Title: The Loving Heart: A Son Who Did Not Know His Father
Author: Assaf Sawaya
Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc
ISBN: 978-1-6624-1422-0
Genre: Non-Fiction
Pages: 302
Reviewed by: Suzanne Gattis
Hollywood Book Reviews
This story of a man finding his pathway back to “home” is a story of mistakes, courage and redemption. At time also impossible to believe, The Loving Heart-A Son Who Did Not Know His Father, takes us on an adventure of a lifetime; one that almost cost him his future in this life and the next. It is a good story about change.
Untold wealth, drugs, gambling, and unsteady relationship fill the first section of the book. It looks like a lavish and glamourous lifestyle until you see the consequences it brought with it: threats of life, mistrust, and prison. And finally, the return to the Lord and a life of study and devotion. It almost seems to be two different books with stories so opposite. But miraculously, this is one book that came with just one main character, just with different outlooks. The great change of the course of one man’s life was full of hope and courage.
One thing which I personally felt was missing in the pages was remorse. It may have been truly there, but I did not find it in the words left on the pages. I believe in both works and grace and I am not sure it was fully shown to me that Assaf ever truly repented of the things he has done. He was thankful he did not get life in prison and other ill effects, but I never felt him really taking responsibility for his actions in the beginning. Some of the things he attributed his faith in he gave full credit to the Lord, but at times I found that a little naïve. While I believe prayers are answered, I feel as if his short prison time maybe was more because of telling on his partners than grace from God, while he was still living in a horrible way.
Saying that though, I do believe that Assaf had faith in the Lord and wanted to grow closer with him, particularly through Scriptures. I believe he obviously had a personal relationship with his Father in Heaven.
The English is not perfect in this book, but readable and adds some authenticity to the writing. I found the writing, particularly in the second half, to serve a purpose of bringing others to the Lord. Overall, this is a unique and interesting read. The Loving Heart-A Son Who Did Not Know His Father is a great book for anyone who wants to make themselves a more positive force in their sphere of influence and have a closer relationship with God.