Scan barcode
tiffanielle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
calmlyeatingmuffins's review against another edition
4.0
I’m not sure how to rate this book, as rating it seems like a desecration. These writers poured their hearts and souls out onto the page, beautifully. They ultimately weave a powerful story or several stories.
I think what ultimately keeps me from giving this a higher rating is that it is a beautiful memoir bookended by action items, which break up the experience of the text in a jarring way. Maybe there’s a place for them, but if I were the editor, I’d put them in an appendix in the back. They just don’t seem to fit. It’s not that they aren’t good, but they make the book feel like a self-help book, which it isn’t. It just kind of spoiled the experience for me.
All that being said, these folks are kindred spirits, and they should write more memoirs and essays. But without the action item style.
I think what ultimately keeps me from giving this a higher rating is that it is a beautiful memoir bookended by action items, which break up the experience of the text in a jarring way. Maybe there’s a place for them, but if I were the editor, I’d put them in an appendix in the back. They just don’t seem to fit. It’s not that they aren’t good, but they make the book feel like a self-help book, which it isn’t. It just kind of spoiled the experience for me.
All that being said, these folks are kindred spirits, and they should write more memoirs and essays. But without the action item style.
readsewknit's review against another edition
4.0
THE DEEP DOWN THINGS: PRACTICES FOR GROWING IN HOPE IN TIMES OF DESPAIR is a timely read that encourages readers to see their hard reality, rest in it, process and heal from it, but also to not give up on the return of hope.
Each chapter is split between reflections from Seth and Amber Haines over a common theme, and "practices" conclude each chapter to guide readers into practical ways to dwell on each theme.
On its surface, this can be viewed as an account of their conversion to Catholicism, but it also wrestles with the pain of being let down by individuals and systems, the grief in a lost vocation. Additionally, there are encouragements to be found in the example of the saints and artists such as Mary Magdalene and Gerard Manley Hopkins, as well as friends who help see you through.
I was particularly intrigued by the chapter on silence and also appreciated the analogy and the ministry of gardening. The Haines are transparent while also not naming individuals who have harmed them; this will be a welcome addition to books for individuals who have struggled through flawed religious systems and yet still find something to cling to.
(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)
Each chapter is split between reflections from Seth and Amber Haines over a common theme, and "practices" conclude each chapter to guide readers into practical ways to dwell on each theme.
On its surface, this can be viewed as an account of their conversion to Catholicism, but it also wrestles with the pain of being let down by individuals and systems, the grief in a lost vocation. Additionally, there are encouragements to be found in the example of the saints and artists such as Mary Magdalene and Gerard Manley Hopkins, as well as friends who help see you through.
I was particularly intrigued by the chapter on silence and also appreciated the analogy and the ministry of gardening. The Haines are transparent while also not naming individuals who have harmed them; this will be a welcome addition to books for individuals who have struggled through flawed religious systems and yet still find something to cling to.
(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)
btodd12's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
The Deep Down Things would surely be a 5 star for many Catholic readers, but you certainly don’t need to be Catholic to learn from Amber & Seth Haines’ stories. Their reflections are candid, personal, spiritual, and thought-provoking. This would be a great book to hold on your shelf so it’s ready to meet you when you inevitably encounter darker days.
sarahstyf's review against another edition
5.0
Amber and Seth have taken tragedy and turned it into a gift for those of us who have also struggled with loss of vocation, community, and questions of faith in the face of that loss. They highlight again and again the truth that I keep discovering: people may not be faithful, but God always is. Thank you for your beautiful words.