and I need your help. All I ask is for you to borrow Born To Return The Gift and End All To Be All and post your honest review. This will help improve the visibility and the rankings of these books.

Born To Return The Gift is about a middle aged woman named Nyima, who has been diagnosed with clinical depression and post traumatic stress disorder. She refuses to acknowledge the validity of this diagnosis, choosing to believe she is only temporarily burnt out. She struggles to maintain her dignity until she ends up in a hotel after a friend’s betrayal. As her mind daily reconstructs details of her West Coast experience, a five year recurring nightmare continues to haunt her nights. Once in the comfort of her East Coast home, she becomes complacent and the nightmare totally reveals itself. It is only then that she ends up on her knees thanking God for the grace it took for her to find a peaceful understanding.
[342 pgs. = 112,218 words / 78 words of censored profanity]

End All To Be All is the name of an alcohol and drug recovery program. Although this book shows the day to day interactions in an entrepreneurial venture that eventually goes bad, the titled story line is mainly about Michael, who comes to terms with himself years after losing the love of his life, and the woman he eventually marries kicks him to the curb in the name of money. After he gets clean of his own alcohol and drug addiction, he discovers he has become a pawn in a game he was meant to lose. Fortunately for him, he meets characters such as Nyima along the way, who bring him back in touch with the God he has forsaken along his journey.
[303 pgs.= 96,612 words / 24 words of censored profanity]

I truly believe these books have been heavenly inspired to serve a purpose in today’s world. I can only hope you will not rate these books based solely on the fact that they do contain censored profanity, but rather on the merits of the books as a whole.

As a Christian, I understand that what comes out of a man’s mouth is what defiles him, but these days I choose to leave personal judgment of others to God. Unfortunately, such common language is perceived as an expression of free will. Like a right of passage, teenagers are even more likely to use profane words than adults. Within the covers of these books the characters who use such language are not bashed, but rather are urged to comprehend its ugly / nasty inference according to their own cognizance. Like a double edged sword, readers are convicted to realize the desensitization that is going on in today's society.

I would also appreciate your help to build an audience for Onyz Productions on Facebook. At this time most postings are inspirational quotes made by people from all walks of life during different periods of time who have accomplished a purpose in life. Please take the time to click this link or the one above to “like” the page. Much thanks and many blessings to you for your support!

Time For God

2013-05-13T16:32:00.001-07:00

This is a forwarded email I recently received and the reasons why I post it will become clear.
*******
"Yes, this is a forwarded message...you may have even seen it before. But don't delete until you read all the way through and really think about it! It makes no promises that you will receive any money or any else special, but it is THE MESSAGE we as Christians need to share in our world rotting away with sin!

It has long been 'Time for GOD'!!Time For God

"Read only if you have time for God Let me tell you, make sure you read all the way to the bottom. I almost deleted this email but I was blessed when I got to the end
God, when I received this e-mail, I thought... I don't have time for this... And, this is really inappropriate during work. Then, I realized that this kind of thinking is.... Exactly, what has caused a lot of the problems in our world today. We try to keep God in church on Sunday morning....Maybe, Sunday night... And, the unlikely event of a midweek service. We do like to have Him around during sickness....And, of course, at funerals. However, we don't have time, or room, for Him during work or play... Because.. That's the part of our lives we think... We can, and should, handle on our own.
May God forgive me for ever thinking... That... There is a time or place where.. HE is not to be FIRST in my life. We should always have time to remember all HE has done for us.
If, You aren't ashamed to do this... Please follow the directions.
Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father. Not ashamed? Pass this on ONLY IF YOU MEAN IT!!
Yes, ..... I DO Love God. HE is my source of existence and Savior. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I will be nothing. But, with Christ, HE strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)
This is the simplest test. If You Love God... And, are not ashamed of all the marvelous things HE has done for you...
Send this to ten people and the person who sent it to you! Now do you have the time to pass it on? Make sure that you scroll through to the end. Easy vs. Hard Why is it so hard to tell the truth but Yet so easy to tell a lie? Why are we so sleepy in church but Right when the sermon is over we suddenly wake up? Why is it so easy to delete a Godly e-mail, but yet we forward all of the nasty ones? Of all the free gifts we may receive, Prayer is the very best one..... There are no costs,
but wonderful rewards...GOD BLESS!
Notes:
Isn't it funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.
Isn't it funny how someone can say 'I believe in God' but still follow Satan (who, by the way, also 'believes' in God).
Isn't it funny how you can send a thousand jokes through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing?
Isn't it funny how when you go to forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe,or what they will think of you for sending it to them
Isn't it funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me.
I pray, for everyone who sends this to their entire address book, they will be blessed by God in a way special for them."
*******
This email was forwarded to me by someone I trust complicitly, even though I have on occasion stated that I do not like chain emails and usually do not pass them along. - Because this email speaks of making time for God, I understand why my trusted one believed it was okay to forward it to me.

