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henrygravesprince's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
In the interest of full disclosure, this review is specifically regarding a DRC copy of the book from Net Galley, so while I imagine this eBook was pretty close to finalized, some details may have been changed between my copy and the official release.
I would recommend this book to anyone with spiritual inclinations and a complex relationship with religion due to religious bigotry and alienation; I think this also would be a very worthwhile read for Christians seeking to be more inclusive and welcoming in their practice. My favorite element of this book is the prayer sections; I don’t think any element at play is particularly weak—it’s a very strong book overall and I found a lot of comfort in it. Because of that, the only thing I really would have wanted from this book is more of it.
This is a well-crafted, layered, easy to follow text. This book feels very meticulously structured, and I think that worked out as the author intended. While it’s not necessarily meant to be read in a linear, straightforward way, it’s put together in a way that allowed doing so to work for me. Every section and chapter feels necessary and intentional—none of them feel like filler, and even chapters that I probably wouldn’t turn to regularly (like some of the ones modeled on Christian holidays) were worthwhile to read in their beauty.
The labor and love that went into this book sing through every page. The writing style is very accessible and consistent without being boring to read; it’s effective and comforting. The author manages to communicate their messages to the reader in a variety of different ways without being repetitive. The writing is poetic, but it’s also incredibly clear and direct; the intention is never obfuscated, and it’s always wrapped in just the right amount of figurative language. I’m very curious to see where the author’s writing career goes next, and may at some point check out their previous book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Racism
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic, Mass/school shootings, and Police brutality
city_girl_writer's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I need to pick up a physical copy. Cole Arthur Riley did a good job narrating this collection of letters, meditations, prayers, and poems in the form of liturgies. I want a physical copy to take these teaching further and for personal reflection.
bookmindedmag's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
I read Cole Arthur Riley's previous book and was blown away. I can say the same of this book. It is a book of healing, of prayers and confessions. It also asks questions of the reader that can be answered at their own pace, which only helps in the healing process. Because man do we all need some healing.
What I enjoyed so much about this book is that although each chapter follows a specific structure, they don't have to be read in order. To be honest, I felt like there were some chapters I could have skipped and still get something from the book. I love the questions because they allow readers to truly think about their answers. To think deeply about what they would say in response. Chapter XIII is one I plan to go back to because I have had issues with anger in the past and have come a long way in quelling it. But the questions in that chapter made me think about whether I have quelled it or if it is still something I struggle with.
The book is even more enjoyable and relatable because the author starts each one with a couple of paragraphs about herself. She gives us insight into her own struggles, which made me feel like I was talking to someone I know. The author lets us know that she's just like us, with flaws and struggles and the will to overcome them in a healthy way.
I would definitely recommend this book to my readers.
What I enjoyed so much about this book is that although each chapter follows a specific structure, they don't have to be read in order. To be honest, I felt like there were some chapters I could have skipped and still get something from the book. I love the questions because they allow readers to truly think about their answers. To think deeply about what they would say in response. Chapter XIII is one I plan to go back to because I have had issues with anger in the past and have come a long way in quelling it. But the questions in that chapter made me think about whether I have quelled it or if it is still something I struggle with.
The book is even more enjoyable and relatable because the author starts each one with a couple of paragraphs about herself. She gives us insight into her own struggles, which made me feel like I was talking to someone I know. The author lets us know that she's just like us, with flaws and struggles and the will to overcome them in a healthy way.
I would definitely recommend this book to my readers.
fabell6's review
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Beautiful. I read a liturgy each night before bed and it was served as a meditation to unwind from the day. I will revisit this often.
micklesreads's review
This is beautiful, but it's not the kind of book I'll read cover to cover. I read the first chapter and sent it back to the library so others waiting could read it. I think this is one I'll buy and keep on my shelf for when I need it.
discarded_dust_jacket's review
It’s not that I’ve stopped reading it, but my library loan is running out and I think I’d like to own this book so I can read it slowly, one chapter at a time, or when the situation calls for it.
This doesn’t feel like the type of book you sit and read all at once. This is a book that asks you to really meditate on each section. So I’m going to continue reading it once I purchase my own copy, but just, not at a pace that’s neatly “trackable,” if that makes sense.
This doesn’t feel like the type of book you sit and read all at once. This is a book that asks you to really meditate on each section. So I’m going to continue reading it once I purchase my own copy, but just, not at a pace that’s neatly “trackable,” if that makes sense.