Book Review – The Gate

Book Review - The Gate by Nancy Carabio Belanger First-place winner, Best Catholic Novel--Catholic Press Association 2014 Book Awards For smart-aleck Josh, being a Christian in the eighth grade is completely irrelevant, especially with the temptations that middle school can bring. For him, life is all about playing video games, getting money, and causing trouble. He doesn't need anybody and he makes his own rules. When his teacher assigns a pen-pal project, Josh meets Pie, a spunky senior citizen with a love of his Catholic faith, Saint John Bosco, and the New York Yankees. But much to Josh's surprise, Pie creates his own project for Josh, and Josh realizes that God has a plan -- even for him. In this inspiring novel that radiates the dignity of the priesthood and the discovery of God's calling for each of us, Josh is shocked to find himself fighting spiritual battles, but often for the wrong side. As the friendship with his new mentor deepens, Josh learns that God has more in store for him than he could have ever imagined. Review The Gate is a fantastic book for early teens or a great one to read as a family. This novel is written from the perspective of the grown-up Joshua, as he looks back and remembers a life-changing time in his past. The way the story is written I assumed several key aspects of the story, but I just couldn’t wait to see how it played out. I was so moved by the story of Josh and the elderly gentleman he reluctantly befriends, Pie. The relationship between these two unlikely friends was incredibly touching. My heart went out to both of these characters - the snarky teen and the curmudgeony old man. The voice of the lead character, Josh, is fantastic. The smart…