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angelamichelle's review against another edition
4.0
This book changed my life by clarifying and reinforcing what Christ *really* says we must do--which actually isn't go to church, be chaste, and don't drink. It's seek out the low and needy (not just make peripheral visits). Give all (not just what you won't miss). Build community one invitation at a time. Let things go so you can gain more.
(I did sometimes wish for, along with the quirky, embellished proverbs, more just concrete story of what this all looks like in her life.)
(I did sometimes wish for, along with the quirky, embellished proverbs, more just concrete story of what this all looks like in her life.)
erlenzi's review against another edition
2.0
Any time it takes me two months to read a memoir, that's not a great sign. The concepts Martin discusses and is living out are to be applauded, but the (lack of) structure of this book made it hard for me to read. It meandered A LOT. Still, there are some notable quotes I will be chewing on for a while after.
readsewknit's review against another edition
5.0
My faith is intact, but, as anyone intent on learning what it means to live out those truths in light of current divisions in the world and in the church, it has come a long way from where it started. Such an evolution is necessary to remain alive and not fall into complacency and stagnation, but it can be painful and come with seasons of sadness and loneliness if it is being navigated alone. I've been fortunate to have kindred spirits around me for some of these transformations, who wrestle alongside me as we wonder what it looks like to care for the widow, the orphan, the stranger. But there can be a disconnect as I try to reconcile it all, how to acknowledge the impact mentors had on my early life even as I recognize we wouldn't agree now on our priorities.
There are authors who have been pivotal for me in this, as well. Foremost was Rachel Held Evans, coming into my life at a time of change and reminding me I was not alone in asking these big questions. Now I find myself retreating into the words of Shannan Martin; her convictions and her frankness are refreshing and I have a particular delight in imagining how we might have crossed paths, had we stayed in Indiana longer. She lives in nearby Goshen, where two dear friends also lived, and when she mentions the local coffee shop on social media, I think fondly to my own gatherings there.
As is becoming habit for me, I may hear of an author and make a note to read a popular book of theirs, but instead of ingesting it, I find myself with a newer release, then playing catch-up with their canon later. Such was the case for Shannan Martin, when I was given an ARC of her 2018 title The Ministry of Ordinary Places, where I discovered the gift of her words and, a couple years later, reading this debut.
Reading Martin reminds me of conversations with dear friends. What does it mean to truly exhibit this Christian life? In Falling Free, they decide to sell their ideal homestead for a smaller house in a neighborhood not in a desirable part of town. Old friends caution them, concerned about how the children will fare, whether they can ever truly be safe, but the Martins proceed faithfully with their call. Her husband becomes a jail chaplain and she digs into the community.
Her stories, which feel deceptively simple, can bring me to tears because of the truths they call forth. Like the communion in the shared Sweet Slam, sacrificially made. Or when as a child Shannan struggled to fall asleep and her mother casually says, "When I can't sleep, I pretend I have a bunch of extra money, and I think about who I would give it to."
There are authors who have been pivotal for me in this, as well. Foremost was Rachel Held Evans, coming into my life at a time of change and reminding me I was not alone in asking these big questions. Now I find myself retreating into the words of Shannan Martin; her convictions and her frankness are refreshing and I have a particular delight in imagining how we might have crossed paths, had we stayed in Indiana longer. She lives in nearby Goshen, where two dear friends also lived, and when she mentions the local coffee shop on social media, I think fondly to my own gatherings there.
As is becoming habit for me, I may hear of an author and make a note to read a popular book of theirs, but instead of ingesting it, I find myself with a newer release, then playing catch-up with their canon later. Such was the case for Shannan Martin, when I was given an ARC of her 2018 title The Ministry of Ordinary Places, where I discovered the gift of her words and, a couple years later, reading this debut.
Reading Martin reminds me of conversations with dear friends. What does it mean to truly exhibit this Christian life? In Falling Free, they decide to sell their ideal homestead for a smaller house in a neighborhood not in a desirable part of town. Old friends caution them, concerned about how the children will fare, whether they can ever truly be safe, but the Martins proceed faithfully with their call. Her husband becomes a jail chaplain and she digs into the community.
