A Snowflake Never Falls in the Wrong Place
This memoir is an invitation to reflect on life through faith.
A Snowflake Never Falls in the Wrong Place by Richard Zakka is a warm memoir centered on the belief that everything happens according to God’s plan.
Zakka is a creative entrepreneur—an actor, filmmaker, and businessperson—who became confident in the goodness and providence of God at an early age. This slim volume covers many years and touches on spiritual insights gained throughout. The author grew up in Aden, a British colony in the Middle East, and immigrated to the United States as a teen, where he later launched his career and adult life.
This international and immigrant experience gives depth and texture to his narrative. The memoir particularly shines in its attention to both familial and cultural history. Early childhood reflections are a balance of common and intriguing: the setting is unfamiliar and will seem exotic to many, but Zakka also shares typical experiences like going to the park. His adult life is similarly balanced, covering relatable elements, like meeting his spouse and the loss of his parents, and his more unusual experiences of working in film and sharing his faith with people in prison.
While much of the book is centered on life events, Zakka’s relationship with God is central to every page. He relates to God in a way that is personal and that influences and reflects on his life. This orientation will be familiar and encouraging to a wide range of modern Christians. The memoir will appeal most to those who find that its opening line resonates with them: “It is so evident that there are no accidents in life and that God’s favor is everywhere.” Zakka’s story may persuade skeptics of that, but his strongest connection is with those who, like him, want to bask in the goodness of God.
The book serves the duel purpose of sharing Zakka’s life story and encouraging others to see the “snowflakes”—God-ordained beauty and provision—in their own lives. The latter emphasis, though less prominent in the book itself, is the most resonant aspect of Zakka’s narrative. More than enjoying his life story, Christians may feel compelled to reflect on their own stories in a similar way.
Zakka’s steadfast optimism from start to finish is in a way inspiring, but it also minimizes any tension or narrative arc to pull the story forward or inject suspense or urgency. Those who struggle through difficulties in life and doubts in their faith will have trouble seeing themselves in these pages at times.
A Snowflake Never Falls in the Wrong Place is an invitation, through one man’s story, to reflect on life through faith.
Reviewed by
Melissa Wuske
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
