Todd's wife died suddenly, leaving him alone to raise their three children. He's in shock and dealing with grief. He's worried about the emotional well-being of his kids and his ability to be there for them as a father. Most of all, he's angry at God for letting this happen.
Realizing that he needs help but not really knowing how to get it, Todd starts seeing a therapist, Dr. Schenk. He doesn't know how to open up and share what's in his heart, so his sessions are pretty quiet. Frustrated, Dr. Schenk gives Todd an assignment - he is to blog about his thoughts and feelings regarding his wife's death. The blog is private, something only Todd and Dr. Schenk can access, but it could be a valuable tool in helping Todd release his pent-up anguish and give him an outlet as he works through his emotional healing.
The problem is, Todd doesn't want to do it.
Out of ideas, Dr. Schenk gives Todd an ultimatum: write on the blog or stop coming in for therapy. Todd realizes that if he loses Dr. Schenk, he may never get the help he needs, so he begins to blog.
Those blog posts make up the bulk of this book.
I have to say, I enjoyed this read. The characters were refreshingly honest, from Dr. Schenk mentally redecorating his office while waiting for Todd to talk to Todd spilling Kool-Aid all over the place at a singles' dance and then bursting into tears because he realizes he can't tell his wife about it. I felt as though the characters were real, that I could identify with them. I enjoyed the voice of narration and found it very open and conversational. I especially enjoyed going with Todd on his journey as he learned what he needed to learn and began to see possibilities and understand things about himself.
I give two thumbs up to The Reluctant Blogger and recommend it to anyone looking for a unique LDS fiction novel that easily translates to a national market as well.
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