Her stories, which feel deceptively simple, can bring me to tears because of the truths they call forth. Like the communion in the shared Sweet Slam, sacrificially made. Or when as a child Shannan struggled to fall asleep and her mother casually says, "When I can't sleep, I pretend I have a bunch of extra money, and I think about who I would give it to."
bookedbydanielle22's review against another edition
4.0
I just adore Shannan Martin, and actually read her Ministry in Ordinary Places book before this book. Although following very similar themes, it was incredible to see the beginning of the journey she had, and the way she loves her neighbors, and how transparent she is in how she doesn't always love them well, makes me want to be a better person.
If I could do it again, I would recommend reading this first book and then her second (seems reasonable, yeah?) because you can definitely tell she worked out some book writing kinks between the two.
If I could do it again, I would recommend reading this first book and then her second (seems reasonable, yeah?) because you can definitely tell she worked out some book writing kinks between the two.
amycoko's review against another edition
5.0
A quick read that requires a slow look at your life. Find someone to read it with because you will want to discuss every page of this book. My favorite book of the year, to include fiction and non-fiction, Shannan Martin delivers a punch, with love and grace. Read it while you eat her award-winning salsa and white corn Santitas.
shadesgirlak's review against another edition
4.0
"...surrender is always the beginning of a better dream..."
I love her honesty and how relatable she is. She writes as though you are sitting with her over coffee. It's a little scattered to try to read in short bursts. I wish I had been able to read it over a shorter time because I thunk I could have followed her thoughts better. But I love the idea of letting go of what we think we want and free fall into grace! So much freedom there.
I love her honesty and how relatable she is. She writes as though you are sitting with her over coffee. It's a little scattered to try to read in short bursts. I wish I had been able to read it over a shorter time because I thunk I could have followed her thoughts better. But I love the idea of letting go of what we think we want and free fall into grace! So much freedom there.
lnaile's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful read, yet personally challenging. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time.
nomer15's review against another edition
5.0
Shannan Martin, a blogger from Indiana, poignantly shares the story of her family's journey from comfort and the American Dream to living on "the wrong side of the tracks" in her first book, "Falling Free." The Martin family lived on a quiet, idealistic farm with their three children, but one day, they began to sense God calling them to leave it behind and pursue a greater adventure. They eventually sold their farm and moved to a city neighborhood that, at first glance, didn't offer much for their family. But through their obedience, they began to experience a life like no other, one that only God could create for them.
Martin writes beautifully and shares her family's story and experiences in a way that tugs on your heart strings. She challenges the reader to expand our horizons and see the different ways that God may be calling us to step outside our comfort and security zones in order to make a tangible difference among the least. It's a wonderful story, filled with many thought-provoking and eye-opening statements. I highly recommend this amazing book!
(I’ve received this complimentary book through the BookLook program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)
Martin writes beautifully and shares her family's story and experiences in a way that tugs on your heart strings. She challenges the reader to expand our horizons and see the different ways that God may be calling us to step outside our comfort and security zones in order to make a tangible difference among the least. It's a wonderful story, filled with many thought-provoking and eye-opening statements. I highly recommend this amazing book!
(I’ve received this complimentary book through the BookLook program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)
bcbartuska's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. After finishing this book I don't even know where to start!
Shannan simply tells her own story of how God turned her world upside down for the better and invites others to join her in a life of freedom and surrender. She speaks candidly about her struggles and challenges while also cheering all of us on to look past the excuses and let go.
I received a pdf version of this book as part of the launch effort. Honestly, I read the description, thought, "that sounds good," and hoped I would get to enjoy a free book. Boy, did I not know what I was signing up for! Bottom line, read this book. Read it slowly, taking in all that God might be stirring in you as you do. Be ready to consider that what you have always thought to be truth might need a second look. Definitely be ready to get uncomfortable. But read it anyway, knowing that the God we say we trust really is trustworthy with our comfort, our family, our money, and our lives. He is worth it.
Shannan simply tells her own story of how God turned her world upside down for the better and invites others to join her in a life of freedom and surrender. She speaks candidly about her struggles and challenges while also cheering all of us on to look past the excuses and let go.
I received a pdf version of this book as part of the launch effort. Honestly, I read the description, thought, "that sounds good," and hoped I would get to enjoy a free book. Boy, did I not know what I was signing up for! Bottom line, read this book. Read it slowly, taking in all that God might be stirring in you as you do. Be ready to consider that what you have always thought to be truth might need a second look. Definitely be ready to get uncomfortable. But read it anyway, knowing that the God we say we trust really is trustworthy with our comfort, our family, our money, and our lives. He is worth it.