John 3:16

Just Benny by Alex Banwell is a marvellous contemporary Christian novel that spoke to my heart.

Every once in a while, a book comes along that just completely resonates with me. As soon as I began reading, I knew that this was one such book. Benny is special needs youngster who suffers with epilepsy that makes him violently sick afterwards. As such, he is a target for the bullies and has very few friends. Benny has a kind, empathetic heart. He connects with those who need love.

We see Benny’s struggle with daily life. We ‘feel’ his fear as the bully confronts him. Benny is a boy who has been smothered with his mother’s love. It is easy to understand why, but Benny needs to break free. He is capable of far more than he can imagine.

There is a wonderful bond with Benny’s older sister. She encourages him to step out into the world.

Benny has only a tentative relationship with his father who doesn’t understand him. As Benny grows, his father finds there are things they have in common and the bonds begin to grow.

Benny realizes he is not like other children – and he is quite correct. Benny is not like other children, Benny is special, but not in the way he thinks. Benny can connect with the very young and the not so young. He is one of life’s gentle souls. We all need a Benny in our lives.