Hope Was Here

Since experiencing a life-changing car accident early in her life, Joan Bauer embarked on a lifelong journey to discover what it means to live a life of faith. All her books address hope in a higher power in some way and portray characters who must rely on their faith to endure hardships. In Hope Was Here, Bauer examines a specific type of faith in the character of G.T. Stoop, whose mother raised him in the Quaker faith tradition and who incorporates Quaker tenets into his life. Having persevered through the loss of his mother and wife, G.T. now battles leukemia while also trying to make a difference in his community by running for mayor. G.T. frequently references his Quaker roots when explaining to his constituents why he chooses not to participate in political backbiting and smear campaigns like his opponent, Eli Millstone. G.T.’s principled and honorable character is emblematic of Quakerism, and though the number of Quakers still found in America is small, the religious tradition once played an integral role in the formation of the country (Rossi, Tony. “I Want to Help Kids See They Have a Hero Inside: An Interview With Joan Bauer.