Honest and thought-provoking
582038
This is a fast, interesting read, far deeper than its slim size lets on. The author takes a long, hard look at himself, and is honest about the good and bad influences in his life--family, friends and those who would take advantage of him. It's rare for memorists to resist the urge to make excuses for their behavior, even if they're justified in doing so, but Monroe-Kane does it well and it makes readers come to their own conclusions.
4358687
Lacki writes an honest and compelling account of his growing up and young adult years as a Christian.  One of my favorite aspects of this book is that he reveals his struggles and fears as plain as day.  In doing this, even though this was a very personal testimony, it is far-reaching and through God's love which he describes, I found myself being comforted in my own struggles.  Even if you are not Christian, I think people would be able to relate to his difficulties in relationships and life's rough spots which are universal in themselves.

This book also has a great essense of "listening" - listening to God's voice as to what he wants for us.  And Lacki's style of writing is very personable and laid back, his voice lifting right off the pages.

This book is one that can referenced over and over to find inspiration during those tough times and not so tough times, to remind us what faith is, and that we're all not perfect, we weren't meant to be perfect, and God loves us anyway.
3537530
Falling Toward Heaven explores questions with which I have wrestled as an LDS woman, but never had the courage to voice.  Each of the characters struggles with their own set of human doubts, difficulties, and imperfections, allowing questions to be raised and discussed that would usually be dismissed or ignored in my own LDS community.  It seems that we have a tendency to expect perfection out of imperfect beings, ourselves included. But John Bennion allows the reader to delve into the very imperfections we tend to ignore, creating a space in which we can evaluate our own progression, expectations, and relationships with God and man.

Bennion allows the reader to explore the nature of God, the validity and frustrations of a perfect church full of imperfect people, and the process of repentance, through the experiences of Howard Rockwood--a recent RM who has lost his faith, but cannot live without it. While the gospel is centered on Jesus Christ and His Atonement, we often forget what this means: we are imperfect people who need help in their journey toward perfection. We are stuck in a state of constant difficulty, attempting to do good, and always failing in some degree. But the comforting message we find in Howard's journey is that this is NORMAL and expected of mortal beings. Howard moves through sin and doubt toward a more complete understanding, a stronger testimony, and a deeper faith in God. We discover that it is not necessarily where we are, but where we are headed that counts. As long as we are moving forward, getting closer to the perfection that we seek, we are doing well.

In addition to this self- journey, we see how important human relationships are, and how important it is to be constantly working at them. Howard discovers that the simple act of discussing his thoughts, feelings, and difficulties with his wife and mother allow him to "work things through". He discovers that honest communication is the most basic and one of the most important foundations for any relationship, whether it is with a friend, a spouse, or God. Problems almost surely arise when this communication is interrupted by distance, whether physical or emotional. And Howard finds this to be true again and again. It is only when he refuses to connect, shutting himself from those that he loves, that his problems become unbearable.

Falling Toward Heaven is both interesting and enlarging. It allows for a discussion of the difficulty of being imperfect in a community that often demands perfection. It is honest in its questioning and characterization. It brings up issues that are often ignored or brushed aside by many LDS members. And Howard's journey of failure, doubt, and isolation from all that he knows and understands, allows the LDS reader to experience a similar exploration of self and examination of relationships to both God and man.
2431384
This book is an open and honest view on how to pursue unity between Christians and the LGBTQ community. Regardless of your opinion on the matter, it is worth reading to better understand both sides and to hear Nathan's experiences. He shares in a way that is not condemning or superior, but is humble and genuine in his desire to seek reconciliation. His message is also uplifting and inspiring as it encourages the reader to seek goodness and love in the midst of hard questions. This book offers both a big picture perspective and practical advice, ensuring a takeaway for everyone who reads it with an open mind and an open heart.
4723176
An engaging and frank account of a second coming of age, "The Detours" gives a voice to those suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  While it serves to validate and support fellow comrades, the palpable soul-bearing effort also offers an opportunity for those supporting and living with someone dealing with TBI to grasp the depth and intensity of the daily struggles and potential life-long attempts at returning to, or finding a new, safe and comfortable place. Wrought with honesty and humble levity, it is a healing read for anyone dealing with his or her own issues or spending time with someone recovering from TBI. As Neil's story in a way touches on all of our idiosyncrasies and self-examining, it is a thoughtful and well-deserved read, for us all.
2204483
I was recommended this book by an acquaintance and was certainly not disappointed. The first-person narration provided an easy entree into topics that were both familiar and foreign. I look forward to passing on this sincere and thought-provoking book to friends!
3113560
I enjoyed the broad base references, which makes this conversational work a worthwhile read for people of all walks of life.  The collaboration between authors was evident & successful; please favor us with more well thought out themes.  A great book for the honest in heart.
2930616
Honest, Candid, Real. These are only some of the adjectives that I would use to describe Katherine Willis Pershey's book. In her poetic prose she guides us vulnerably through the intricacies of life together, the challenges and opportunities that come from living in and through an institution such as marriage.