Now, although the text of this email was in a very large bright red font on a black background, I also read the following small print on the white background at the very end.

"NOTE: This electronic message and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this message in error, any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, distribution or copying of this message is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. Unless expressly stated in this e-mail, nothing in this message should be construed as a digital or electronic signature or writing."
*******
Even though I comprehended the words and totally agree with the earnest message that we must make time for God, I must clarify that Philippians 4:13 does not say anything about us being nothing. It simply says "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
To my understanding, this was obviously done on the job and this final "NOTE" is probably an automatic addenden to all out-going company emails, BUT when perceived as a whole, does this email expose a deceptive ploy of appealing to those who have faith and uses God, in order to acquire email addresses? What do you think?
I may be wrong, but I decided not to forward the email to my contacts, but because the message is something to really think about, I choose to post it here.

'End All To Be All' Shows that somethings in life are worth fighting for

2013-05-11T13:40:00.003-07:00

This review is from: End All To Be All (Kindle Edition) By John Phiser
Addiction. God. Religion. This book covers all these themes.
Ultimately this book is more about overcoming your own problems and, in the end, triumphing. The book centres on Michael who hits rock bottom when his money and wife run out on him. While most would despair, and Michael certainly does this, the story is about not giving up. One has to pick oneself up, get back on your feet, brush up, and fight for your own dignity. For this reason this is a praise worthy novel, for which I applaud the author.

An Okay Story About Recovery

2013-05-09T12:08:00.002-07:00

3 Stars out of 5 Stars
This review is from: End All To Be All (Kindle Edition) By eitak
Although the description doesn't explicitly state it, this book seems influenced by and features Christianity. Every chapter ends with a scripture for example. The characters find healing in part by going to church, and Michael questions his faith as a result of losing the woman he once loved. The religious elements aren't in every scene, but it definitely plays a role in Michael's growth. If you are religious or spiritual, more than likely, you'll find this story to be uplifting.

Unfortunately, there are other issues with this novel that made it less enjoyable for me. In one instance, the book shifts from third person to first person and then back, which was confusing. More frequently, characters curse, but the author censors this. I don't need characters to use swear words, but it was distracting to read an addict cussing another addict out and to have those insults censored. It was hard for me to see those moments as realistic, because the writing kept calling attention to itself.

With characters that never seemed to suffer much from their addictions, this book was too light for my taste. However, if you're looking for something that's not too angst-ridden, this is tale of recovery and faith that you might enjoy.

Author Comment - One chapter was named 'Turk', meaning it was all about him, and it was the only chapter in the first person. Despite one person so easily confused, please refer to my post about comprehension and understanding. If you choose to delve further, you'll find that this reviewer has written 4 reviews and only one merited 4 Stars - Dead Man Falling: A bizzare honeymoon plunges Fedora into the search for a disguised Nazi killer, a fabulous chache of diamonds - an espionage plot so monstrous it will hold readers spellbound until the shattering climax.

