kcollins0207's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
somanytictoc's review
4.0
Backstrom is about as authentic as you can get, as anyone who follows her videos can attest. This book is full of those real-life stories that make you laugh out loud and sob hysterically (or so I hear...) and it's a valuable read.
I can't give it five stars though, mainly because it feels very disjointed. It reads like a series of disconnected blog posts rather than a cohesive narrative. It's definitely worth the price of admission, but I was kind of expecting more of a guide to navigating the mess.
One note: I am not the target demographic for this book. I'm a straight white married male who doesn't actually follow Mary Katherine on social media. My wife is obsessed, though, and she wanted me (the reader of the family) to read it and write a review. She would definitely give it five stars, in case you're wondering.
I received an ARC (advance copy) of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I can't give it five stars though, mainly because it feels very disjointed. It reads like a series of disconnected blog posts rather than a cohesive narrative. It's definitely worth the price of admission, but I was kind of expecting more of a guide to navigating the mess.
One note: I am not the target demographic for this book. I'm a straight white married male who doesn't actually follow Mary Katherine on social media. My wife is obsessed, though, and she wanted me (the reader of the family) to read it and write a review. She would definitely give it five stars, in case you're wondering.
I received an ARC (advance copy) of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
jordan_dobbs's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
sbnich's review
4.0
I read this in vignettes over a few months, in the cracks and pieces of the days. It is sunshine in quiet moments, not preachy or saccharine. More like your older sister giving you the side eye and reminding you how good you have it, then fiercely wrapping you in a hug and letting you be broken.
I loved the analogy of God being in the details like a forensic dusting of fingerprints- that sometimes you can only see Him in your life by looking backward, but if we align ourselves, we will find Him in the moment as well.
MK is not a gifted writer as much as she is a gifted teller of stories, the perfect talent for reaching out and influencing others with kindness. I hope she keeps telling stories and doesn't trade her real mess for manufactured influencer mess.
I loved the analogy of God being in the details like a forensic dusting of fingerprints- that sometimes you can only see Him in your life by looking backward, but if we align ourselves, we will find Him in the moment as well.
MK is not a gifted writer as much as she is a gifted teller of stories, the perfect talent for reaching out and influencing others with kindness. I hope she keeps telling stories and doesn't trade her real mess for manufactured influencer mess.
michellef's review
5.0
I love, love, love Holy Hot Mess by author Mary Katherine Backstrom (MK). Let me tell you, Ms. Backstrom had me at the beginning, at the introduction. I had never heard of Ms. Backstrom, until now.
I did not want to put Holy Hot Mess down even to cook supper for my family. I fell in love with Holy Hot Mess a book about the author, the reader, and life. I believe the thesis of Holy Hot Mess is about sharing life’s messiest moments and recognizing a holy undercurrent beneath the chaos.
Holy Hot Mess is written like sitting with a friend and talking over a hot spiced latte. I am so grateful to have read Holy Hot Mess. And don’t you just love the cover?
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I did not want to put Holy Hot Mess down even to cook supper for my family. I fell in love with Holy Hot Mess a book about the author, the reader, and life. I believe the thesis of Holy Hot Mess is about sharing life’s messiest moments and recognizing a holy undercurrent beneath the chaos.
Holy Hot Mess is written like sitting with a friend and talking over a hot spiced latte. I am so grateful to have read Holy Hot Mess. And don’t you just love the cover?
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
lestie4short's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Excrement, Pregnancy, Cursing, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic friendship
mlbenners's review
5.0
Holy Hot Mess is a fabulously heartfelt and downright hilarious collection of wisdom!Mary Katherine Backstrom’s voice brims with raw honesty and humor. She captures the experience of motherhood so accurately that I was nodding my head and smiling throughout almost every passage in her book. It’s a much needed reminder that we are all beautifully imperfect and God loves all our broken pieces. This book has earned a prominent spot at the forefront of my bookshelf. Thank you so much to Worthy Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-galley!
bookishly_laura9813's review
4.0
I had to read this book to complete a book challenge I did this year. The task was "read a book outside your comfort zone."
As an Atheist, normally this wouldn't be a book I would give two thoughts to. Mary Katherine Backstrom herself, has been an inspiration to me. She is one of the reasons why I got help for my own mental health needs. I even had the pleasure of meeting her. This book is also signed by her.
Anyways, while I still don't believe in a higher being, I do admire her faith no matter what. What she calls guidance from God, I call life lessons.
I was able to relate to her in many ways especially when it came to parenting and always wanting to fit in, but like she says, you have to meet your people for you.
An incredible book which I thoroughly enjoyed and laughed along with her messiness.
As an Atheist, normally this wouldn't be a book I would give two thoughts to. Mary Katherine Backstrom herself, has been an inspiration to me. She is one of the reasons why I got help for my own mental health needs. I even had the pleasure of meeting her. This book is also signed by her.
Anyways, while I still don't believe in a higher being, I do admire her faith no matter what. What she calls guidance from God, I call life lessons.
I was able to relate to her in many ways especially when it came to parenting and always wanting to fit in, but like she says, you have to meet your people for you.
An incredible book which I thoroughly enjoyed and laughed along with her messiness.
jeannemurray3gmailcom's review
5.0
Really good! Highly recommended! Entertaining, easy to read, and comes with great truths of God's love for us.