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8 reviews for:
The Gift of Friendship: Stories That Celebrate the Beauty of Shared Moments
Dawn Camp, Jennifer Lee
4.08 AVERAGE
8 reviews for:
The Gift of Friendship: Stories That Celebrate the Beauty of Shared Moments
Dawn Camp, Jennifer Lee
4.08 AVERAGE
The Gift of Friendship is a collection of blog posts from various authors, speakers, and bloggers on the topic of friendship. Centered around topics like “Building Community,” “It Takes a Friend to Be a Friend,” “Friendship on Purpose,” and “Vulnerability,” each essay Camp gathered follows the typical Blog formula: easy to read, a few lines of self-deprecating humor, and a quick message. None of it gets too deeply, but much of it makes you smile. And none of them will take you more than five minutes to read.
Reading this compilation made me arrive at three realizations: 1) I have a handful of really great, really deep, and really true friendships; 2) This may not be as common as I originally thought; 3) I don’t really like this Blog format of a book. I found myself and my circle of friends in a few of the pages. I was reminded to tell two of my closest friends how deeply connected to them I am and how grateful I am that they know me so well and still choose for some crazy reason to keep coming back to me. And how amazing it was to spend the weekend in their company . . . all alone, no kids, no husbands, just these beautiful women and a few others from our circle. Those are gifts you find in some corners of your world, and Camp calls you to remember them and cherish them.
I didn’t love this book. It was fine. Good, even, in some parts. But I feel richer for the friendships, not for the words I read in the book. Except for the nuggets Camp included in between some of the essays. She quoted Scripture (which is always good, even in this case where it sometimes seemed a stretch to fit the topic), and she quoted other books on friendship. The C. S. Lewis quotes she included from The Four Loves are the real gems in this book. And while I probably won’t pick up The Gift of Friendship to read again, I will definitely be borrowing The Four Loves. From a friend.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Revell through the Revell Reads Blog Tour program in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Reading this compilation made me arrive at three realizations: 1) I have a handful of really great, really deep, and really true friendships; 2) This may not be as common as I originally thought; 3) I don’t really like this Blog format of a book. I found myself and my circle of friends in a few of the pages. I was reminded to tell two of my closest friends how deeply connected to them I am and how grateful I am that they know me so well and still choose for some crazy reason to keep coming back to me. And how amazing it was to spend the weekend in their company . . . all alone, no kids, no husbands, just these beautiful women and a few others from our circle. Those are gifts you find in some corners of your world, and Camp calls you to remember them and cherish them.
I didn’t love this book. It was fine. Good, even, in some parts. But I feel richer for the friendships, not for the words I read in the book. Except for the nuggets Camp included in between some of the essays. She quoted Scripture (which is always good, even in this case where it sometimes seemed a stretch to fit the topic), and she quoted other books on friendship. The C. S. Lewis quotes she included from The Four Loves are the real gems in this book. And while I probably won’t pick up The Gift of Friendship to read again, I will definitely be borrowing The Four Loves. From a friend.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Revell through the Revell Reads Blog Tour program in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
The Gift of Friendship was a truly inspiring book for me. I don't always think that about a collection of short anecdotes and personal sharing about a topic, but this was different.
Dawn Camp, the editor of this book, is an (in)courage contributor, and along with other (in)courage contributors and some other well known online figures, she aims to reveal stories about how much one really needs a friend.
The book deals with different topics all having to do with an aspect of friendship. Whether it's about learning the art of hospitality, pursuing friendship intentionally, being vulnerable, going out there and making new friends, or recognizing our very first friends who also happen to be our family, there is something in the book for everyone, no matter the life stage the reader is in. Sure, I didn't relate to every story, but there was something in each section that spoke to me, and made me more mindful of the role I have as a friend, and the responsibility I carry.
Each chapter ends with a quote, or a Bible verse that sums up the chapter. As a lover of quotes, I thought those were such a nice touch at the end of every chapter.
