Where the Light Fell - by Philip Yancey: Book Review

Title: Where the Light Fell

Author: Philip Yancey

Pages: 320
Publisher: Convergent Books
Publishing Date: October 5th 2021
Genre: Memoir, Christian
Format: Kindle
Rating: 5* 

It's been a while since I last read a memoir. The plan was to read this one in the morning, a bit at a time, knowing non-fiction books are not  prefered genre. To my surprise, I read this one in two days. It's a wonderfully done memoir, it's honest and open, without focusing on unnecessary details. It's the first book signed by Yancey I've ever read, and although he writes Christian life books, which is not something I gravitate towards, now I want to read more from him.

The book is structured in five parts and covers his early childhood, his boyhood, the teenage years, and up to his young adult years, with a short part at the end focusing on his adult years. It's the story of his fundamentalist upbringing, he and his brother, Marshall, being raised by a young widowed mother, in the South of United States. Every child raised in the American Bible belt or raised in a conservative church environment will recognise parts of Yancey's story. However, his is an extreme, yet, as he mentioned a few times throughout the book, not as bad as others had it.

The tone he uses is not full of regret, resentment, pain, or anger. It's the story of a man who, through grace, learned to accept his background. The first part of the books reads fast, as if you're reading a gripping novel. In the second part, he talks about his questions and struggles to understand and make sense of God. I'm glad to see a man who found God through personal inquiry, personal wrestling with Him, and personal faith. He mentions that the main themes of his book are suffering and grace. It's the same two themes he deals with in this book, too. It's not a theological book by any means, which was a relief, because who wants to read theology in a memoir, anyway? It was fun to see all the books he read in order to discover more of what other though, so that he could reach the point of thinking for himself.

Because it's a memoir, the ending is not a beautifully tied happy end. The severed ties between his family members are still there, the past isn't erased, and the scarrs are still visible. However, it's God's grace that made him the man and author he is today. I'm glad he wrote this book, and I'm glad this is how I discovered his writing. I highly recommend this memoir to anyone who's interested in reading the stories of people coming from a fundamentalist background, or are fans of well-written memoirs.

I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First - by Laura Tremaine. Book Review

Title: Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First.: 10 Questions to Take Your Friendships to the Next Level
Author: Laura Tremaine
Pages: 224
Publisher: Zondervan
Publishing Date: February 2nd
Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4*

I liked Laura Tremaine's book a lot. The anecdotes she shares are at times wild and surprising, and it was great learning more about the person behind the 10 Things to Tell You podcast. The tone of the books is friendly, but at the same time I can see why she says her friends call her bossy. 

I don't necessarily like the way she tells the listeners on her podcast to "Now go share something", but I liked the way she invited and gave her readers the chance to think about each topic. She picked different questions and subjects of conversation, some deeper, some less, told her stories, and then asked questions for the reader to go deeper and talk or write about their experiences. Although it says the questions are aimed to deepen your friendships, I am sure they could be used for any meaningful, close relationship. I read this at the same time as my best friend did, and it made the experience even better. Clearly, we're doing this book right!

I found this book both easy to read, and deep enough to make you think. Maybe because I like the podcast I was even more open to the message she shared. I find her life choices and changes fascinating, and it was fun reading about them. I look forward to reading her next book.

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

The Complicated Heart - by Sarah Mae: Book Review

Title: The Complicated Heart. Loving Even When It Hurts
Author: Sarah Mae
Pages: 240
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
Release Date: 17th September 2019
Genre: Nonfiction, Christian, Memoir
Format: Kindle

It's someone story, and how can you rate the accuracy of someone's life?  

I have known Sarah Mar thanks to the (in)courage.me site for a number of years, but I haven't been actively following her. When I saw this book available on the Net Galley site I was curious to learn more about her. Also, I heard her on Annie F. Down's podcast before I read the book, which is actually what prompted me to want to read it. I can't comment on the topic of the book: it's raw and hard and I am glad she was brave to share it and open the conversation for people with a familiar or similar background.

All that to say, if you want to read about someone's resilience and victories in Jesus despite all that's thrown their way - this is for you. If you want to read more tips on how to persevere, more how to’s - this is merely a starting point. Towards the end of the book she offers some guidelines, more of a point where to begin. 

The topics she deals with: alcoholism, sexual relationships, abortion, and child negligence - all these are potential triggers, and are hard topics, so proceed with caution.