Sometimes it is obvious that whenever Jesus comes in the midst of things, some people will get things twisted when they crave a story of another kind of adventure.

Uplifting story!

2013-05-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

4.0 out of 5 stars Uplifting story!, By bjy50131
This review is from: End All To Be All (Kindle Edition)
End All To Be All is a story about battling addiction, and winning. After the money runs out and his wife leaves him for another man, Michael hits rock bottom. A victim of his alcoholism amid an ongoing struggle to pick up the pieces, he embarks on a journey to find meaning in his life. His path of self-discovery leads him to sobriety, self awareness and a savior in Christ.

The book is very well written. The author's descriptive passages give a window into the soul of an addict. You'll find yourself rooting for Michael to succeed and be inspired as he finds his bearings on a winding path of recovery.

Thought Provoking

2013-05-09T12:03:00.001-07:00

4 Stars out of 5 Stars Thought provoking, mediocre writing
By chatmaraude
This review is from: End All To Be All (Kindle Edition)
A brief synopsis opens the story with a happy couple, madly in love and getting ready for a vacation. Fast forward about thirty years, and the protagonist is an alcoholic without a home, sleeping on park benches and surviving on food stamps and cigarettes. Opportunity finds him in the social services line, and his life begins to get better. This book is a tumultuous rendition of life on the streets and the struggle with temptation, using faith in God as your guide.

The author does a good job of opening a window into the world of a recovering addict and she certainly has a way of bringing humor into such a dark subject. Johnson's main objective appears to be the ongoing battle for survival and righteous enlightenment. However, it seems that after chapter seven, punctuation became an afterthought, which can be exhausting for the reader. The language throughout the book flows with casual jargon, and the characters' personalities show through the events that happen, rather than in their descriptions. Scriptures at the end of each chapter highlight what you should glean from them.

Definitely worth reading if you're interested in religious reformation.

Author Comment: Mediocre writing? Evidently this reviewer prefers character descriptions and rated this reading accordingly. I remember a college writing class in which I had to describe a strawberry in 150 words. The teacher's lesson and motive for it was to differentiate what to tell and what to show. A strawberry is an object and is meant to be described so that anyone can guess what that object is. A character is meant to be perceived by one's own cognizance. Therefore, personalities are shown through events, rather than the author telling the reader how to perceive them. (Intrigue the mind.)

Review - End All To Be All

2013-05-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

5 stars out of 5 stars
Review by Rarebird 1 "Anita B. Kearney"

This is a story written with style, wit and insight. It is so much more than a book about addiction and it is not about religion, although both have their parts to play. Catherine shows us how God is not someone you meet in a church but a living entity that is with you everywhere you are, the way she used scriptures to show how He works in a life is amazing.

Once again, she takes you and drops you smack, dab, in the middle of the action. You are not a voyeur, you are a participant in her character's journey of self revelation and enlightenment.

If you want to read a book that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and overcoming the odds then you will not want to miss this one.

Thin Lines Between Comprehension and Understanding

2013-04-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

Words are just words until they are put together to formulate an idea, or as in fictional writing, a story. Comprehension and understanding depends on the cognitive skills, personal knowledge, and experiences readers bring to the process. We all shift our reasons for reading: enjoyment, entertainment, information, and/or enlightenment. Beyond entertainment, a book can initiate thoughts that affirm and enhance one's own perception(s); and other times a book can initiate a new perspective entirely.

A relationship develops between an author and a reader when understanding surpasses mere comprehension, and that relationship is entirely dependent upon whether the reader has a positive or negative perception of the topic or how the author broaches it. Some readers have no desire or willingness to explore anything outside the comfort zone of their own interests. This is why fiction is categorized in genres so readers can select a book according to their personal preferences. (i.e., action / suspense / mystery / thriller / crime / horror, romance, etc.) and reasonably expect the book to live up to or exceed their expectation.

