This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy
here.
Welcome to my weekly book update post where I share what books I read this past week + my honest thoughts and star ratings of them.
A Word on My Star Ratings
The star ratings I give the books I read are based on a 5-star rating system. I rarely will ever give a book a 1-star rating (maybe never?), because my philosophy is that if a book is only worthy of one star, I’m more than likely going to quit reading it. 🙂 In the same vein, you’ll also notice that I’ll rarely give a 5-star rating as I reserve those for only my very, very favorite books.
Want to see all of the books I’ve read so far this year? Check out my Good Reads page.
I took a hiatus from doing much of any book-reading and audiobook-listening while adjusting to life with two babies. And boy did I miss it! I’m excited to slowly be adding it back into my life… even if it’s just 10-15 minutes/day most days right now. I’m taking the, “Something is better than nothing” approach. 🙂
Last week, I did finish one book — and that felt like such a victory! Here’s my review…
I savored this book in bits and pieces over the last two months. It is a beautifully written memoir-like read. Each chapter can mostly stand alone and is more like individual essays.
In this period in our country with so much unrest, upheaval, and unknown, I thought it couldn’t be a more fitting read. The subtitle is Discovering Grace, Freedom, and Wholeness Where You Never Imagined Looking and the author encourages you to not only stay where you are planted and see the beauty there, but also to stay rooted in the truth of how much you are loved by God.
It is an engaging read and the author makes you feel like she’s walking alongside you and in the trenches, learning and growing with you. She’s honest, real, and raw.
Overall, I really loved the book and would recommend it. The only thing I think I would have loved is if the author would have fleshed out some of her stories more. I would have loved to hear even more details and more depth in many places. 🙂
The one other reservation I had with the book was her statement that her only purpose in life is be loved by God. I’m still mulling over that one, but I’m not sure that I fully agree. Although when I try to explain why I disagree, I struggle to put it into words. I’ve so long held to the catechism answer that says, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Maybe the fruit of being loved by God is that we will dedicate our life to glorifying Him and enjoying Him forever? I’m not sure… like I said, this is something I’m still pondering. But I did want to mention it.
Verdict: 4 stars
What have you read recently? I’d love to hear! Tell us in the comments!
