A childless couple unexpectedly become caregivers when a mysterious boy appears on their porch. Most of the book is about the adults slowly becoming parents by bonding with and taking care of Jacob, who doesn't speak but expresses himself in other ways. When the boy is reclaimed by his father, John and Marta realize that they don't want to be childless. So they become foster parents. They end up with one pair of old shoes for every child they've taken care (because the kids leave the old shoes behind when Jon and Marta got them new ones). John has to keep building more shoe racks. They always miss Jacob and, at the very end of the book, he appears back on their porch as a young man.

This is a quiet book that would be best shared with a grown-up and a child together. It's about the rewards of being a parent. I would fault it for not really being about the suffering of the kids who need John and Marta's care. But not every book has to be about everything. And this one focuses sharply on the joys and challenges of being a foster parent. Some would say that kids don't really care about this perspective, and that might be true for some kids. But I'm sure there are empathetic kids out there who will enjoy thinking about the perspective of a parent. ( )

Thank God. Thank God. Thank God!

I'm NOT allowed to cry on public transportation.
( )

I saw that one of my friends had rated this book five stars and said nothing about it. No one else had said anything. I was a little annoyed, but what can I do?
Read it.
So I read it and I understand.
Throughout the first half of the story, my mind was whirling, with improbable explanations for the boy.
It's an odd story, but very full of hope.

And when is it supposed to be set??? ( )

When a young couple finds a boy asleep on their porch, their lives take a surprising turn. Unable to speak, the boy Jacob can't explain his history. All John and Marta know is that they have been chosen to care for him.
And, as their connection and friendship with Jacob grow, they embrace his exuberant spirit and talents. The three of them blossom into an unlikely family and begin to see the world in brand-new way. (FictionDB.com)

3.5 stars. Sweet and sometimes sad little story about unexpected love. Perfect for a rainy night in. ( )