Because of this fact, I am compelled to clarify that Born To Return The Gift and End All To Be All are not technically categorized as Christian Literature. They are considered general fiction and may be found in such genres as spiritual / religious / drama, contemporary, etc. Although both books are spiritually faith driven and do contain Biblical Scripture, they also contain profane language (i.e. f~k) and deal with a few situations in an explicit / graphic manner which understandably is censored by the CBA for the Christian Literature genre.

As I make this disclaimer some will point out that the cross on the cover conveys the perception of Christian Literature. I assure you although that is an accurate perception it's called freedom of expression. After realizing that the original cover of Born To Return The Gift was being perceived as horror, I decided to remove all doubts as to the content. The abstract of pixilated light in the shape of a cross depicts the shades of darkness my characters experienced before unquestioningly trusting the brightest light of all - Jesus.

Unfortunately, bad language exists in this world. Although some people can and do refrain from its use, others have yet to learn restraint. In building my characters I chose to realistically portray them as they are. And no one actually knows what happens behind a closed door. What is worse - reading the actual or having your imagination stirred? I am a Christian who will not confine myself by such censorship as noted above. I also make no apologies for showing realities, as opposed to just telling them.

I realize there are times when a reader is so turned off that they refuse to read anything else by a writer. That of course is a reader's prerogative, but it sure would be nice to learn and grow without condemning judgment. As more readers develop a relationship with me as a writer, I assure you I will never use profanity just for the sake of profanity.

In reading my work I hope you are open to exploring the idea that there is not only a thin line between comprehension and understanding, but also judging and discerning, and judgment and opinion. These are all words often used synonymously and interchangeably, but a dichotomy exists with these words because one can comprehend without understanding; one can discern without judging; and an opinion is not necessarily a judgment.
What do you think?
The following comment was added today to an archived post - "It's Only Fair That I Post This Scathing Review -
I think this reviewer was convicted by her own personal guilt and instead of not commenting on a book she evidently didn't read to the end, she chose to retaliate with negativity and unconstructive criticism. Her lack of comprehension shows in the fact that she never realized she was reading about an African American experience written by an African American. SMH. She read words and never comprehended what she was reading. Also, she failed to understand the use of same names in order to show the contrasts in character. Not only do all African Americans NOT look alike, (Being as unique as any other human being God created.) they have different problems which this so called reviewer failed to see or understand.

Thank you! This is one of the main reasons I wrote this post. I really think it's a shame when someone purposely and maliciously discredits the writing of another just because they don't condone the author's method of bringing darkness to the light. Although her review disturbed me, I kept it moving because it was evident to me that this 'reviewer' had not read past page 42 of a 342 novel. Not only that, her review failed to distinguish that the profane mouth does not belong to the main character - Nyima (Nima) but was a problem of a minor character - Naima (Mena) whose conversations should not even have been the topic of her review.

4.0 out of 5 stars Charming - a look at the physical and spiritual side of human nature

2013-04-19T16:18:00.002-07:00

Review of END ALL TO BE ALL by Jan Heart - April 19, 2013 Here we have an author who can clearly write, and with a clear motive to do so. END ALL TO BE ALL covers many themes and touches on the importance of love, the problems of addiction, but most of all it spoke to me most about the importance of relationships with others, including God. On this note, one might fall into the pre-conceived mistake that this book is a religious book preaching the virtues of being a Christian. Well, clearly this is important for the author, who (as she states in her introduction) uses Biblical Scriptures to show that whatever the circumstances, God is always there and in charge. Yet I found the book to be far more than a "believe in the Lord" book. The underlying message for me was about recovery & spiritual awakening, something that I can imagine will appeal to many in these difficult times of economic hardships in America. In this story, we find Michael going through the motions of living, but soon his money runs out and his wife kicks him aside for another man. His consequent fight to recover from alcoholism leads him to face the truth about his life and take on new challenges. The book takes a look at both the physical and the spiritual side of human nature. It follows the struggles of the main character, undergoing the harsh realities of alcohol addiction, and low self-esteem. Sometimes we all have to believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and this book in many ways is all about this.

