Dear The Man Upstairs

Book excerpt: Dear The Man Upstairs is the captivating story of a young girl named Amber who begins writing to the "Man Upstairs," not realizing that the name is a euphemism for God. Someone writes her back and that person is not God. The series of letters that follow explore family dynamics, societal expectations, mental health, and the truth about growing up. Amber's unique experiences and gift for storytelling shows readers that there is more than one way to be a healthy, happy child; that families don't have to be perfect to stick together. Dear The Man Upstairs grapples with the tough issues surrounding parenting, behavioral health issues, and terminal illness through the mind of a creative genius. Author Maytal Booth brilliantly combines two genres, epistolary and realistic fiction, in a compelling story that focuses on theology in a way that is both subtle and thought-provoking. Using her experiences as an educator and child, this work of fiction helps to redefine what makes a happy and healthy child. If you enjoy heartwarming coming-of-age stories and innovative but realistic fiction, Dear The Man Upstairs is this season's must-read.