Book reviews are subjective. I tend to rate books not according to how “perfect” they are, seem to be, or are said to be in general but rather to how perfect they are to me. Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Old Fashioned by Rene Gutteridge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh. My. God.
Literally. God. Mine.
The truth was, maybe he had no idea how to get to know a woman in a safe way.
Well. Old Fashioned wasn’t what I was expecting. First off, I didn’t know until I was holding this novel by author Rene Gutteridge in my hands that it’s actually based on a screenplay, one written by writer-director-producer Rik Swartzwelder. And, finding out that this book’s cinematic counterpart is purposely being released the same weekend as the film version of Fifty Shades of Grey, it strengthened the assumption I formed after once brushing through Old Fashioned’s book blurb: this would be a nice story intent on giving rather blanket pointers on chaste dating practices for Christians. I’d like it well enough, and that would be that.
I can’t pinpoint exactly when, while reading, I realized this novel wasn’t what I’d thought it’d be. When I finished the book, I threw it down, took a seat, and wept.
“Sometimes doing right is more than not doing wrong.”
Former reckless frat boy, Clay Walsh, meets free-spirited pretty girl, Amber Hewson, in this romantic story that’s both sweet and humorous but also complex, nuanced, and at many points, just enough. The characters, major and minor, are imperfect, sometimes outrageous, and ultimately believable. Heartache, shame, faith, and grace find their places in this tale, not about dating pointers, but about a guy and a girl, plus the guy and himself, the girl and herself, and the God Who loves them both.
“As Lloyd tells me every day–be a good steward of your pain.”
A vague book review, I know. Descriptions rarely do experiences complete justice, but it didn’t take me long after weeping to know that I’d be adding Old Fashioned to my list of all-time favorite books.
Old Fashioned the movie opened Valentine’s Day weekend, 2015. Click the image below for the trailer.
Prismatic Prospects 
A very powerful review, Nadine. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Old Fashioned. We’re thrilled to see how God will use this novel to touch hearts.
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He is, and He will. Thank you for stopping by, Shaina! 🙂
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