Last week I posted a link to a review of Bend Me, Shape Me by M.J. Joachim. While she had many good things to say about the book, she concluded at the end not to add the book to her Recommended Reading list. While I was disappointed, I was happy with the many things she did like about the book.
Snow and Jo were not done with the reviewer, however. Recently MJ wrote this note on a review she did for a John Grisham book:
Note: I added an update to my recent Bend Me, Shape Me review. This book touched my heart and prompted me [to] read and conduct further research about homelessness. Consequently, I published another book review for Danielle Steel’s book, A Gift of Hope, today on my Effectively Human website, and have added Bend Me, Shape me to my Recommended Reading List.
[Emphasis above added by me]
She then included a slight nod to Bend Me, Shape Me in her Danielle Steele review. I am thrilled that my name and my novel has been mentioned (however incidentally) in association with big time names like Grisham and Steele. More importantly, since grabbing hold of readers’ minds and making them think even after the book is finished is one of the ultimate goals of my Street Stories series, I am gratified at this turn of events.
Here is M.J.’s description of what made her change her mind.
BOOK REVIEWER’S NOTE: I wanted more. My book reviewer’s lens clashed strongly with my desire to be Effectively Human. What I found was an unyielding desire to learn and understand the plight of homelessness in our midst. From the moment I finished reading and reviewing “Bend Me, Shape Me,” thoughts of homeless people and the struggles they face have been ever present in my heart, mind and soul. For this reason I’m changing my mind and adding “Bend Me, Shape Me” to my Recommended Reading List. My opinions shared in this review have not changed from a reader’s point of view. However, I would be remiss if I overlooked what the images of homelessness and life on the streets shared in this book, have done to my heart.
As a side note, I’m currently working on and researching some new articles relating to homelessness for my Effectively Human website. I expect to publish a few more in the not too distant future.
via M. J. Joachim’s Writing Tips: Book Review: Bend Me, Shape Me by Debra R. Borys.
[Emphasis added by me again]
Debra R. Borys 
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Sounds like the poster just needed time to digest what had just been read.
Me, too. I had the feeling, also, while reading the original review, that she was so distracted and affected by the impact of the homelessness theme that she was reacting more to that than the actual suspense aspects.
Reblogged this on Bend Me, Shape Me and commented:
This sounds like kind of a big deal to me What do you think? Am I silly to be so excited about this?
Deb, you prompted the opening of one person’s heart and mind to the homeless situation and encouraged her to educate herself and, with luck, others. You done good.
And I can’t wait to get my copy of Bend Me, Shape Me so I can see what is happening in that world.
Thank you, Robyn! I look forward to hearing what you think after you’ve read the book. You’ve always been such an encouraging friend!