I wanted to like this book

I like her personality and her voice. I have listened to her podcast for the past two years. This book fell flat for me for a number of reasons. First, the author seems blind to her own privilege--she is an extremely successful author and influencer. Her version of suffering are relationship woes. As a single woman in my 30s, I get it, but throughout this book, I rarely got the sense that the author understands how privileged she is or that she views her platform or writing as a way to help people. Instead the bulk of her work is musings about her own life, what went wrong, what went right, mostly what went wrong. It reads like an entitled self absorbed narrative that is supposed to be about God. Second, there's nothing here about the biblical truths regarding suffering, Christ's suffering for us and our suffering for him. Or how trials help us more deeply identify with Jesus. She puts God on trial for not providing a husband, for not allowing her to have a best selling book, and for not giving her greater professional influence. God doesn't guarantee those things, no matter how many people "speak" those things over you. He does promise that this life will bring troubles and call a us to give thanks in every circumstances. There's nothing about Thanskgiving, nothing about finding pleasuring in serving God or his people during this season. Her books, her speaking, all of it seems to be about her. That worries me and sends the wrong message about the Christian faith.

12 people found this helpful

Quick read.

To me, it just seems like stories from the author's journal or autobiography. There are a few places where I could relate, but mostly I just didn't quite feel a connection. Maybe if you have a strong church family, have lived in other countries, traveled around a lot or have tons of friends, it will resonate more with you than it did me. I just didn't quite get the point I guess. If I could give it 3.5 stars that would be my choice, but I can't and 3 seems inappropriate, so I'm giving it 4.

6 people found this helpful

This is what you need

I happened upon Annie through several podcasts and heard her talking about this book. I was intrigued because I could sense the “rawness” in her voice as she was talking about it on the podcast. I have had one heck of a year and was looking for something beyond the typical Christian answer to the things I was feeling. Annie is so real. She is raw. And I literally wrote in my journal this last year the same phrases she uses to describe her own journey. I knew I wasn’t the only person who felt like this, but it was hard to tell my heart that every day and truly believe it. Annie’s story will encourage you, even though it isn’t the ending you’d expect. You will relate to her and realize you truly aren’t alone. I am so glad I decided to use my free trial of audible on a whim and listen to this book.

2 people found this helpful

Hard and beautiful

In a season of my life, this book serves as a reminder to all of those hard questions that end in commas rather than “!” or even “?” . Thank you Annie for your transparency, honesty & excellence! It’s a beautiful story with a beautiful…!

1 person found this helpful

Yes yes yes

I think I rewrote almost every word of this book down in my journal as I processed listening to it. So much resounded with my soul. Annie’s journey’s has mirrored my own the last few years in ways that can’t be a coincidence. This book is the real deal raw journey of faith and at first, the ending made me mad! I was crying and hoping for an answer and ticked when she said she didn’t have one. Yet, what I found as I continued to listen was an even greater gift than I could have imagined. Through this book, I found that in the desert journey, I wasn’t alone... in the wrestling and learning to limp... I wasn’t the only one...in the place where I’ve been the last few years where the pain somehow only seems to grow more and though I have felt like breaking... I’m not alone. Yes, Annie has been in those places - but more importantly God has been there... and through it all, I cannot walk out of any of this not remembering Him! I walk away from this book with lots to think on and ponder, a sense of being known, and a resolve that I will Remember God and His kindness/goodness... even though I have a LOT of work to do in trusting it all. A BIG Thank You to Annie for writing this book and being so brave with her life...

1 person found this helpful

Authentic

This was my first audio book and my first Annie Downs book. It won’t be my last of either. Annie is so raw and so real and I love her for it. If you want to read an authentic story about how the Christian walk really is... this is the book for you. And Annie, if you’re reading this... thank you. Thank you for being brave enough to put in print your walk and struggles of faith with the Lord. On most days, I would tell you my faith and belief are so strong. But, like you, it has been the REALLY hard times that have built that faith and have proven His absolute kindness. Sister in Christ, I am praying for you. For Him to fulfill all the desires of your heart, to keep proving His kindness “o’er and o’er”, and to give you the “grace to trust Him more”. (from ‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus 😉)

1 person found this helpful

Remember God

Annie addressed and asked the questions we all want to ask and invited us to walk with her though her journey. She was vulnerable and honest! I also bought the book because some books just need to be in your library!

1 person found this helpful

Awesome book!!!

I just love you Annie! I love your books and that you read your own audio books!!!!

Thank you for being you and for showing up as you and for being authentic and for sharing real life!!

If you are believing God for anything… read this

I can’t express how much this book spoke straight to my heart! The core of my being I felt Annie was my best friend identifying with the way life goes. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for being so vulnerable. I cried & laughed listening to you 🤍

Thankful

I needed this right now, in this season. I am beyond thankful. Listening to Annie read the book is so captivating! I want to listen again right away!