Title: The Stream: Keys to Peace
Author: Thomas W. Fargnoli
Publisher: Bublish, Incorporated
ISBN: 9798899890598
Pages: TBA
Genre: Fiction
Reviewer: Ella Vincent
Pacific Book Review
The Stream: Keys to Peace is an insightful and creative novel that intertwines two very different lives but with one similar result. Author Thomas W. Fargnoli has written a book which will enlighten readers.
The Stream tells the story of Bob, a driven American career man whose therapist recommends he reads a fictional book about Benito, a Filipino boy who learns life lessons from his grandfather about faith. His grandfather, whom he affectionately calls Lolo, advises Benito to find a stream to teach him about the meaning of life. While Bob is reading the book, he follows Benito’s quest to find the stream and learns about his own spirituality and embarks on his own journey to faith.
The book has intriguing characters that are relatable and spiritual. Benito’s journey to finding the stream leads him to a deeper faith in God. Bob’s search for meaning also leads him to commit to a commitment to God. Benito is in an underprivileged part of the Philippines and is bullied by his classmates but still has gratitude in life because of his love for his grandfather and God. Bob is a flawed protagonist who seems impatient with his self-help journey but is attempting to improve his life through reading about Benito and his journey through life. The parallel stories of the two characters searching for spiritual enlightenment is an inspiring tale about how people from all walks of life can find difficulty in finding God. In addition to the main characters, Lolo provides insight into Benito and Beth is a supportive wife who is Bob’s spiritual partner.
Fargnoli’s writing is devout and entertaining. The mixture of philosophical quotes and the keys to life (perseverance, forgiveness, preparing the soil, prayer, and gratitude) in the text can be used by readers in real life. Fargnoli’s writing shows that spiritual growth doesn’t have to come from enormous movements, but can come through small actions like Benito forgiving a bully who stole his soccer ball, or Bob reading Benito’s story to learn about God. Their intertwined stories tell the story of how God has improved the main characters’ lives.
The Stream would be best for readers who want to learn how to incorporate God into their lives. The book would also be good for readers who want to learn about spirituality without an overly preachy message which tells a compelling story. Fargnoli has written a text that will educate and entertain readers. This book is compassionate and biblical, Thomas W. Fargnoli offers practical keys to experiencing the peace God promises. This book doesn’t just speak to your mind, it renews your heart.
