Thin Stories: June Book Reviews

Isn’t it strange how the seasons affect reading? My preferences seem to come in extremes. I prefer reading either curled up on a gloomy day with a cup of tea or outside, on the beach, while basking in the sunshine. I mean, I am not so picky that I will not read in moderate weather, but the June sunshine has brought about the perfect atmosphere for soaking in the beauty of the written word.

Unfortunately, recent days have brought about excessive busyness and very little time for reading. Perhaps that’s why this first book was so timely. 

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Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Niequist

I am so glad this caught my eye on a recent visit to Target. On my mom’s recent trip to the islands, she spent many days on the beach, reading passages of Shauna Niequist’s first book, Cold Tangerines, out loud to me. We both agreed that Shauna is welcome to visit us for coffee in Michigan at her earliest convenience because we would relish the opportunity to sit and chat with her about life. 

Present Over Perfect is once again a doorway into authentic living. It is an account of the moment when Niequiest said, “Enough is enough,” and started reclaiming her life and her joy. It is a call to actively engage in our lives, specifically in our families, and to take time to stop and smell the roses. While I wish that there were more specific references to Scripture and Christ’s work in freeing our hearts, I realize that everyone has a different style and can appreciate this book for what it is. It is a book that reminds you that you are not alone in life and that we all must fight, not for Kingdom busyness, but for the heart of the King Himself. 

As a side note, you might not want to actually read this book around other people because they may get annoyed with your constant desire to reread passages out loud to them. Seriously. I have never wanted to read so many passages of a single book out loud. My poor husband probably feels like he has read the book too!

Seasons of Waiting: Walking by Faith When Dreams Are Delayed by Betsy Childs Howard

No matter what you are waiting on (and we are all waiting on something), this book is for you. I first came across this author when she wrote a piece entitles, “You Can’t Get Manna at Costco” for The Gospel Coalition. I’m not sure I even made it through the article before going over to Amazon to order a copy of her book. 

This is on my list of books I wish I could force everyone to read. It lays out many types of waiting we experience in life, for marriage, for children, for healing, and many more, then shares what the Gospel has to say about that stage. 

I bought this book in the middle of fertility treatments and after a failed surgery. I thought I knew exactly what I was waiting on and that this book would be specific to the stage of life I was in. I couldn’t have been more wrong. It encompasses an entire life and waiting for the Bridegroom to return and relying on His sustaining grace for all of the in between moments when the burden of life is aching for relief. 

Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy ASAP. While you’re at it, you should probably also pick up a copy for all of your friends. They will thank you. 

Recent Book Reviews: 

January
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (The Wingfeather Saga)
Roots and Sky: A Journey Home in Four Seasons

February
The Story of God’s Love for You
Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind (The 99U Book Series)
Ancient-Future Time: Forming Spirituality through the Christian Year

April
The Broken Way: A Daring Path into the Abundant Life
Never Unfriended: The Secret to Finding & Keeping Lasting Friendships
Les Miserables (Signet Classics)

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