Shaken Awake by Allen Madding is a wonderfully writte
n book, and although it may be fictional, it is truly an inspiration. Allen Madding has interwoven into this book characters representative of not only the people that have touched his life, but those to whom we can all surely relate.
The characters are well developed; they will pull you in and keep you wondering what is going to happen next. You will see an old neighborhood church that has slowly been declining in membership from 500 people down to a very small number due to an aging population. The small group of people leftover is about to get “shaken awake” as the author suggests in his title.
The church board had been getting relaxed in their ways, feeling no need to change — until the minister gets a late night call that no one is expecting, and now everything is about to change. One late morning Alvin and Phil, members of the church, run into each other at lunch and the two discuss the events of that night. Alvin realizes that he was angry with Phil’s response and the discussion ends, but leaves them both wondering what are they supposed to do next.
This book will take you on a journey that will awaken you to what is really important and hopefully inspire each of us to answer that call of that inner voice. It can come from a telephone call like Bob the minister received, or from a simple feeling that something that needs to be done. I always think passion can lead the way to our heart’s desires and sometimes to the desire and needs of others.
I am always fascinated when a book like Shaken Awake finds its way into my life. I do not believe in coincidences, but I do believe in miracles, especially small ones. I am inspired by the work that people are willing to do when a real need shows up and a community finds out about it. That is what this book is about, people needing people and help showing up! I encourage you to read this book — you will not be disappointed!