So, prior to this book review I had not heard of the author Frederick Buechner - this despite the fact that I am a book-a-holic and the additional fact that Mr. Buechner has authored more than 30 books. No idea how I missed him entirely...
For this review, I received not one, but two works by this author. I chose to dive into A Crazy, Holy Grace (The Healing Power of Pain and Memory) first because the subtitle was intriguing. After all, who wants to heal by way of pain and memory? Or, worse yet, via the combo of painful memories? Yeah, no...most of us will take a hard pass on that option.
In many ways, this book tells the unique story of the writer's life and delves into some terribly difficult childhood experiences and his emotions - or more accurately, his lack thereof. I think many people would relate well to this scenario. Childhood trauma often deals us such a blow in such a formative time of life that we find ourselves ill-equipped to feel what we ought to be feeling. If you have had such an experience, the book A Crazy, Holy Grace could be a great read for you. Not to mention the obvious - God's grace is crazy and holy at the very same time!
The second book of Mr. Buechner's is entitled The Remarkable Ordinary (How to Stop, Look and Listen to Life). I was, again, intrigued by the subtitle. Yet this book, I found, was not so much aimed at my life circumstances and did not resonate with me. Not because it isn't a good book - it is. Mainly because I am at my own unique phase of life and at times don't have the energy to exert my mind in order to grasp the depth of such a book.
I would like to share a quote from the book:
"To love your neighbor is to see your neighbor."
Simple but profoundly true, right?
I also really loved the thought that playing it safe is to somehow have your life diminished. Oh yes, that is 1000% true.
Overall, I think these are great little books but don't think "little" means a speed read. There's plenty to think about and you certainly wouldn't want to read either of these titles without a plan to think about what you are reading!
On my "Page Turner Scale" of 1 to 5, I gave these books a 4.
Disclaimer ~ I received this book free of charge for review purposes from Handlebar. All opinions shared here are solely my own.
Day 367 done :)
Jan L. Burt
For this review, I received not one, but two works by this author. I chose to dive into A Crazy, Holy Grace (The Healing Power of Pain and Memory) first because the subtitle was intriguing. After all, who wants to heal by way of pain and memory? Or, worse yet, via the combo of painful memories? Yeah, no...most of us will take a hard pass on that option.
In many ways, this book tells the unique story of the writer's life and delves into some terribly difficult childhood experiences and his emotions - or more accurately, his lack thereof. I think many people would relate well to this scenario. Childhood trauma often deals us such a blow in such a formative time of life that we find ourselves ill-equipped to feel what we ought to be feeling. If you have had such an experience, the book A Crazy, Holy Grace could be a great read for you. Not to mention the obvious - God's grace is crazy and holy at the very same time!
The second book of Mr. Buechner's is entitled The Remarkable Ordinary (How to Stop, Look and Listen to Life). I was, again, intrigued by the subtitle. Yet this book, I found, was not so much aimed at my life circumstances and did not resonate with me. Not because it isn't a good book - it is. Mainly because I am at my own unique phase of life and at times don't have the energy to exert my mind in order to grasp the depth of such a book.
I would like to share a quote from the book:
"To love your neighbor is to see your neighbor."
Simple but profoundly true, right?
I also really loved the thought that playing it safe is to somehow have your life diminished. Oh yes, that is 1000% true.
Overall, I think these are great little books but don't think "little" means a speed read. There's plenty to think about and you certainly wouldn't want to read either of these titles without a plan to think about what you are reading!
On my "Page Turner Scale" of 1 to 5, I gave these books a 4.
Disclaimer ~ I received this book free of charge for review purposes from Handlebar. All opinions shared here are solely my own.
Day 367 done :)
Jan L. Burt
Excellent Article. Its nice to Read...
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