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The Wondering Years: How Pop Culture Helped Me Answer Life's Biggest Questions by Knox McCoy
stephiemwebb's review against another edition
5.0
“There's a cheesy cliche you've probably heard: 'Not all who wander are lost.' But the truth is, not all who wonder are lost either. I like that because it gives me room to be specifically uncertain within a larger, faithful certainty."
I have so many thoughts about this book! Here are a few:
1.) It was HILARIOUS. I laughed, and laughed, and laughed some more. I brought it to work everyday just so I could see my best friend laugh like I have been laughing for the past five days. I think that this book would be funny to anyone, but it was especially funny to me because I was also raised as an Evangelical Christian in the South. I could relate completely and totally.
2.) It was seriously thought-provoking. I'm always afraid when I pick up a book like this one that I'm going to be highly entertained, but I'm not going to be left with anything substantial. This book was the perfect marriage of humor and the stuff I could sink my teeth into. Each chapter ended with, what felt like to me, a deep spiritual insight. So while, it was funny, it was also compelling.
3.) I specifically appreciated his discussion of alcohol. As a Christian who has been exposed to a ton of conflicting messages on the subject, it was nice to have someone put a voice to the struggle that some of us Christians experience as we try to reconcile our childhood belief system with the reality of our everyday adult lives. I love that this book did not shy away from the contradictions that sometimes exist, but rather encouraged me to embrace the tension as part of the life.
Overall, this was a hands-down five-star book for me!
I have so many thoughts about this book! Here are a few:
1.) It was HILARIOUS. I laughed, and laughed, and laughed some more. I brought it to work everyday just so I could see my best friend laugh like I have been laughing for the past five days. I think that this book would be funny to anyone, but it was especially funny to me because I was also raised as an Evangelical Christian in the South. I could relate completely and totally.
2.) It was seriously thought-provoking. I'm always afraid when I pick up a book like this one that I'm going to be highly entertained, but I'm not going to be left with anything substantial. This book was the perfect marriage of humor and the stuff I could sink my teeth into. Each chapter ended with, what felt like to me, a deep spiritual insight. So while, it was funny, it was also compelling.
3.) I specifically appreciated his discussion of alcohol. As a Christian who has been exposed to a ton of conflicting messages on the subject, it was nice to have someone put a voice to the struggle that some of us Christians experience as we try to reconcile our childhood belief system with the reality of our everyday adult lives. I love that this book did not shy away from the contradictions that sometimes exist, but rather encouraged me to embrace the tension as part of the life.
Overall, this was a hands-down five-star book for me!
lookatherbook's review against another edition
5.0
I don't think I've ever laughed out loud as many times as I did listening to this audio book...only to later tear up from the heartbreaking parts. The hilarious and gorgeous writing, vulnerability of sharing the big faith questions, spot-on pop culture references, and loveliness of the author make this a book I know I'll be returning to again and again.
bookwormbarbie's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to W Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
I've been listening to Knox McCoy on both of his podcasts for years so I had high expectations for this book and I was not disappointed. Knox and I were raised very similarly in deep-south-faith so I understood and related to everything he said. His ability to relate the nuances of Christianity with "Godless" pop culture made me smile over and over again.
Whether you're a Christian or not, a pop culture junkie or not, you will love Knox's wit, endless analogies, and unique perspective on life. His style of storytelling and relating is so unique and made me laugh out loud repeatedly. And if you are a Christian, you will so appreciate his honesty about grappling with his faith.
"In other words, faith is a lot like Mary Poppins's purse; very simple idea, deeply complicated contents."
I've been listening to Knox McCoy on both of his podcasts for years so I had high expectations for this book and I was not disappointed. Knox and I were raised very similarly in deep-south-faith so I understood and related to everything he said. His ability to relate the nuances of Christianity with "Godless" pop culture made me smile over and over again.
Whether you're a Christian or not, a pop culture junkie or not, you will love Knox's wit, endless analogies, and unique perspective on life. His style of storytelling and relating is so unique and made me laugh out loud repeatedly. And if you are a Christian, you will so appreciate his honesty about grappling with his faith.
"In other words, faith is a lot like Mary Poppins's purse; very simple idea, deeply complicated contents."
theedonati's review against another edition
5.0
With gems like Ted Mosby being the character equivalent of a third nipple to scorching truth bombs about why representation matters to painfully describing the “slow burn of shame...” when disappointing someone you love... I laughed out loud, I cried real tears, I audibly groaned with embarrassment all while reading the stories laid out in the Wondering Years. Even though Knox says “No to the Oxford comma” I highly recommend this book.
goaliediva0405's review against another edition
3.0
Way more about his religious experiences and less about pop culture than I expected.
fairynanook's review against another edition
3.0
It was ok. It was very easy to read, but I didn't like it as well as I liked All Things Reconsidered.
katieproctorbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this spiritual memoir from Knox McCoy. It was funny and honest and I loved all the pop culture references. I also loved how he came to the conclusion that it’s okay, necessary even, to ask big questions.
pbair90's review against another edition
3.0
I am a big big fan of Knox McCoy and Jamie Golden's podcast, The Popcast. This book has the same delightful idiocy and tongue in cheek reflection as that show, and it's easy to hear Knox's voice throughout. The absolute best parts of the book are the footnotes!
emilym1093's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoy Knox's podcast and I enjoyed this book, though I wish its religious nature had been more clear going in.
notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
4.0
Plenty of fun and laughs and cunning observations. Audiobook is totally the way to go. Had a great time listening to this on a road trip with my adult sibling and parents. We all found something to laugh at.