The Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines grace as mercy, clemency and pardon.

In Richard Paul Evans’ newest novel, Grace, he examines a story exemplifying all of these qualities and more. Though the uninteresting cover may dissuade potential readers, give this disturbing yet enchanting novel a chance.

The book begins with a short story about a young girl whose father abuses her. Although the depressing tale does not directly connect to the novel’s plot, Evans hopes to relate the seriousness of abuse to readers. Evans makes it clear that, while child abuse has been prevalent throughout the ages, it is oftentimes brushed under the rug.

Grace shows readers the world of an abused child. The first-person novel is narrated by a 14-year-old boy named Eric whose life changes because of a runaway girl with a dark past.

As the main character of the story, Eric and his family are faced with poverty when his father, temporarily paralyzed in a construction accident, is unable to work. Eric and his brother must learn to adapt to life in an impoverished neighborhood.

In order to help support his family, Eric finds a job at a local burger joint and discovers a girl garbage diving one night after work. With a sense of obligation, he offers her shelter in his home.

Despite his brother’s reluctance, Eric and the girl, Grace, support each other as they learn to overcome their difficult lives. He keeps the girl hidden from his parents, and as they grow closer, the two fall in love in one of the more expected turn of events in the novel.

Grace, a fearful girl, is afraid to speak of her past ? even to Eric. Yet the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place when Eric notices missing person signs around town and school.

While she stays with Eric, Grace’s dark natures come to the surface. More than once, she speaks of suicide; yet because of Eric, she begins to see some hope.

Grace’s true dilemma soon comes out into the open when she admits that her stepfather abused her. In addition to scars of his abuse, she bears the man’s child. While many might turn Grace away, Eric promises to keep her safe and never allow her to return to her abusive home.

Grace brings out the soft side of humanity by weaving love and hope into a novel of grace. While Eric watches over Grace, readers begin to see the love they share. In time, Eric becomes the hope for Grace; his mercy gives her the will to live.

At first Grace begins slow, but I found myself more and more captivated as the book progressed. As the suspenseful plot became more involved, I was unable to put the book down. Near the end, Grace may even elicit tears from readers.

Though only a teen and not my ideal hero, I enjoyed Eric’s character because of his respect for the people around him, including friends and family. Evans created a relatable character in Eric and readers will surely be cheering him on throughout the novel.

Evan’s thought-grabbing writing style and innovative plot makes Grace a must-read for lovers of dramatic teen fiction. The tale constantly throws readers twists and turns while including a heartfelt love story.

In addition to its excitement, I relish Grace this novel because of its glaring approach to child abuse. Some critics may consider the topic too harsh in a young adult novel, but the author disregards its taboo status in his fictional work. I respect Evans for his bare-faced exploration of child abuse, for not many would find the bravery to create such a novel.

Grace is most appropriate for teens, though I recommend exercising caution to those who may be distubed by its content. The book is available at most local bookstores for $19.95.

For more book reviews, visit the Oct. 14 article, Skinned captures teen angst.