As far as the way the book was constructed, I liked that not only do we get to learn of her life starting from the adolescence years, but she also shares bits of her mother's journals. I love that the story is told from both "protagonists'" point of view, thus giving the reader a more rounded perspective. At times it reads like a I-cannot-believe-this-is-real novel, and yet! 

I recommend this one especially for the Christian that's been moving in the Christian culture/ spheres his/her whole life. It's eye-opening to what people may come to God with. I have finished this book quite a while ago, but I needed some time to process it. I am ashamed to say and admit that at some points I was... well... judging both the author and her mother. How can someone who claims to love Jesus and be a Christian *do* something like that?! was my white Christian lady reaction. I knew I was looking down on fellow sisters in Christ, hence my reluctance to write a review. Then I was reminded of the prodigal son's brother, and his brother I was, shame on me! Who am I to judge and regard with contempt or superiority someone for whom Jesus died and forgave? That's why I think this is a needed read for the one who's been a Christian for many a year.

Thank you, Sarah Mae, for being willing and open about your story. I hope many more people will get to read it and find comfort, and above else, find Jesus.

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

For All Who Wander - by Robin Dance: Book Review

Title: For All Who Wander. Why Knowing God Is Better Than Knowing It All
Author: Robin Dance
Pages: 352
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
Release Date: 14th January 2020
Genre: Nonfiction, Christian
Format: Kindle

I enjoyed this book a lot. I always approach Christian nonfiction books with low expectations. However, because I knew of Robin Dance from the early days of (in)courage, I was curious to learn more about her. I was happy to see that this book is mostly a memoir dripping with Bible verses. Having grown up in a Christian family and environment myself, I saw a lot of myself in it. This truly is for every Christian.

I liked how she followed her life from the early years to the her (almost) present day life. It's refreshing to see an author, especially a Christian author, admit fault and flaws. This is what Robin Dance does - she sees her shortcomings, but is ready to put them on display because that's how she got to know God better and learn more about Him, as well as about herself. 

It reads quickly, especially the first half. I highlighted A LOT because there are a lot of good passages. If you read it in one seating, or in large portions, you might notice the change of tone as the book progresses. There might be that "preachy" tone towards the end, but by that point I was invested and I was nodding my head and highlighting away that I didn't mind it. As I mentioned, there are a lot of Bible verses used. This book is not watered down theology or feel good Christian book. It may sound a bit too dramatic from the title, but what I discovered is that the author lived what many people of faith over the years and centuries experienced: a need to have their faith tested and proven the right choice. It can appeal to every Christian who wants to have a deeper relationship with God that goes beyond the shallow surface.

4*

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

The Church of Small Things - by Melanie Shankle: Book Review

Title: Church of the Small Things: The Million Little Pieces That Make Up a Life
Author: Melanie Shankle
No. Pages: 224
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication Date: 3.10.2017
Format: Kindle
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography-Memoir, Religion-Christianity, Humor

This isn't my first book of Melanie Shankle's. I read her first three as they released. A review for her third book, Nobody's Cuter Than You was reviewed here on the blog. 

Church of Small Things is somewhat more different than the first three. It's still funny, with a clear Melanie Shankle voice, but it approached a more serious plethora of topics. She writers about family, parents and grandparents, her sister, her husband and daughter, about friends, church and community. If you are familiar with her other books you may have read about all these before. Not to mention, if you know her blog, most certainly you will feel like you already know about the people she writes about. Some chapters read more like a blog entry, without the serious-toned or meaning-filled ending. Readers and non-readers of the blog will like it nonetheless. Other chapters are more serious, without the extra-funny parts, and I enjoyed those the most. It's like reading the saga of a Southern family.

I like how she approaches every chapter. She may start from a random idea, but the story is deeper and has meat to it, and you read it feeling like she's telling this personal anecdote and life lesson to a small group of friends, you among them. Melanie is good at telling stories that hold your attention, but without thinking too highly of herself. She is down-to-earth and easy to relate to, despite the decades and countries that maybe separate her from her readers.

I don't usually skip parts in any of the books I read, but this time I did. I just skipped the chapter about her dogs. I don't read the blog entries about the dogs, nor the shenanigans they too often find themselves in, nor do I care about the haikus one of the dogs is compelled to write too often after every event of its life. Those dogs are neurotic and they stress me out. I also regret reading the chapter about her wide selection of pets over the years. Maybe not wide in your opinion, but 3-5 too many in my opinion.