The writers seemed honest and open in their sharing. The entries are not necessarily new, nor recent, some might have been first written for a blog, or another social platform, but they were written thoughtfully. I really liked the short chapter format. It was easy to read, the chapters were concise, and very much to the point, without unnecessary beating around the bush.
As a side note, this book made me a bit more interested in the (in)courage community, and the writers that contribute to the blog daily. I used to follow the blog closely, but over the time I stopped following along. This book made me miss it, and maybe I will make it a habit to read and let myself be encouraged again.
I have been thinking about this whole friends thing lately, and this book came at the right moment. It encouraged me to invest in friends, to be a better friend, to pray for my friends, to listen, to care deeply and genuinely, to help them grow into who they are supposed to be. It's not always easy being a friend, but at the end of the day, it's always worth it. All the pictures and all the memories you collect over years prove just that.
I am grateful I had the possibility to read this. It was a perfect timing kind of book.
I received a free e-book copy of this book via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
Dawn Camp, the editor of this book, is an (in)courage contributor, and along with other (in)courage contributors and some other well known online figures, she aims to reveal stories about how much one really needs a friend.
The book deals with different topics all having to do with an aspect of friendship. Whether it's about learning the art of hospitality, pursuing friendship intentionally, being vulnerable, going out there and making new friends, or recognizing our very first friends who also happen to be our family, there is something in the book for everyone, no matter the life stage the reader is in. Sure, I didn't relate to every story, but there was something in each section that spoke to me, and made me more mindful of the role I have as a friend, and the responsibility I carry.
Each chapter ends with a quote, or a Bible verse that sums up the chapter. As a lover of quotes, I thought those were such a nice touch at the end of every chapter.
The writers seemed honest and open in their sharing. The entries are not necessarily new, nor recent, some might have been first written for a blog, or another social platform, but they were written thoughtfully. I really liked the short chapter format. It was easy to read, the chapters were concise, and very much to the point, without unnecessary beating around the bush.
As a side note, this book made me a bit more interested in the (in)courage community, and the writers that contribute to the blog daily. I used to follow the blog closely, but over the time I stopped following along. This book made me miss it, and maybe I will make it a habit to read and let myself be encouraged again.
I have been thinking about this whole friends thing lately, and this book came at the right moment. It encouraged me to invest in friends, to be a better friend, to pray for my friends, to listen, to care deeply and genuinely, to help them grow into who they are supposed to be. It's not always easy being a friend, but at the end of the day, it's always worth it. All the pictures and all the memories you collect over years prove just that.
I am grateful I had the possibility to read this. It was a perfect timing kind of book.
I received a free e-book copy of this book via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
"The Gift of Friendship" is an inspirational book written by Dawn Camp, a forward by Jennifer Dukes Lee (popular blogger), with friendship tips from other inspiring women. The book is about different aspects of being a friend. Being an old friend, a new friend and how to build those relationships. I believe the theme of this book could be summed up in these words by Jennifer Dukes Lee, "We are better together."
I like how the cover speaks of friendship; just sitting and relaxing. Just being yourself. There are several pictures throughout the book that also speak of love and friendship. Within each chapter is a segment written by a different friend so the reader can get different perspectives. I love how Dawn Camp intricately wove each author's thoughts into the book. I especially like Crystal Paine's four components that make a strong relationship; honesty, commitment, effort, and forgiveness.
There are several quotes from Shauna Niequist's book `Cold Tangerines` which piqued my interest in reading it. I would recommend The Gift of Friendship to all women, younger and older.
Disclaimer: I was compensated with this book for my honest review.
I like how the cover speaks of friendship; just sitting and relaxing. Just being yourself. There are several pictures throughout the book that also speak of love and friendship. Within each chapter is a segment written by a different friend so the reader can get different perspectives. I love how Dawn Camp intricately wove each author's thoughts into the book. I especially like Crystal Paine's four components that make a strong relationship; honesty, commitment, effort, and forgiveness.
