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bcbartuska's review against another edition
4.0
Confession: I judge books by their covers. But you have to admit, this one is pretty great. I had no doubt about what was beneath the cover being challenging, thought-provoking, and even fun sometimes. Shannan Martin delivered. This collection of stories about real people doing real life together is as delightful as it is motivating. It will make you think. It will spur you to action. It will probably make you uncomfortable with the status quo. But Shannan is the kind of friend you’d want to have coffee (or tea) with. She’ll tell you hard truths, she’ll laugh with you, but she’ll also listen and end with a sincere hug. So grab your favorite mug and pre-order this beautiful book. Out October 9!
www.ministryofordinaryplaces.com
*I received an Advance Reader Copy from Harper Collins Christian Publishers.
www.ministryofordinaryplaces.com
*I received an Advance Reader Copy from Harper Collins Christian Publishers.
mamakayb's review
4.0
Beautiful Memoir of Christian Faith
Shannon demonstrates how ministry can take place right where we are, no matter where that place might be. I loved her personal stories that allowed us to see beyond our expectations.
Shannon demonstrates how ministry can take place right where we are, no matter where that place might be. I loved her personal stories that allowed us to see beyond our expectations.
mamaorgana80's review against another edition
5.0
Shannan Martin is walking a long road to personal discovery and teaching the rest of us to be more open and honest about what life really looks like when it's lived best. Although the details are different, so much of her story is similar to mine, but this is a story that will resonate with many whether you are shaking your head yes or picking up your jaw from the floor.
I particularly appreciate her gentle approach to critique of systems while recognizing the humanity within those systems. I also recognize and love how carefully she tells other people's stories without revealing too much of what is not hers to tell.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, and I will be purchasing multiple copies to give as gifts to the people in my life.
I particularly appreciate her gentle approach to critique of systems while recognizing the humanity within those systems. I also recognize and love how carefully she tells other people's stories without revealing too much of what is not hers to tell.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, and I will be purchasing multiple copies to give as gifts to the people in my life.
kwitzel's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books I've read this year. Martin creates such beautiful descriptions of her community that I want to walk the alley with her and meet her neighbors. The stories in this book are concrete examples of ways to live with others in ways that make a difference bit by bit. If you can read this book and still think that all that matters is the health of your 401K, the size of your house, or the brand of your car, then you should not call yourself a Christian.
brownbibliophiles's review against another edition
5.0
Get your highlighters ready! So much truth and inspiration in these pages. If you believe in Fred Rogers and his message of loving your neighbors and you want a practical idea of what that looks like, this book is for you. Shannan writes from her own experiences and does so in a way that neither coddles nor condescends the reader. Everyone really can do this and should do this. This work of digging in deep right where you are and loving those around you. Can’t recommend this enough!
rhavens12's review against another edition
4.0
I am unlearning a lot about my faith and how it relates to community and what, exactly, that looks like. I loved this book so much.
meganericson's review against another edition
4.0
WARNING: You will have a hard time finishing this book. I couldn't read an entire chapter without putting the book down to text someone I was concerned about, invite someone to dinner or help a neighbor in need.
This book made we want to make my world smaller and dig deeper into the community literally just outside my door. The author outlines the beautiful (yet not so easy) mission of living your every day with heart and eyes wide open to serve with what you have right now. No large donations of money, huge commitments, or far-flung plane trips to remote villages required.
Favorite Quotes:
- What if we all made a pact to not invite anyone to church if we hadn't already invited them over for a meal?
- In these years of discovery, it's become clear that the smaller my world and my work become, the more grounded I am in God's vast kingdom.
- Attentiveness is prayer breathed at street level, I once heard someone say. I was starting to believe it.
This book made we want to make my world smaller and dig deeper into the community literally just outside my door. The author outlines the beautiful (yet not so easy) mission of living your every day with heart and eyes wide open to serve with what you have right now. No large donations of money, huge commitments, or far-flung plane trips to remote villages required.
Favorite Quotes:
- What if we all made a pact to not invite anyone to church if we hadn't already invited them over for a meal?
- In these years of discovery, it's become clear that the smaller my world and my work become, the more grounded I am in God's vast kingdom.
- Attentiveness is prayer breathed at street level, I once heard someone say. I was starting to believe it.
stacey_frutiger's review against another edition
5.0
This book is excellent. I picked it up because I loved the cover but loved what was inside even more. The book was convicting but also encouraging and inspiring.
buckeyegrl92's review
5.0
This is the right book for me right now. A great reminder to bloom where you are planted and to remember the best-laid plans come to fruition in the ways they are supposed to.
readingwithmeredith's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.0