Book details
That Was Then...: Kim: Book 4 (Diary of a Teenage Girl)
Description
This Is Now Its Kims senior year and, while everyones looking forward to graduation, shes got so much going on she can barely make it through the day. Natalie, pregnant with Benjamin OConners baby, believes its Gods will for them to marry, and Ben sees it as his Christian responsibility to do so. Major red flag? He doesnt love her. Thensurprise! Kims birth mother in Korea sends her an intriguing letter, making Kim question her reluctance to get to know another mom. And what about Maya? Is God calling Kim and her father to open their hearts and home to Kims biracial cousin whose mother was just sentenced to five years in state prison? Kim has been through so much already, but that was then Does she have enough faith for now? Saturday, November 11 Ive talked to Nat twice this week. But only on the phone. Both times she just glossed over what happened last weekend. She told me everything was fine. But without any details. It was the kind of reassurance that isnt reassuring at all. I know shes covering something up. That was then...Kim Peterson has had a lot going on the past few years: writing a teen advice column, finding a new faith, dating and breaking up for the first time, losing her mom to cancer...Kim has learned to turn it all over to God day by day, relying on Him like she never has before. Now Kims best friend, Nat, is pregnant and soon to be married to Ben OConner, Caitlins younger brother. Nat is starry-eyed, believing that once she and Ben are married, God will bless them and everything will work out because theyre doing the right thing. Kims not so sure. Is marriage the only solution for two seventeen-year-olds with a baby on the way? Why wont they consider adoption? Kim knows about that firsthandand is about to find out even more Readers guide included Story Behind the BookIn book four, Kims life is still shadowed by the loss of her mother, but her faith is deepening. My best friend lost her mother to cancer in high school, and I was very involved in counseling, encouraging, and praying with my friend as she worked through her grief. That experience helped me write Kims story from an insiders perspective. Melody CarlsonFrom the Trade Paperback edition.
Age
12-18
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
272 pages
Book in series
#4
Why to read
- Relatable Teenage Experiences: The book offers a deep dive into the life of a teenage girl, Kim, dealing with real-life issues such as identity, faith, and relationships. Readers, especially teens, can find comfort and understanding in the shared experiences and challenges Kim faces.
- Positive Messages: Melody Carlson's 'Diary of a Teenage Girl' series, including 'That Was Then...', is known for weaving positive messages and life lessons into the narrative. This book encourages readers to think about important values like honesty, forgiveness, and the importance of making good choices.
- Christian Faith Perspective: For readers interested in exploring or strengthening their Christian faith, this book provides a perspective on how faith can influence daily life and decisions. It's an opportunity to see how a character navigates life's ups and downs with faith as her guide.
- Character Development: As the fourth book in the series, 'That Was Then...' allows readers to continue following Kim's journey and see her growth and development as a character. It's a chance to see how past experiences shape a person and how they can overcome new challenges.