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angelamichelle's review against another edition
3.0
I so believe in Shannon’s message our greatest work might be in our little neighborhoods, that “our people” might look nothing like us or come from hard places, that there is no such thing as other people’s children. And I love Shannon herself, and her attention to sidewalk cracks and passion for random thrift shop junk.
(And I think one of her sons might be jesses soulmate)
This is the second of her books that I’ve read and taken inspiration from, but her writing always leaves me a little dissatisfied. Sometimes I want to get beyond the hyperbolic metaphors to know more about what actually happened, how did you do it, and how did it work for you?
(And I think one of her sons might be jesses soulmate)
This is the second of her books that I’ve read and taken inspiration from, but her writing always leaves me a little dissatisfied. Sometimes I want to get beyond the hyperbolic metaphors to know more about what actually happened, how did you do it, and how did it work for you?
jaesto's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.25
gwalt118's review against another edition
5.0
How do you define a "neighbor?" Is it someone who lives near you? Is it someone who looks like you? Do the people you consider "neighbors" only fit into a specific mold? Whatever your definition is, Shannan Martin wants you to expand it.
Changing the world doesn't need to be a large-scale grand gesture. It doesn't need to occur halfway around the world. Seemingly small acts for the benefit of our neighbors add up to make huge differences in our community. This book was a call to action for me -- a call to consider what kinds of needs exist in my own community, a reminder to be content with my current community rather than wanting something more, an acknowledgement that those in our immediate circle of influence probably need more help than we know.
Martin's story might be a bit of an anomaly. But, there's something - likely more than one thing - in this book that will relate to your life or situation and that will call you to action in your community. I highly recommend this as a book club read, particularly if that book group is affiliated with a church. I actually used this book to start a spirituality-focused book club at my church, and we have had wonderful discussions about it. We've read and discussed it over the course of three months. I encourage readers to take their time with this book. It's not difficult to read, but it's full of wisdom. I read quite a few chapters twice.
This book has the potential to completely change how you see your community and those around you. I am so grateful this book fell into my hands at this time in my life.
Changing the world doesn't need to be a large-scale grand gesture. It doesn't need to occur halfway around the world. Seemingly small acts for the benefit of our neighbors add up to make huge differences in our community. This book was a call to action for me -- a call to consider what kinds of needs exist in my own community, a reminder to be content with my current community rather than wanting something more, an acknowledgement that those in our immediate circle of influence probably need more help than we know.
Martin's story might be a bit of an anomaly. But, there's something - likely more than one thing - in this book that will relate to your life or situation and that will call you to action in your community. I highly recommend this as a book club read, particularly if that book group is affiliated with a church. I actually used this book to start a spirituality-focused book club at my church, and we have had wonderful discussions about it. We've read and discussed it over the course of three months. I encourage readers to take their time with this book. It's not difficult to read, but it's full of wisdom. I read quite a few chapters twice.
This book has the potential to completely change how you see your community and those around you. I am so grateful this book fell into my hands at this time in my life.
amlane16's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. I didn't agree with everything, but overall excellent nuggets to think about. Reminded me of The Gospel Comes with a House Key.
justplainbeth's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5