There are several quotes from Shauna Niequist's book `Cold Tangerines` which piqued my interest in reading it. I would recommend The Gift of Friendship to all women, younger and older.
Disclaimer: I was compensated with this book for my honest review.
(This review is also posted on Mama Bear Reads at http://www.mamaandthebears.com)
I grew up as a military brat. I traveled the world with my family up until I was in high school. I went to 16 different schools, and lived numerous places. I made friends with ease and had quite a bit of social confidence.
Then something happened. What, I am not sure, but that confidence is no longer there.
There is honestly nothing I struggle with more than making friends. I feel incredibly awkward in any social setting, I'd rather stay home and watch Netflix than do a play date, and calling someone on the phone is enough to make my head spin and last night's spaghetti come back up from the dead.
At almost 30 years old, I want friends but it seems to be absolutely impossible to make and keep them.
That's why, I jumped to the chance to help launch this amazing book that was edited by Dawn Camp called,
"The Gift of Friendship".
I assumed that it was going to be pretty typical of "friendship" books and be a light and easy read. Although it was easy to read-the content is far from "light".
This book is a compilation of almost 50 stories from various people. Many you may have heard of like:
Lysa Terkeurst, Tsh Oxenreider, Holley Gerth, or Jessica Turner.
These stories cover many topics. It goes from the deep like vulnerability and gets into the lighthearted ones about old friends, and gets deep again with stories about purposeful friendship.
The stories are so beautiful and touching. Many of them are so relatable, I could have wrote them myself. There is so much wisdom and encouragement in this book! The stories aren't long at all, so it's really easy to wiz through-but I would recommend taking your time and savoring each bit.
I would guarantee that each time you flip through this stunning book, you would get something completely different out of it each and EVERY time.
To be honest, it really opened my eyes up about all that I miss out on when I build up walls against others. It also showed me that the author I love and adore struggles with the same things I do. That "success" doesn't take away the NEED to have fellowship. We weren't created to walk this world alone. We are the BODY of Christ for a reason.
"The Gift of Friendship" was a true gift for me, and I know it would be an amazing gift to give to ANYONE (not just mamas!!!).
I give this book 5 Stars!
*I received this book in exchange for my honest review, and that's what you got!*
I grew up as a military brat. I traveled the world with my family up until I was in high school. I went to 16 different schools, and lived numerous places. I made friends with ease and had quite a bit of social confidence.
Then something happened. What, I am not sure, but that confidence is no longer there.
There is honestly nothing I struggle with more than making friends. I feel incredibly awkward in any social setting, I'd rather stay home and watch Netflix than do a play date, and calling someone on the phone is enough to make my head spin and last night's spaghetti come back up from the dead.
At almost 30 years old, I want friends but it seems to be absolutely impossible to make and keep them.
That's why, I jumped to the chance to help launch this amazing book that was edited by Dawn Camp called,
"The Gift of Friendship".
I assumed that it was going to be pretty typical of "friendship" books and be a light and easy read. Although it was easy to read-the content is far from "light".
This book is a compilation of almost 50 stories from various people. Many you may have heard of like:
Lysa Terkeurst, Tsh Oxenreider, Holley Gerth, or Jessica Turner.
These stories cover many topics. It goes from the deep like vulnerability and gets into the lighthearted ones about old friends, and gets deep again with stories about purposeful friendship.
The stories are so beautiful and touching. Many of them are so relatable, I could have wrote them myself. There is so much wisdom and encouragement in this book! The stories aren't long at all, so it's really easy to wiz through-but I would recommend taking your time and savoring each bit.
I would guarantee that each time you flip through this stunning book, you would get something completely different out of it each and EVERY time.
To be honest, it really opened my eyes up about all that I miss out on when I build up walls against others. It also showed me that the author I love and adore struggles with the same things I do. That "success" doesn't take away the NEED to have fellowship. We weren't created to walk this world alone. We are the BODY of Christ for a reason.
