Paper Angels

A Novel

By: Jimmy Wayne, Travis Thrasher

Narrated by: Stephen Bowlby

Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program gives individuals, groups, and corporations an opportunity to adopt less fortunate children and seniors, and provide personalized gifts and necessities to those who would otherwise receive very little or nothing during the holiday season.

When his mom decided it was time for them to leave for good, Thomas knew they better get far away or he'd come and find them. It was Christmas Day, with Mom sweating in a tiny room over a tiny stove, and Dad watching college basketball and drinking with a vengeance. "Thomas, I want you to get your sister and go out to the car, okay?" Mom had promised them that they would be getting a special Christmas present today. Just the two kids. They couldn’t mention it to Dad. This is her present, Thomas thought as he waited and worried that the next one out of the house would be the man with the glassy eyes and the tightened jaw. The car left without hesitation. Thomas and Sara had received the best gift ever: freedom. The question was whether it would still be there tomorrow and the next day and the day after that.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2011 Jimmy Wayne (P)2011 Oasis

Critic reviews

"Jimmy Wayne has taken the pathos, poignancy, heart, and storytelling abilities that infuse his music and translated them into a novel that will inspire all those who read it to take the first step toward making a difference." (Jennifer Perry, Executive Director, Children's Action Network)

Great book!

I enjoyed getting a glimps at both side of the Angel Tree! Great reminder of how much God cares for every part of our lives no matter how big or how small!

Amazing!

I absolutely loved this book! I usually listen to my books when I'm driving, but it was so good that I continued after I got home. I am so thankful to the authors for writing it and hope that many people will read it.

Beautiful, Heartfelt and Inspiring

What made the experience of listening to Paper Angels the most enjoyable?

The author had a great way of presenting the point of view of the children.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Thomas Brandt

If you could take any character from Paper Angels out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Thomas Brandt because I would like to tell him what an inspiration he is to me.

Any additional comments?

Jimmy Wayne brings a beautiful story of love, loss, determination and inspiration. The story kept peaking my interest so I kept looking for extra time to listen to another chapter. Just didn't want to turn my device off. I would highly recommend this book!

Spoke to my Heart

Loved listening to this book. I think we all can relate to the two families in this book.

Giving and FORGIVING . . . Great Christmas Story

Both simple and complex, Paper Angels is a story for all of us. I love Christmas books, and this one is right up there with the best. It isn't sappy or fake. It's full of humility, love, self examination, and forgiveness. As the grown child of an alcoholic father, I could relate in so many ways to Thomas and his sister. And having come full circle, with grandkids of my own, I have lived to see God's faithfulness, and His blessings to our family, despite many hardships. This is a wonderful book to listen to as a family.

Great Christmas read

this was a story of hope, forgiveness and, encouragement, While reading this story I was reminded of the way that by thinking beyond our fears..stepping out in faith to give and recieve..you will see how doing something small can have a big impact.Thos story lifted and refreshed my spirit for this Christmas season!

It's all about having faith.

If you could sum up Paper Angels in three words, what would they be?

Faith, God, Prayer

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that it was about having faith, even though I was a little uncomfortable with all the praying and God-stuff.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me think about starting to go to church again.

Any additional comments?

As a not-very-religious person, I was sometimes uncomfortable, but overall it was very worth the listen.

Great!

Loved the way it is written! Great story! Amazing way to give readers a good look from two different social groups.