2013-04-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

2013-04-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

5.0 out of 5 stars a powerful book to empower women

2013-04-07T21:51:00.002-07:00

By bookworm (Durham, NC) This review is for: Born To Return The Gift (Paperback) "Born To Return The Gift" is a book by first time author Catherine E. Johnson. She has written a gritty, at times outright harsh and brutal, story about a theme common to many social workers dealing with helping women getting out of abusive relationships. The story of Nyima shows many of the themes commonly seen in such situations. After a bad childhood, early addiction and getting into wrong relationships, these women commonly find themselves helpless on their own. Realizing that the relationships are bad, these women also often suffer from depression, but seem to be unable to catch a break and find a decent relationship that is build on respect and mutual understanding. But unlike many of the women caught in this spiral of depression and bad relationships, Nyima finds a way out of the situation through her belief in God. The message of the book is one of a strong belief in God and that every life has a meaning and a value. Nyima realizes these things and is able to overcome her problems. I truly was amazed by the level of maturity seen in a book by a first time author. The language is accurately reflecting the mood of the main character and the reader can not help but feel for Nyima in her struggles and sense the relief when Nyima's fate turns to the better. A wonderful book that I highly recommend for people working in jobs such as social workers because just as it is life-affirming for Nyima, this book will also show social workers that one life helped can make up for a lot of disappointments.

4.0 out of 5 stars a extraordinary debut novel

2013-04-07T21:32:00.002-07:00

By kratzy (USA) This review is for: Born To Return The Gift (Paperback) "Born to Return the Gift" by Catherine E. Johnson is a story about a young woman finding her place on earth and a meaning on her life. Growing up in circumstances that leave little room for hope, the protagonist incurs early issues in life, including addiction and bad relationships. Trying for a clean break, Nyima moves across the country to California. Rather than turn for the better, her life is more of the same. Again there are bad relationships and little hope for a better life. Depression follows and one is reminded of the fate of many women that never seem to catch a break. But a break does happen and it occurs through the realization of our heroine that God is present and that there is a purpose to EVERY life on earth. Empowered through that realization and her belief in God, Nyima does turn things around. A debut novel this is an outstanding first attempt at a realistic drama that takes the reader through the personal growth of a young woman finding her place in life and on earth. Some readers may believe that this book due to its Christian message may be sugarcoated, but this is certainly not the case. The sad beginnings of our heroine are told in an extremely realistic way, with the language certainly meeting R-rated levels. While some authors use such language for added drama and to pretend to be realistic, the author in this book succeeds in using at no point language as a mere add-on for dramatic effects. The whole book is extremely realistic and authentic, the author has a clear no-nonsense style that vividly describes the fight of our heroine to better herself and her situation. Definitely not your standard Christian novel, but because of this so much more convincing and interesting to read.

4.0 out of 5 stars Everyone Deserves To Be Loved

2013-04-07T21:30:00.002-07:00

By Mshell09 This review is for: Born To Return The Gift (Paperback) Catherine E. Johnson, does a nice job in getting the reader to truly care about the main character Nyima. She experiences problems and situations that are very real and easy for the reader to relate to. She hasn't had an easy life, and doesn't always choose the best way to cope with them, but to her it is all she knows. Nyima doesn't feel that she deserves to have a loving relationship which is obvious by the choices she has made in her past which only increased her insecurities and feelings of unworthiness. As she starts to believe that everyone deserves to be loved and experience a loving relationship we are taken along on her journey of self empowerment and acceptance as she confronts the demons of her past. I think this book would be perfect for anyone and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm worth your time