"The Gift of Friendship" was a true gift for me, and I know it would be an amazing gift to give to ANYONE (not just mamas!!!).
I give this book 5 Stars!
*I received this book in exchange for my honest review, and that's what you got!*
These women share their favorite memories of times with their closest friends. Heartwarming and beautiful reminders that friends are important in every stage and season of life. Whether our houses are a mess, or our lives are turned upside down. The best friends will be there to help you fold the laundry and put the pieces back together.
They share how sometimes a chance meeting with a stranger turns into a beautiful friendship. Or how a one time meeting taught them how to be a great friend again. About a time when someone took the time to write them a note, drop off a meal, or volunteer to babysit- a reminder that the best gifts in life cost nothing.
The best friends are the ones who are there, living life beside us. In the trenches with us. Holding our hands and speaking life to us.
So, grab a a cup of coffee, curl up on the couch, and take a few minutes to read a chapter. They’re short and sweet, only 2-4 pages. You can sneak little snippets in, in just a few moments a day. Your heart will be warmed, and your soul will be filled. And you’ll have the urge to call your best friend on the phone and thank them for being there.
They share how sometimes a chance meeting with a stranger turns into a beautiful friendship. Or how a one time meeting taught them how to be a great friend again. About a time when someone took the time to write them a note, drop off a meal, or volunteer to babysit- a reminder that the best gifts in life cost nothing.
The best friends are the ones who are there, living life beside us. In the trenches with us. Holding our hands and speaking life to us.
So, grab a a cup of coffee, curl up on the couch, and take a few minutes to read a chapter. They’re short and sweet, only 2-4 pages. You can sneak little snippets in, in just a few moments a day. Your heart will be warmed, and your soul will be filled. And you’ll have the urge to call your best friend on the phone and thank them for being there.
I just finished this darling little book. It was like sitting down with a cup of hot tea and reminiscing with your oldest friends. Relationships are always full of hill and valleys, and this collection of women and their stories show the tapestry of relationships in an engaging and familiar way. I have hit a strange point in my life where it feels like making new friends is more work than its worth, and this book has really challenged me to look for people I can touch even if we only meet for "a reason in a season." Dawn Camp has created a winning collaboration. I plan to share it with some of my friends (maybe even a new one)!
This lovely book is like a conference in book form. The chapters are short but poignant, and each are written by sweet women who bear their hearts and souls with their words. I laughed, I cried, I highlighted – what more could I possibly ask for. This isn’t my regular non-fiction, self-help book. It’s remarkably different both in style and in content. This is a book that makes you feel in the deepest places within yourself. As I read through the stories contained in this book (which are as varied as the women who wrote them), I found myself thinking of my own stories of friendship and looking forward to many more stories of my own in the future.
If there’s one major thing I took from the book, it’s the desire to be more intentional about creating and nurturing relationships. This compilation of friendship stories made me appreciate the few friendships I have, and long for other life-giving relationships with the women around me.
There are nine categories represented in this book and each has 5-7 stories that put their respective category into real-life situations. Building Community, Hospitality, Vulnerability and Friendship on Purpose are some of the topics covered in this compilation-style book. Stories of joy, heartache, fear, forgiveness, hurt and so much more are represented in these pages. Multiple ages and stages are also represented.
I was surprised at how many practical, bullet-point style tips are present within this publication. I highlighted more than I thought I would, for sure. I related to some of the writers more than others, but all of the stories were well-written, thoughtful and enjoyable to read. This would be a good nightstand book to read a few chapters each morning or each evening as you are getting ready for sleep. It would also make an especially great gift for a friend!
If there’s one major thing I took from the book, it’s the desire to be more intentional about creating and nurturing relationships. This compilation of friendship stories made me appreciate the few friendships I have, and long for other life-giving relationships with the women around me.
There are nine categories represented in this book and each has 5-7 stories that put their respective category into real-life situations. Building Community, Hospitality, Vulnerability and Friendship on Purpose are some of the topics covered in this compilation-style book. Stories of joy, heartache, fear, forgiveness, hurt and so much more are represented in these pages. Multiple ages and stages are also represented.
