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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
I liked this book a lot more than I expected to. Braestrup's theology is both intellectual and embodied. She neither dwells in nor denies suffering. She makes meaning of grief and finds hope in the midst of pain.
A couple of my favorite moments:
In chapter 12, she reflects on the possibilities of life after death in as rational and practical a manner as can be done. And then she completes the turn by illustrating that heaven can more easily be found as a way of being in life -- and isn't that the real point?
In chapter 16, she reflects on a horrendous murder through the lens of the text of the Gerasene demoniac. It's crushingly compassionate. And it interacts with scripture as a living thing in ways that I wish more pastors had the capacity to engage.
A couple of my favorite moments:
In chapter 12, she reflects on the possibilities of life after death in as rational and practical a manner as can be done. And then she completes the turn by illustrating that heaven can more easily be found as a way of being in life -- and isn't that the real point?
In chapter 16, she reflects on a horrendous murder through the lens of the text of the Gerasene demoniac. It's crushingly compassionate. And it interacts with scripture as a living thing in ways that I wish more pastors had the capacity to engage.
When Kate Braestrup's husband was killed in a car accident, she decided to adopt his dream of going to seminary school. She ended up taking a job as a chaplain for the game wardens in Maine. In this memoir, Kate tells about the process of dealing with her grief and dealing with others' grief in her job. It's very touching, sad in parts (but never depressing) and funny in parts. I really enjoyed learning more about a career that I didn't know existed (I knew they had chaplains in hospitals, but who knew they had them for game wardens?). It was interesting to see things through the eyes of someone who's job it is to be there for people, to be the shoulder for people to lean on. An interesting and poignant memoir.
Readalike suggestions: The Year of [b:Magical Thinking|7815|The Year of Magical Thinking|Joan Didion|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1165644384s/7815.jpg|1659905] by Joan Didion, (I swear I'm not trying to be crass when I suggest this, but) Stiff by Mary Roach [there's a section in the beginning of HIYNM where she talks about her husband's remains and how it's a fairly recent development to have professionals dressing and caring for the body rather than close family members:]
Readalike suggestions: The Year of [b:Magical Thinking|7815|The Year of Magical Thinking|Joan Didion|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1165644384s/7815.jpg|1659905] by Joan Didion, (I swear I'm not trying to be crass when I suggest this, but) Stiff by Mary Roach [there's a section in the beginning of HIYNM where she talks about her husband's remains and how it's a fairly recent development to have professionals dressing and caring for the body rather than close family members:]
Beautifully written account of a life of caring. The author's insights on God and love resonated with my own.
Right now I'm trying to read as many memoirs as I can while I write my own, to see how others have done it and take notes. This one is going to be thumbed through many times for research. I read Braestrup's book in just four hours and relished her prose and storytelling ability. I felt like I was right there with her, going out on calls. She eloquently speaks about faith, grief, death, and love. So glad she was one of the authors I encounters in my search for well-written memoirs.
I almost hate that I loved this book. Despite the author’s belief in and respect for cops, this book is beautiful and I enjoyed listening to it.
Well-written, moving account of a new minister's finding her vocation after the loss of her trooper husband. Maine Woods, children, caring, thoughtful. A great gift book, as well as a re-read to do.
This little book reminds me why I love UUism. The author is a good writer and a person I would be honored to know. And the harsh Maine landscape is stark and very beautiful, like its people.
Gorgeous book. I could listen to Kate tell stories for ever. Truly a lovely read.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Car accident, Murder