Kay Lynn Mangum has done a masterful job of pulling her readers into the life, heart and mind of sixteen-year-old Kathy Colton. Now, at 42-years-of-age myself, I was a little hesitant to pick this book up for fear it might not keep my interest. I could not have been more wrong.
Kathy Colton has spent her entire young life resenting her brother who died when she was two. The family spends every time together reminiscing over the brother and son and Kathy knows nothing different until her brother’s journal comes into her hands. From this journal, written by her brother to her, Kathy learns that she was the most precious part of her brother’s life as he faces death.
Through this story we learn about loved ones and their possible effects on us from the other side of the veil. In addition, we also learn that life circumstances and life itself can be improved by the richness of the gospel and the refining presence of the Holy Ghost. Kathy learns to step outside of herself and learns to love her family and others as her world opens up.
I was exhausted Christmas Eve night by the time our family party ended, but even so. I was able to make it through the entire Rubber Soul album—on CD, this time—-before I fell asleep. When I did fall asleep, I dreamed of Brett, his hands were empty. No blue book was in sight. But his face—his face was lit up with his wide grin. I could hear him happily shouting, Yes! Yes! Yes! All I could do was smile and laugh back, but my smile faded when I thought of Mom and Dad and their unwillingness to budge even the slightest bit of an inch. Brett’s grin faded, too, but his eyes continued to sparkle with determination.
Don’t give up!
I nodded slowly back, and as we stood facing each other, I knew I would hold onto this moment forever.
I love you, Brett.
Brett reached out his hand to me and then took it back to press it against his lip before blowing a kiss of his fingertips to me. I quickly lifted my own hand to catch it and pressed his kiss firmly to my heart.
I could see tears in Brett’s eyes, even though he was smiling
I love you, Kitty. (The Secret Journal of Brett Colton, p. 315)
I highly recommend The Secret Journal of Brett Colton by Kay Lynn Mangum (Deseret Book) to one and all, it is a must read.