I was surprised at how many practical, bullet-point style tips are present within this publication. I highlighted more than I thought I would, for sure. I related to some of the writers more than others, but all of the stories were well-written, thoughtful and enjoyable to read. This would be a good nightstand book to read a few chapters each morning or each evening as you are getting ready for sleep. It would also make an especially great gift for a friend!
The Gift of Friendship was a truly inspiring book for me. I don't always think that about a collection of short anecdotes and personal sharing about a topic, but this was different.
Dawn Camp, the editor of this book, is an (in)courage contributor, and along with other (in)courage contributors and some other well known online figures, she aims to reveal stories about how much one really needs a friend.
The book deals with different topics all having to do with an aspect of friendship. Whether it's about learning the art of hospitality, pursuing friendship intentionally, being vulnerable, going out there and making new friends, or recognizing our very first friends who also happen to be our family, there is something in the book for everyone, no matter the life stage the reader is in. Sure, I didn't relate to every story, but there was something in each section that spoke to me, and made me more mindful of the role I have as a friend, and the responsibility I carry.
Each chapter ends with a quote, or a Bible verse that sums up the chapter. As a lover of quotes, I thought those were such a nice touch at the end of every chapter.
The writers seemed honest and open in their sharing. The entries are not necessarily new, nor recent, some might have been first written for a blog, or another social platform, but they were written thoughtfully. I really liked the short chapter format. It was easy to read, the chapters were concise, and very much to the point, without unnecessary beating around the bush.
As a side note, this book made me a bit more interested in the (in)courage community, and the writers that contribute to the blog daily. I used to follow the blog closely, but over the time I stopped following along. This book made me miss it, and maybe I will make it a habit to read and let myself be encouraged again.
I have been thinking about this whole friends thing lately, and this book came at the right moment. It encouraged me to invest in friends, to be a better friend, to pray for my friends, to listen, to care deeply and genuinely, to help them grow into who they are supposed to be. It's not always easy being a friend, but at the end of the day, it's always worth it. All the pictures and all the memories you collect over years prove just that.
I am grateful I had the possibility to read this. It was a perfect timing kind of book.
I received a free e-book copy of this book via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
Dawn Camp, the editor of this book, is an (in)courage contributor, and along with other (in)courage contributors and some other well known online figures, she aims to reveal stories about how much one really needs a friend.
The book deals with different topics all having to do with an aspect of friendship. Whether it's about learning the art of hospitality, pursuing friendship intentionally, being vulnerable, going out there and making new friends, or recognizing our very first friends who also happen to be our family, there is something in the book for everyone, no matter the life stage the reader is in. Sure, I didn't relate to every story, but there was something in each section that spoke to me, and made me more mindful of the role I have as a friend, and the responsibility I carry.
Each chapter ends with a quote, or a Bible verse that sums up the chapter. As a lover of quotes, I thought those were such a nice touch at the end of every chapter.
The writers seemed honest and open in their sharing. The entries are not necessarily new, nor recent, some might have been first written for a blog, or another social platform, but they were written thoughtfully. I really liked the short chapter format. It was easy to read, the chapters were concise, and very much to the point, without unnecessary beating around the bush.
As a side note, this book made me a bit more interested in the (in)courage community, and the writers that contribute to the blog daily. I used to follow the blog closely, but over the time I stopped following along. This book made me miss it, and maybe I will make it a habit to read and let myself be encouraged again.
I have been thinking about this whole friends thing lately, and this book came at the right moment. It encouraged me to invest in friends, to be a better friend, to pray for my friends, to listen, to care deeply and genuinely, to help them grow into who they are supposed to be. It's not always easy being a friend, but at the end of the day, it's always worth it. All the pictures and all the memories you collect over years prove just that.
I am grateful I had the possibility to read this. It was a perfect timing kind of book.
I received a free e-book copy of this book via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.