This was their first meeting. An evening completed with delicious food prior to a most riveting conversation, and, Hughie Hewitt was completely smitten.

The Strength of a Sparrow a fictionalized narration based on the actual tale centered on the author’s parents; she, Bouvette –Boo- Sherwood, a flourishing producer and thespian on New York Broadway, and, Hughie Hewitt, who does not disclose that he is a Catholic priest who happens to be one step from being an alcoholic.

It is when Hughie recognizes that he has fallen in love with Boo; he turns to Vicente Rao, his childhood crony for advice. Vicente Rao is more than a little taken aback, however, Rao does proffer the uncomplicated belief that Hughie is facing a choice. Hughie quite plainly cannot proceed as a priest AND have a sweetheart. It is one or the other.

The ardent vigor of Bouvette Sherwood, who has a prosperous New York Broadway career as actress producer moves the tale. As their relationship evolves into a web filled with expectancy, maneuver, some perfidy, and romanticism; Bouvette naively discusses becoming a Catholic so that the pair can marry. As a non Catholic; Bouvette has no understanding of the fact that priests are not merely clergymen.

Priests not only not get married; they do not have children either.

The lives of Hughie, Boo, their children, Roxanne and Tim, along with Boo’s staunch ally, and Vincente Rao are all interwoven, set down, laid bare and presented for the reader to examine. Separation, Bellevue Hospital, a foster home, deprivation, mistreatment and worse, jail, a private detective, the rage of a Monsignor intent with his goal to become a Bishop and and has no intention to allow anything at all to stand in his way. His intent is clear, the Monsignor will not be swerved from his goat; not a disobedient priest, not two small children, not a woman he labels as Jezebel; thus, a final goodbye. The narrative comes to a compelling end.

For many years Writer Anders’ mother frequently thought that she might pen a book about her life in New York. Her life story was both that as a Broadway actress, and, how she had grown to love a married man. Hughie was a man who while he was married to his church, he also loved her, however he could never leave his first love.

As a teenager, Anders and his mother discussed Boo’s life on Broadway along with her relationship with his father. Anders praises his mother’s perky, never give up mind-set as the impetus for his writing his Life Lessons series of children’s books.

Following his mother’s demise Anders set about to write Boo’s story. The Strength of a Sparrow is both a love story as well as being a narrative regarding the power held over priests by the Catholic Church during the 1940s. Somehow the belief that a priest might hunger for marriage and a family; was viewed as something so illogical the church leadership would do just about anything to preclude it taking place.

Anders’ account filling the pages of The Strength of a Sparrow while founded on the stories told to him by his mother has been complemented with a bit of idealism and anticipation that may or may not have actually been part of the true story. The writer’s descriptive communication of the scope of the circumstances regarding Hughie and Boo is persuasive, draws the reader in to the setting.

The relationship between Boo and Hughie is credible, albeit that from the commencement; it is one that the reader knows cannot have a happy ever after type ending. Writer Anders is an accomplished author, offers his message well, characters are well fleshed, dialogue is credible and settings are clearly delineated. Dialogue is at times gritty, some sexuality included may turn away some readers. Spellbinding and easily read; The Strength of a Sparrow is presented as a commendation by a son for the love and relationship he wishes his parents had.

We cannot help but sympathize a bit with both Boo and Hughie, although I am vexed today that the leadership of the church during the 1940s seems to be far more distressed regarding the idea that a priest might want marriage and family. That idea seem to have viewed as far more offensive than the child abuse which we now know was being carried out by members of the clergy at the time.

The Strength of a Sparrow is both easily read, and at the same time is difficult to read. Happy to recommend for those who enjoy slice of life type narratives.

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Reviewed by Molly Reviews BOOKS molly martin

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Amazon About the Author Tim Dr. Hope Anders is an award-winning children's book author. Born in New York City, he learned a spirit of optimism and humor from his mother that would stick with him throughout his life.

When he was forcibly separated from her at an early age, these lessons empowered him to cope with his ever-changing surroundings. He credits his mother, the heroine of The Strength of a Sparrow, as his inspiration for his many value based children s books. Dr. Hope vowed that one-day he would give children the same tools that had helped him cope with difficult situations and disagreeable people.

From the promise he made to himself came the award winning Life Lessons Series, a series of children's books that teach children life lessons in entertaining and amusing ways. Among the titles he has written are Laughing Day, The Frog Who Couldn't Jump, Chip, the Little Computer, Punctuation Pals, Wonderful Wuzs and Little Miss Contradiction. He has also written two self-help books: The Best Red Book on Weight Control and Pumping Iron: A Traveling Poker Player's 10 Minute Hotel Room Workout.

Tim Dr. Hope Anders is also a part time professional poker player and can be seen on TV playing in World Poker Tour events on the Travel Channel. He is also a talented piano player, composer, lyricist, and producer. He has teamed up with Comic/Actor/Singer Russ T. Nailz and together they have created a series of delightfully humorous children's CDs and cassettes. On the CDs Dr. Hope's stories are brought to life through talented voice actors, special audio effects, heartfelt background music, and delightfully humorous songs that make kids think and laugh. Anders donates a portion of his royalties and poker winnings to ChildHelp® an organization that fights child abuse.

In 2005 the San Diego Chapter of ChildHelp® awarded him and his wife, the For the Love of a Child Award, to honor them for their years of commitment in helping victims of child abuse.

Amazon Product Details

TITLE The Strength of a Sparrow, based on a true story

AUTHOR Tim -Dr. Hope- Anders

GENRE Fictionalized story based in fact, slice of life

Hardcover: 326 pages

Publisher: Alpine Publishing, Inc; 1st edition (July 4, 2008) Language: English

ISBN-10: 1885624654

ISBN-13: 978-1885624659

Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches