Title: Committed
Author: Darryl Derstine
Major Themes: Airplanes, Flight, Air Force, Vietnam War, Vince Lewis, Christian Life, German Baptists, Adoption
Synopsis: From a love of airplanes as a child, Vince Lewis became a bomber pilot in the Air Force—but flying could not satisfy the deep longings within his heart.
In one of my school book orders this year, I also purchased Committed from the reading books section of the same website. This book caught my eye because of the picture on the cover—I recognized the woman’s dress; I grew up in a church that wore dresses cut like that. As usual, the book sat on my shelf for several months before I picked it up—but once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop! It took me several days to read this thick book, but I never lost interest at all.
Publisher’s description:
Vince Lewis was on the ladder to success. As an Air Force pilot, he had achieved all his childhood dreams. He had everything he ever wanted…but trouble was brewing.
As a boy, Vince was crazy about airplanes. Living with his adoptive family near the Los Angeles International Airport, Vince watched in awe as big jet planes screamed by overhead. Someday I’ll be up there, he told himself.
Always studious and driven, Vince excelled at school and became an Air Force cadet. Through a series of strange circumstances, he met his dream girl, Charlette, and they got married. After graduating from flight training, Vine became a bomber pilot during the Vietnam War. He was committed to serving his country.
But Vince’s passion for his career soon began to interfere with his family life. As his world began to fall apart, he came to realize he had been focusing on the wrong things. He was part of the wrong kingdom. Committed is a gripping true story of repairing relationships, seeking God’s will, and finding a higher purpose.
My thoughts:
Darryl Derstine has written an amazing story in Committed. I enjoyed all the stories about flying—I learned quite a lot about airplanes and piloting them. Some stories were pretty hair-raising; imagine being in an 8-engine bomber and two engines catch fire! (You’ll have to read the book to find out how that resolved.)
Vince Lewis’s personal life was very interesting to read about, as well. I found myself rooting for him, and for Charlette, to become the man and woman—and couple—that God intended for them to be. For many years, neither of them thought about God, but when their world fell apart, both of them separately began a journey toward Him. I found that faith journey intriguing, and just wanted to keep reading! Vince and Charlotte experienced many different types of churches, from a small home group to one that included a rock concert as part of the “worship.” They constantly wanted something more—but would they ever find it?
Committed is a book that will appeal to many kinds of people. Those who are interested in aviation will enjoy all the descriptions of flying and airplanes. Anyone who loves a novelized biography will love it. And, anyone who identifies with Anabaptists will especially like the end of the book.
WARNING: There are a few scenes where bombing is described
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 12 – 15, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 12 – 15, 15 and Above, Adults
Links to buy this book:
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
Other Places: Christian Light Publications—Paperback | Milestone Books—Paperback | CAM Books—Paperback
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