While I'm glad I read the book and have just purchased the sequel, it wasn't the type of book that grabbed my attention and wouldn't let me put it down.  At first, I wasn't sure I even liked the story.  Elmo doesn't seem to have direction even though he has finished his education except for this internship, which he just lucked into.  I also didn't initially like the church/staff.  It felt too political and cynical. But as Elmo grew into his new position and the reader got to know the other characters beyond their initial characterization, I came to appreciate them too.  Yes, they have flaws but their strengths are there, too.  It just takes a while to see them.  Kind of like Christians in the real world. I found some really good nuggets in this book and for those alone it was worth the purchase.
While I'm glad I read the book and have just purchased the sequel, it wasn't the type of book that grabbed my attention and wouldn't let me put it down. At first, I wasn't sure I even liked the story. Elmo doesn't seem to have direction even though he has finished his education except for this internship, which he just lucked into. I also didn't initially like the church/staff. It felt too political and cynical. But as Elmo grew into his new position and the reader got to know the other characters beyond their initial characterization, I came to appreciate them too. Yes, they have flaws but their strengths are there, too. It just takes a while to see them. Kind of like Christians in the real world. I found some really good nuggets in this book and for those alone it was worth the purchase.