2013-04-07T21:28:00.002-07:00

By Mary S (Southern Virginia) - This review is for: Born To Return The Gift (Paperback) Nyima is a woman in her fifty's who has been there, done that and had the shirt taken off her. She has seen it all and been through it all. If it had to do with physical, sexual, drug or alcohol abuse she was there. Yet, she survived to tell it all. This is a story that is not only thought provoking but it makes you stand up and take a look around yourself to ask what is holding you back if you think things are not going well. Nyima saw a light and walked toward it. It was the best thing she did since it was God, in the end. She found her purpose in life and now holds her head high and walks straight. She will be the first to tell you that no one will do it for you and the first to show you how it is done. This story builds power, trust, and strength when you think you've lost it all. It also shows you that you do have a choice and when you make it you can follow through and not to doubt yourself. The author Catherine Johnson does a great job portraying this character and telling this story and there is something for everyone to learn and to read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Renews your faith

2013-04-07T21:26:00.002-07:00

By Cindy U. This review is for: Born To Return The Gift (Paperback) Born to Return the Gift by Catherine E. Johnson is a well written story about one womans struggle with depression, addiction and abuse. While the story deals with some difficult issues, it is truly a faith based story that has you routing for Nyima throughout. It gives you faith that good things can come to all, despite your circumstances.

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the Book!

2013-04-07T21:23:00.002-07:00

By cinnor67 - This review is for: Born To Return The Gift (Paperback) Catherine E. Johnson has written a poignant story about overcoming life's speedbumps and persevering over all. I couldn't put the book down! You feel as if you are living the heroines life with her. Ms. Johnson manages to put you right in the middle of the story. I'm sure many people can relate to her struggles with depression and low self-esteem. Can't wait for her next book!!

5.0 out of 5 stars LONGING FOR SELF

2013-04-07T21:19:00.002-07:00

By M. L. St. Sure "Evensong" (Baileys Harbor, WI) This review is for: Born To Return The Gift (Paperback) BORN TO RETURN, written by Catherine E. Johnson teaches us what most of us should have learned a long time ago. Just why does it take us so awfully long to learn the trials and tribulations? Broken hearts. Broken souls. Fragmented lives. Each generation repeating life without purpose. This first time author has given us the truth and answers; a crutch to help the stumblers in life. I am reminded of Kahlil Gibran in THE PROPHET as he tells us of pain: "Much of your pain is self-chosen. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquillity: For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by the tender hand of the Unseen." This is a must read book. You are certain to discover the veil that clouds your eyes and the words that will lift it off.

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique, Enjoyable, Christian Novel - Review By Laquita Thomas

2013-04-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed reading Born to Return the Gift. I have read several Christian novels and this one is UNIQUE. It does not gloss over or sugarcoat situations or language we come across in life. And just like real life, the novel indeed dealt with adult issues/profanity etc... but throughout the book, the author continues to remind readers of its underlying meaning... This debut novel depicts the emotional roller coaster of life. To say that the main character, Nyima, has had her share of life's ups and downs is definitely an understatement. From a child to now a middle aged women, she has had to face abuse, alcoholism, depression and homelessness - not to mention she is haunted by a recurring nightmare. As a reader, you can't help but to root for her to finally catch a break. The author introduces the reader to Nyima at what appears to be her final straw - she is jobless, homeless, depressed, self-medicating with alcohol, living in a hotel, and running out of money and what appears to be time. Throughout Nyima's hotel stay, the author gives the reader an inside look at how she arrived in her current situation - physically and emotionally - through flashbacks. The flashbacks not only give the reader more insight on the character, but transcends the message that although Nyima has been through some very hard times, she's always made it through them with help from God. Hence the primary message of the book, "Each life is a gift from God. What is done with it... Is a gift to Him in Return". Once Nyima (through the revelation of her `nightmare') began to align her life with God's Word - giving Him control and acknowledging past mistakes, putting them behind her - she experienced a renewed strength and was set on a path of healing, hope and joy. I am looking forward to the author's second novel "End All To Be All".