Unlike many religious leaders she wades through the waters in humility, honesty, and openness. She does not claim perfection instead she invites us to think deeply about what marriage means and about the ways that living life with another is at the core of what it means to live willingly yoked with another human being.

Katherine Willis Pershey does not shy away from the difficult topics connected to married life. From pre-marital sexuality, infidelity, and submission to same-sex marriage, divorce, and death, Pershey guides us with humor, humility, and understanding. Like a faithful pastor, she shines a light behind the closed doors of covenant life. Along the way she gives us hope that in the midst of the many challenges that marriage faces today [t]heres no shame in needing covenant to live.(210)

As pastor, husband, and fellow sojourner I say: take up and read! In Very Married we are gifted with an invitation to a new-old way of living life together.

(Although I have purchased a book this review is based on the reading of an advanced copy provided to me by the publisher)
2973066
Having come from a similar background and reached the same conclusions in my own life, this book hit home for me.  The author's wit, humor, and very personal insights made it a difficult book to put down.  Timothy is gut-wrenchingly honest about the internal dialog you have with yourself when you've been so indoctrinated.  It's great to see him on the other side of those hypocrisies, and a little scary to know that so many other people accept or rationalize that way of thinking.

There were some areas that could definitely use a good editor, but I'm so glad the book didn't get left behind because of this.  The overall story and general writing style of this author kept this book at a 5-star for me!

For those of you who are not familiar with Bible-belt fundamentalism, this book offers an in depth peek into what that world is really like.

For those of us that lived it, this book is a great reminder of why we left.

Now that the author is out of college with a degree in something he'll likely never preach from a pulpit, I hope to see him put that knowledge to use with some books on biblical deconstruction.
1029328
I was introduced to Dorothy Cumming's writing a couple of years ago through one of her blog entries entitled "The Cross That Singles Bear", a poignant reflection on loneliness and suffering, now found in her latest book "Seraphic Singles".  Since then, I've been hooked on Dorothy's writing which I find to be well-crafted, insightful, and refreshingly honest.  This book takes a look at the various challenges and adventures singles face, drawing upon the author's real life experiences and the rich Catholic spirituality that informs her thinking.  Some of the entries are laugh-out-loud funny, some are deeply moving, and all have a down-to-earth quality that make you feel like Dorothy is a close friend sharing her life's lessons with you over a cup of coffee.

A very enjoyable, practical, and edifying read!
4441133
Beautifully written...honest, raw, easy to relate to, yet packed with wisdom and heart that really makes you think and ask yourself BIG questions.
2977041
This book is very thoughtful, well-written, and engaging. It asks questions that are not easily answered and provokes thoughtful introspection in its readers. Highly recommended.
257115
This book "tells it like it is"--the author is incredibly honest about what the Christian life really looks like.  I am at a point in my life where I see how Christian community really is and I long for something better.  It's hard to reconcile the two---this book discusses this yearning, and doesn't necessarily give any nice neat solutions, but it is comforting to know that this is something that other Christians struggle with.
2253842
I enjoyed her insights and thoughts on how she approaches writing. It was both refreshingly honest and open.
1694651
Jonathan opens up to the honesty of his struggle to find God in the silence. I believe it is a struggle that many children raised in the Church have dealt with, and tried to find their way back. Jonathan's honesty with the reader is beautiful and wonderful. A great read for anyone in this season of life.
1995033
I enjoyed the honesty of the book and how the author shared her life with her readers.  Honesty is a quality not often found in authors, especially new ones.  I'm eagerly awaiting  Annie's next book, and interested in how  Bill's chiropractic career is going.
10278
I happened to sit next to Eric at a reception for a Mental health and Addiction conference.  I didn't know him or who he was, but we talked about our mutual interest in the brain and neuroscience.  He struck me as a sincere person who was willing to be completely honest and open.  He told me about this book, and when I got home, I downloaded and read this book.

It is a heart-wrenching and an honest account of his life.  Easy to read and fascinating.  It opened my eyes to the reality of life with mental illness.  The struggles that so many people go through, and gives hope to not just existing, but thriving and triumphing in spite of any mental disorder.

I am looking forward to connecting, supporting and being supported by this fascinating man.