February 3, 2011
Red in the Flower Bed - Book Review
by Terri Forehand
Red in the Flower BedAndrea Nepa
http://www.tribute-books.com/
This is a simple book with a grown up and inspirational message that I was both surprised and impressed. It follows the journey of a poppy seed through many places where it would not bloom to the unlikely yet perfect place for it to be planted. Just like in interracial adoptions, a child might feel transplanted into a different culture, yet it becomes the perfect place for that child to bloom.
Andrea Nepa wrote the book for her adopted Vietnamese daughter, Leah. Her little girl made the long journey first to the United States and into a new family. Then later, her journey led her down a medical pathway when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Now in remission, Leah blooms.
The story is easy to read with simple words yet resonates an emotionally impacted message for adults ands children about belonging. Read it over and over, and in the words of Mary Englebright- "Bloom where you are planted."
A great story for the hearts of children and especially touching for those children blessed to be adopted.