All in all, I sure had a good time reading her memoir. Of all her books so far, this had the most memoir-like feel to it, and the one I enjoyed the most. About her third book I said it was better than the first two; this time I must say that her fourth book is better than her first three. Having followed her writing over the years, I can tell she has become more comfortable in her writing. Now I cannot wait to read her next one.

My only regret is that the advanced e-book copy I received did not have the Foreword by Ree Drummond. 

I received a free advanced reader e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

-About the Author-

Melanie Shankle is a graduate of Texas A&M and lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, Perry, and daughter, Caroline. Melanie began blogging in July 2006 when she started her blog, Big Mama. She’s also a regular contributor to The Pioneer Woman blog. Her first book, Sparkly Green Earrings, came out in February 2013 and debuted on the New York Times Bestseller list. Her second book, The Antelope in the Living Room, was released on February 4, 2014 and also hit the New York Times list.

One of the Few - by Jason Ladd: Book Review

Title: One of the Few. A Marine Fighter Pilot's Reconnaissance of the Christian Worldview
Author: Jason B. Ladd
Publisher: Boone Shepherd
Publishing Date: October 27th 2015
Page No.: 318

In the beginning, the author mentioned a remark made by one of his friends: "Your life is not that important to grant writing a book about." I read this book, and I agree with what the author said towards the end- every life is important enough to be worth writing abook about. This is all the more true when during the course of that life, the individual realizes their importance as a human created by God, made in His image, for His glory.

Jason B. Ladd is a Marine fighter pilot, so this book is packed-full with analogies and metaphors about the resemblance between a Christian's life and a Marine's. Prepare yourself for a lot of Marine talk and many capital letters words. I was unfamiliar with all of these, so it was a new thing I learned. However, at times it got overwhelming and I stopped trying to remember what all the words meant. I just accepted that they were relevant to the book. If you are familiar with the US Marine and other military structures in US, you're good. If you are not, don't give up, there are some good stuff in this book.

The book starts from the author's young years as a military kid, back when his family was stationed in Japan. The events of the book (although "events" is a bit much said, because events are not the focus of the book) are not chronological. However, the main idea of the book is Ladd's repentance and acceptance of God and Christianity. It is not (as I was tempted to think) an easy-breezy kind of book, where you learn about a man who decided to just accept God. This is about someone who researched God, who read a lot, inquired a lot, and then accepted that this God of the Christians is the only God. At times the book covers some hard topics, and deep theological issues. Reading this as a Christian should be no problem, but for someone who is not used to such aspects of faith it may be a bit challenging. Worth reading, though. 

One of the Few is divided into three main parts. The second and third part are the most "practical", if you will. They approach various daily life situations. This is great - it's like showing the basics to a new believer, or showing a non-believer what this Christian living is all about. As someone who's lived both lives, so to say, Ladd is not talking gibberish, he knows what being a Christian entails in the everyday life. It is encouraging to read it as a Christian, and thought-provoking as a seeking person who wants to learn more about God.

As I mentioned, this is a well researched book. It is clear he's read and studied a lot, and I liked all the references written down at the end of every chapter, not all added at the end of the book. They are useful for anyone who wants to learn more about a certain topic covered in a chapter. Although at times it may seem difficult to read because of the subject approached, it's something useful. I am glad and grateful I had the chance to read it.

3* - I liked it.

I was contacted by the author and offered a free e-book copy to read and review. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Still Life - by Gillian Marchenko: Book Review

Depression as an addiction. It becomes an addiction for sure. The helplessness and loss of hope. You can get used to staying out of the way of your own life.

It's so easy to judge and condemn what you don't understand. I am one of those who easily dismisses what she doesn't understand. This book gave me access into another human being's personal space, and it allowed me to see the struggles, the unrest and stirring that overwhelm a person battling depression. It was hard reading it. On one hand, it was hard to see Gillian (who felt like a character trying to rise to the surface from the bottom of a very, very deep, dark ocean) fighting her illness. It was hard to see her draw within the confines of her bed, unable to engage in everyday activities, distancing herself from her husband and children. On the other hand, it was hard to wrap my mind around what this really means. I don't completely understand depression, so this was eye-opening, but it left me, funnily enough, encouraged in my faith and daily walk with God.

Gillian knew she was dealing with depression, but she didn't know how serious it was until she called a TV commercial number, got face to face with a psychiatrist, and eventually, after a few failed attempts, she found Melanie, a psychiatrist who helped her face her new life. 

