A story of pain, redemption, and the fierce grace of God.
When your faith tells you one thing and your heart another, where do you turn? In The Least of These, Shari Pacanowski shares a powerful fictionalized memoir about discovering that God’s love is bigger than any label—and His grace can reach even the hardest hearts.
About the Book
A Story of Healing and Belonging
Sam Izbecki’s journey begins in silence and shame—but it doesn’t end there. Through heartbreak, forgiveness, and rediscovery, he finds a faith that welcomes everyone to the table. This book is for anyone who’s ever felt left out, wounded by religion, or searching for a place to belong.
About the Author
Meet Shari Pacanowski
Shari Pacanowski (April 25, 1958 – April 16, 2025) was a gifted writer, selfless partner, and loving parent and nana. She had a passion for beaches, bakeries, and books. Shari desired to share the love of Christ with those who felt marginalized and excluded by mainstream religion. This novel was her life’s work and was published after her untimely passing. It is the hope of her earthly loved ones that this book honors her memory and imparts one simple truth: God loves you, just as you are.
Testimonial
What Readers Are Saying
Reading The Least of These is like walking in someone else’s shoes only to find that the shoes were yours all along. This is a powerful book, and one that will (and should) haunt you for the rest of your life. I’m different because of this book. That’s because it reminds me of who I am—desperately in need of God’s love, mercy, and grace. It will do that for you, too. Read this book and then give it to everybody you know. After they wince, they will thank you. Then we can talk and maybe even learn to love each other.
Steve Brown
Broadcaster and author, KeyLife.org
I’ve spent 55 years in ministry, and I’ve always been drawn to books that do more than tell a great story—they reveal something true about life and about us. The Least of These is one of those rare books. It’s a gripping, deeply personal account of a boy growing up in a home marked by cruelty and violence yet pierced by moments of love and human connection. But this isn’t just his story—it’s ours. It invites us to wrestle with life’s hardest questions: Can we be honest about who we are if it means risking rejection from those we love? What does the grace of God look like when it meets our deepest wounds and fears? How do we respond to the urge to control—or to being controlled by—others? Read this book not only to understand more, but to become more. It will stay with you—and it will make you a better person.
Dr. Joel Hunter
Pastor of Community Benefit, Action Church, Maitland, FL
Get Your Copy Today
The Least of These is available in paperback and eBook formats.
Order your copy today and discover a story that will open your heart to the power of grace.
Contact
For interviews or speaking requests by Shari’s husband Rick, email info@sharipacanowski.com
Copyright © 2025 | ShariPacanowski.com