alltheradreads's Reviews (1.9k)

I’m a fan of Rohr, and enjoyed going through these short daily meditations this Advent. They weren’t incredibly dense or extensive, but they gave me new things to meditate on each day, and I found them beautiful and thought provoking.

Oh, you thought I was done reading Colleen Hoover books this summer? FAR FROM IT. This one took me a bit to get into— it’s told in alternating perspectives, one from a character in the present and one from a character in the past (written in a very different style). It won me over, though, and surprised me in the end! (trigger warning— there’s a tragic part of this one involving a baby!)

I love Jamie, have interviewed her in person while at my last job, love her podcast, and find her to be a fun, fresh voice... but this book was not my favorite. I personally feel like she’s much stronger as a podcaster and speaker than as an author, although it was written in her voice! There’s so much in her story that the world (and church especially) needs to talk more about, so I’m grateful for that and for her courage in putting it all on paper.

That quote at the top sums it up well— “What Brene Brown is to vulnerability, Amber Rae is to wonder.” This book is a great one for creatives or makers or artists of any kinds (or any other humans too, really) — it felt like inspiration combined with therapy combined with a kick in the pants, and it was great. I loved “meeting” all the different voices we so often listen to (perfectionism, fear, etc) and taking time to listen to what they are telling us that we can learn from as we grow.

Me right now, after flying through this book in one sitting tonight:

If you’re a person who likes gardening and farm things and how stories about nature relate to our faith, you’d love this one. I found it a bit slow and dry and disconnected, but it just wasn’t the vibe for me!

Thanks for the free book, @randomhouse! // This book is beautiful— poignant and moving and character-driven in such a well crafted way. It’s a slow burn and I teared up at times and I loved how it ended. It’s one that will break your heart but give you hope all at once.

You all told me this was a fun and fast read, and you were right! Flew through this one at yesterday’s reading party and loved it. Just enough quirk and mystery, a good thread of secret societies, a fun point of view, some great techy neediness, and even some slightly Harry Potter vibes?! It was delightful.