Grace from the Rubble by Jeanne Bishop (#34 in 2020)
In what was to become the deadliest attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, the Oklahoma City bombing was one in a long line of violent attacks which have left communities across the nation searching for healing and hope. With the soaring message of the power of love to conquer evil, Grace from the Rubble tells the intertwining stories of four captivating individuals: Julie Welch, a young professional full of promise and Tim McVeigh, the troubled mind behind the horrific event; Bud Welch, a father whose only daughter (Julie) was murdered and Bill McVeigh, the father of her killer.
It's been a while since I've read any nonfiction, let alone one about an unlikely connection. Between the separate stories of Bud Welch and Bill McVeigh, Jeanne Bishop includes her own narrative that provides the backstory of why she was inspired to write a book about this unexpected relationship in the first place.
Bud Welch's perspective on life really sheds some light on how forgiveness plays an important role in healing. After his daughter's death, Bud seemed to take on a lot of the characteristics that made his daughter, Julie, such a remarkable person, and one of those qualities was that of understanding. At the same time, Bill McVeigh's story reminds us that we cannot punish everyone because of one person's wrongdoings. Despite his son's horrendous crimes, Bill was and has continued to be viewed as a good person.
I couldn't find much on the genre of this book beside nonfiction, but I think it could easily shift between adult and young adult. Depending on the reader's age, different themes can be derived as both fathers were victims in this atrocity. Without giving too much away, the relationship between Bud and Bill really puts life in perspective and is a firm reminder of being good to one's neighbor. 4 stars
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