Lori Lynn Lydell says:

We listened to this audio as a family. Our boys, ages 11 and 13 were able to listen to My Father, Maker of the Trees and learn so much about God's restoration and the forgiveness a human being who loves Jesus is capable of. This was an excellent audio. It was moving, at times rivetting, and a real learning experience. I highly recommend it. Allow your middle-school and up children to listen to this with you. You'll be glad you did!

I received a copy of this audio in exchange for this review. Read my entire review at www.homeschoolblogger.com/lorilynn/781262 #

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Matthew Rowley says:

Have you ever read a story where you know the main character survives and thrives after a series of successive horrible events? You sit in eager anticipation straining to comprehend how survival is possible, and even after the book is over, there is a feeling of disbelief because you think no man could survive or thrive after such events. Similarly, this book recounts the unbelievable nature of human depravity, and the overwhelming ability of God to change hearts from bitterness to forgiveness. This true story recounts the story of a boy (Eric) who endured some of the darkest hours lived out on earth. His drama is shared by a nation ripped apart by Darwinian division and genocide. This story is a first hand account of a boy’s struggles with man and God. I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book, knowing that the boy comes out alive and trusting God, but I did not know how this was possible. Eric found God in the darkest of hours and found rest in his Sovereign arms. In the book, I was horrified at the atrocities man can commit and I was inspired by Eric’s forgiveness. God had clearly done a work in his life that would otherwise be impossible. I would highly recommend this book for its historical, inspirational and spiritual content. This book puts my problems in perspective. It is healthy for those who are free and without fear to understand the depths of depravity into which man can slide. Man, without God and without proper restraint can fall into deplorable conditions. Eric’s story is one where restoration and hope seems impossible. Yet God works in his life to restore much of what he has lost, and bring a joy and rest in Sovereignty that only God can give. The book is read in English with an African accent. This makes it feel as if I were there, with Eric, experiencing the horrors of genocide, and experience the healing of Christ. I highly recommend this book. #

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Rollalyn Ruis says:

“Every tree is sovereignly planted by God for a reason bigger than we know”. This quote is by the author's uncle sums up this incredible story. “My Father, Maker of the Trees” is the personal account of Eric Irivuzumagabe, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
This was the first “story” audiobook I've listened to, and I enjoyed the experience. I listened to certain parts of it several times and it was just as intriguing as the first time I listened to it.
I'm not familiar with the Rwandan accent, but the narrator, Dion Graham, had a “foreign” accent which draws the listener into the world of Eric Irivuzumagabe. Graham was animated and full of expression. I appreciated the beautiful and seemingly authentic pronunciations of Rwandan words and names.
I don't know if reading “My Father, Maker of the Trees” would have had the same effect, but hearing it painted vivid scenes in my head. I felt as if I were watching it on a screen or running along side the fleeing Tut-sis.
Theologically, there is very little I disagree with. I'm not sure what denomination Eric is nor do I care. As far as I can tell from his testimony, he is a true Christian. I don't see how a person can have the heart to forgive the Hutu tribe for what they did nor see that a genocide was God's way of drawing a person in unless they were a Christian. Eric mentioned that, as an unbeliever, he prayed to God to rescue him and God did. I don't believe God answers the prayers of non-believers except for the prayer of repentance and salvation. God rescued Eric from being a victim of genocide because He willed it, not because He answered Eric's prayer. Eric also makes mention of “Christian” Hutus that participated in the genocide. Yes, Christians can and will sin at times, and sin is sin no matter how “big” or “small” the sin is. I just don't see true Christians taking someone's life, and in such a heinous way. Again, Christians will sin, but I think there are some sins that true Christians can't participate in. Eric quoted Tupac Shakur, Mother Theresa, Rick Warren, and various personal spiritual mentors. I have to say that I agree with the quotes and the context they were used, but I don't think Christians need to be ecumenical to align themselves with non-Christians to reach a common goal. Maybe Eric used them because the quotes were appropriate despite who said them, but it did surprise me when he quoted non-Christians. This story reminds me of Joseph in the Bible (even though Eric was not a Christian at the time of the genocide). God used the evil in Eric's life for His perfect plan. Eric repeatedly speaks about God's sovereignty.
The first half of the audiobook was exciting and dramatic. The second half wasn't as exciting or dramatic, but I was still amazed at how God worked in and through the life of Eric.
This story struck a chord in me because I'm a houseparent. I've never been an orphan or experienced trauma like the orphans of the Rwandan genocide, but I work with children that have trauma ingrained in their memories. Eric mentions houseparents briefly, but he calls all Christians to obey the charge of James 1:27: caring for the widows and orphans.
I highly recommend this audiobook to adults, especially those in foster care or child care work. Mature teenager would greatly benefit from hearing this audiobook, but keep in mind the subject matter of genocide. Eric recounts vivid and, many times, graphic and horrific moments of the atrocities of genocide, such as violence and war rape.
This audiobook includes a song written and sung by co-author Tracey Lawrence and there are other narrators that briefly speak for other people in Eric's life. #

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