'A memoir is a literary form in which the author relates and reflects on experiences from their own life. Memoirs and autobiographies share many similarities, as both are types of self-written biographies. But while an autobiography provides a comprehensive account of someone’s life, a memoir is a series of formative or notable memories or events that impacted the author in some way. Memoirs also focus on the author’s thoughts and feelings about those events, what they learned, and how they integrated the experiences into their life.'
I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet: Discovering New Ways of Living When the Old Ways Stop Working
Shauna Niequist
author website
'Just after her fortieth birthday, author Shauna Niequist found herself in a season of chaos, change, and loss unlike anything she'd ever faced. She discovered that many of the beliefs and practices that she usually turned to were no longer serving her.
After trying--and failing--to pull herself back up using the same old strategies and systems, she realized she required new ones: courage, curiosity, and compassion. She discovered the way through was more about questions than answers, more about forgiveness than force, more about tenderness than trying hard.'
Shauna's short essays on making her way through a season of awful losses and drastic upheaval were truly cathartic for me. Her writing has never been more deeply reflective and richly nuanced. Herein is superb bibliotherapy.
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Amanda Held Opelt
'Shivah provides that next right step for friends who want to offer comfort but who are afraid to encroach on the bereaved, afraid of not knowing what to say or what to do. And it shows a mourner how to receive love. Shivah is indeed intrusion. Death must be trespassed upon. In shivah, fear is interrupted by friendship. Loneliness is interrupted by love. Pain is interrupted by presence.'
The sister of Rachel Held Evans writes of the stunning impact of Rachel's sudden death even as she herself was going through her own devastating series of miscarriages. There is a beautiful, gentle strength to her cadence, her writing style, that drew me right in on page one.
As she weaves her story, Amanda seamlessly incorporates research on how rituals are able to aid in healing. And to my surprise, I discovered how much I'm drawn to this Jewish ritual of 'sitting shivah.'
I made my way through these pages slowly, in no hurry to finish up. Probably because I found Amanda to be a gentle companion in my own grieving journey.
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Waymaker: Finding the Way to the Life You've Always Dreamed Of
Ann Voskamp
author website
'I haven't just tipped into heart failure right now; I've been falling in failure for far too long, failing my darling Darryl, failing my marriage, failing my sons and daughters, failing the kindest of friends and long-suffering family, failing in bruised relationships, and failing God. I've curved inward instead of turned, blamed instead of owned, controlled instead of calmed, dismissed instead of peeling back everything and lavishing attention on souls just yearning to be seen ...'
Named by Christianity Today as one of the 50 women most shaping culture and the church, Ann's surprisingly raw, candid, and vulnerable memoir is a stark reminder that no matter who you are, life has excruciating seasons. And in those darkest of days, God is always inviting us to something deeper and more holy.
Kindle - $14.99
Hardcover - $15.36
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'The child of a Reform Jewish father and a lapsed Southern Baptist mother, Lauren Winner eventually chose to become an Orthodox Jew—but then, as she faithfully observed the Sabbath rituals and studied Jewish laws, she found herself increasingly drawn to Christianity. Taking a courageous step, she leaves behind what she loves, and converts. Now, the even harder part: How does one reinvent a religious self? How does one embrace the new without abandoning the old? How does a convert become spiritually whole?'
This is not your typical conversion story. It's a stunning memoir, exquisitely written, mesmerizing. This Episcopal priest and associate professor has a brilliant mind, a tender heart, and a writing style that will pull you right into her world.
Kindle - $14.59
If surface-y chit chat leaves you bored, restless, or uneasy ... and you find yourself craving deep conversation with kindred spirits who can't help but leave an indelible impact on your soul, these are your books.
Linda
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These all sound like compelling reads, Linda. Thanks for sharing them with all of us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Such good stuff! So happy to share with you all!
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Sounds like wonderful reads. I do love Ann V writings. Maybe it's time for a new book for me! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI appreciate good memoirs too. Thanks for your recommendations!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
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Finishing up Ann's book. I've been slowly going through it, along with the video series for about 5 months now! I've been waiting for Shauna's book from my library. "Girl Meets God" sounds intriguing. Thank you for introducing me to new books, Linda!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Lynn, I found it to be a slow, reflective, read. I'm guessing the videos have been the icing on the cake. Shauna's book is worth the wait. Each chapter left me thinking. Another beautifully slow read.
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You've been reading heavy duty writings. I'm particularly drawn to the last memoir. Thanks for a clear review of the stories; it makes it easier to get a feel for the books. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI can't quite find the right word to best describe Lauren's writing style. Whatever it is, she had me at page one. Enjoy!
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These all sound like wonderful memoirs! I usually listen to one or two each year--I'll add these to my list for 2023!
ReplyDeleteIt'd be incredibly moving to hear a woman speak her own story out loud in her own voice. Thanks for nudging me in that direction, Anita.
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There are so many books to read in a lifetime. I now read a book in my left hand and another in my right simultaneously whilst listening to a third on my earphones.
ReplyDeleteTried reading the telephone directory once ... not recommended ... too many authors and no plot. Whereas reading the dictionary it is one author who keeps changing the subject every second.
God bless.
The truth is that some people DO read 3 books all at once. Literally. Multi-tasking is so yesterday. I'm lucky to focus clearly on one thing at a time. Really.
DeleteThe dictionary. Yeah I get it ... funny!
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Linda, as silly as this may sound, your defining autobiography and memoir was so helpful! I've always kind of lumped the two into the same category. Second, thank you for sharing a bit about each of these books. I'm adding them to my TBR list. They each seem to carry a message I need to read.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't sound silly to me, Jeanne. I never thought of it til I stumbled upon the definitions. So glad you're adding them to your list. You won't be disappointed!
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I'm not surprised Ann Voskamp has been named as one of 50 women shaping culture and the church. Her 1000 Gifts impacted so many of us! I'm putting this new title on my list. Deeper into Jesus and more holy for him sounds like a wonderful objective for 2023, beginning with this book, Waymaker! Thank you, Linda!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Nancy. 1000 Gifts was a game-changer for so many of us. Ann fans will appreciate her vulnerability in sharing this chapter of her journey. We resonate. Looking forward to hearing what you think ...
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Thanks so much for the book suggestions! Your personal reviews and thoughts were lovely to read.
ReplyDeleteBarbara
onehopefulyear.com
Barbara, thanks, friend. I hope you're doing well in the middle of December's busyness. I so appreciate when you write ... I lean right into your winsome, yet truthful words.
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I'm hoping to read Ann's book. The author in me loves her way with words, and I'm drawn to her transparency. Thanks for sharing these memoirs!
ReplyDeleteI like how you put that, Katie. Yes, these women are certainly writer's writers, for sure. A real feast for the eye, heart, and mind. Comfort food savored with excellent company.
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Linda, thank you for these great reviews. I'm adding them to my Amazon with list right now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.
Don't you just love a good wish list?!
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Gosh, I never thought of it that way, Lois. Thanks for pointing out what now is obvious. Thank You, Lord.
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I always love good book recs. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI hope one of these fits you to a T!
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I really enjoyed both Shauna and Ann's memoirs, and I'm waiting on Amanda Held Opelt's book to become available at my library. Thanks for being such a faithful sharer of great books, Linda!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking you'll appreciate Amanda ... she's a gentle, wise, woman like you are, dear Lisa. I loved the time I spent in her pages.
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