I love how open she was about her turmoil. She didn't try to preach us the things we know about God. She didn't try to dismiss this. She spoke like someone who's walked through the valley of depression. Everyone going through a hard season of life can so easily relate to her. I loved how she didn't spiritualize. This is such a refreshing thing. No, she didn't dismiss God, but she clearly stated that sometimes, God seemed far and hard to reach, but she knew that through it all He was present. It was so encouraging to read her words about God, and they had more weight knowing they came from a person who struggled to keep her mind clear and focused.

It is hard—doing life. I nod and continue. It is hard. But worth it.

I also liked the applicable strategies she talks about in the book. Melanie (her paid friend, as she calls her) gave her tips on how to handle life. One task at a time. This was so good, and who doesn't need that reminder? She tells of her narrating to herself her tasks and actions to keep herself grounded and present. Throughout the book was open about her relationship with the husband. As a pastor's wife, she felt the pressure to be the perfect image, but this idea crumpled every time she was put down by her gnawing depression. I also liked how she took turns in presenting how her children were influenced by her illness. She and her husband have four daughters, two of them with Down syndrome, and the youngest of them is adopted from Ukraine. She had difficulties in bonding with her youngest daughter, who is also autistic. She also writes about her relationship with her parents and siblings, and tells a bit about her family history, trying to piece together info that might give her a clue about her illness. 

The book reads a bit like a story, like a novel. You keep turning the pages to see what happens next, will there be a breakthrough? You rejoice when she has a good day, you empathize when the days are not so good. But by the time you reach the end of the book, you are encouraged to walk forward in the Light that was present in her life all along, and promised to never leave you, nor forsake you. 

Because life with depression is still life. And my short assignment for today is to be still enough to hear this truth from God. I will live in this space, I resolve. It’s time.

Gillian Marchenko's most recent book, Still Life, A Memoir of Living Fully with Depression, published in the spring of 2016 with InterVarsity Press. Her first book, Sun Shine Down, A Memoir, published in 2013 with T. S. Poetry Press. Her work has also appeared in numerous publications including Chicago Parent, Today's Christian Woman, Literary Mama, Thriving Family, and MomSense Magazine. Gillian lives near St. Louis with her husband Sergei and their four daughters. Connect with her on Facebook at Gillian Marchenko or at gillianmarchenko.com.

I received a free e-book copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Lean on Me - a book on community, but a memoir -- Book Review

What I really loved about this book - Lean on me - is the lack of "how-to". It is a memoir in which the author speaks pretty openly about aspects relevant to the topic, which I admired. I knew some things about the author, Anne Marie Miller, and the things she went through, but this was a bit more detailed and it was useful in creating the context, and understanding why community and close relationships are that important.

I personally don't think this is a book that brings a revolutionary aspect to the "why do we need community" question. However, I think it helps the reader understand one person's point of view coming from a personal experience.

The way in which the author approached her situation, where she realised that something has got to change, and this all led to her moving across the country a few times.. yeah, I want that. But what this made me realise is that roots are not always physical. I appreciated her openness towards the group of mentors that were to guide her. Also, her willingness to guard herself from the "bad" community AKA those who wouldn't necessarily help her grow - to be appreciated.

This is probably not a nice thing to say, especially as a Christian, but I appreciated her not throwing a bunch of Bible verses into the book. I know them all. This is not the first book on community that I've read. I know the verses. I liked the effect of the Bible passages in her life better, to tell you the truth. I believe those were a major fact in her coming out of that dark period.

Probably more that this being a book on community and its importance, it is a book on how community actually helps ones brokenness and the feeling of lost that inevitably are to appear in everyone's life, even for the briefest of moments. 

I knew I liked this book when after I started it, I didn't dread going back to the "community book". That's not my favourite topic, but this was not the point with this book. I was actually eager to read more. It must be the memoir aspect of the book. If I sound like a curious lady, I am afraid I don't know how to defend myself.

All in all, I appreciated the honesty (the vodka and Coke moment? pretty honest) and the willingness to write about it. I also liked the style. I've previously read one of Miller's books, Permission to Speak Freely, and I also enjoyed that. She has a poetic kind of writing which draws the reader into the book, but this is probably something not everyone enjoys.

It's a good book and it's worth the time and money.

I was offered a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson--W Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion of the book. All thoughts expressed here are my own.