Book Review: Wake Up to Wonder by Karen Wright Marsh

About the Book:

In her quest to live a vibrant spiritual life, Karen Wright Marsh had a revelation: she didn't need to find and follow the perfect plan; she needed people she could follow.

In Wake Up to Wonder, Marsh introduces you to those people--faithful yet oh-so-human Christians from across centuries and cultures. Inspired by their example, she offers playful, simple practices that bring deeper meaning and purpose to everyday life.

In the company of diverse spiritual companions, you'll journey through physical health, prayer, activism, Scripture reading, creativity, and beyond. Each chapter includes hands-on invitations such as writing prompts, space for personal reflection, and "Try This," a collage of spiritual and personal experiments anyone can do.

As you wake up to wonder, you'll discover what these twenty-two historical figures already knew: that a life of spiritual depth, amazement, and connection is within reach--today and every day.

Read an excerpt from Wake Up to Wonder by Karen Wright Marsh on the publisher's website.

---

My Thoughts:

Reading Wake Up to Wonder by Karen Wright Marsh felt like a conversation with a kind, wise mentor. The content focused on living life with intention and wonder, making it more of a practical self-care book than a devotional book. I admit that I was sold on the book when I read the first invitation (aka daily reading) because it discussed the benefits of journaling (a hobby near and dear to my heart). Other invitations in Wake Up to Wonder included singing, gratitude, examining the day, and solitude. Wake Up to Wonder also recommended the common sense practices of proper nutrition, daily walks, and short rests which are easily skipped over in the rush of life.

Wake Up to Wonder cited many works by Christian thinkers as the book’s premise was that the author sought to learn from reputable people of faith. I enjoyed the mini-biographies of Martin Luther, Margery Kempe, Augustine, Brother Lawrence, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dorothy Day, and many more. The author drew together historical documents/information, Scriptures, and her own story/thoughts. Often, she included questions for reflection or suggestions on how to implement the ideas presented. My list of want-to-read books grew as almost every book Marsh recommended sounded like something I would learn from or like to read for enjoyment.

I thoroughly enjoyed Wake Up to Wonder by Karen Wright Marsh. Five stars!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Reading for the Love of God

About the Book:

What if we viewed reading as not just a personal hobby or a pleasurable indulgence but a spiritual practice that deepens our faith?

In Reading for the Love of God, award-winning author Jessica Hooten Wilson does just that--and then shows readers how to reap the spiritual benefits of reading. She argues that the simple act of reading can help us learn to pray well, love our neighbor, be contemplative, practice humility, and disentangle ourselves from contemporary idols.

Accessible and engaging, this guide outlines several ways Christian thinkers--including Augustine, Julian of Norwich, Frederick Douglass, and Dorothy L. Sayers--approached the act of reading. It also includes useful special features such as suggested reading lists, guided practices to approaching texts, and tips for meditating on specific texts or Bible passages. By learning to read for the love of God, readers will discover not only a renewed love of reading but also a new, vital spiritual practice to deepen their walk with God.

Contents

1. What Kind of Reader Are You?
2. Why Read Anything but the Bible?
Bookmark 1: Reading like Augustine of Hippo
3. What's the Difference between "Use" and "Enjoy"?
4. Do Good Books Make You a Good Person?
Bookmark 2: Reading like Julian of Norwich
5. What Does the Trinity Have to Do with the ART of Reading?
Bookmark 3: Reading like Frederick Douglass
6. Why Do We Need Four Senses to Read?
7. How Can You Remember What You Read?
Bookmark 4: Reading like Dorothy L. Sayers
Conclusion
Appendix A: Twofold Reading of Flannery O'Connor's "The River"
Appendix B: Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix C: Reading Lists of Great Books

Read an excerpt from Reading for the Love of God on the publisher's website.

---

My Thoughts:

Reading for the Love of God by Jessica Hooten Wilson starts off with descriptive imagery of the Apostle John in Revelation as he consumes a book. I continue to sit with this depiction after finishing Reading for the Love of God because it arrested my attention and Wilson’s related thoughts are incredibly applicable to reading most any book. The rest of Reading for the Love of God is just as interesting and challenging as the start.

Reading for the Love of God is academic in tone, style, and complexity. Wilson often refers to ancient literature and medieval monastic practices as she explains how to consume great literature and apply its lessons to a modern spiritual life. I confess, I did not completely understand “use” and “enjoy” in chapter three, but that is simply a reason to reread and learn. My favorite chapters were “Reading Like Frederick Douglass” and “How Can You Remember What You Read”.

I recommend Reading for the Love of God: How to Read as a Spiritual Practice by Jessica Hooten Wilson to Christian readers who desire to learn from great works of literature and apply those lessons to enhance one’s spiritual life. Naturally, Wilson stresses the importance of regularly consuming Scripture as well as literary works. A list of suggested reading for all ages is included. Four stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.