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booktalkwithkarla's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This is a well written book that I probably should not have picked up or continued reading. Turns out it wasn’t for me. A few public readers and podcast hosts whose taste I like said they really liked it so I bought it. As this group of Unitarian Universalists search for a new leader at their church we are along for the ride and quickly realize that the committee members each have their own personal searches.
Early on it is made very clear (several times) that this is not a Christian church, like I expected from the descriptions I heard. “But I keep waiting to hear, you know, about God, and Jesus, and what we’re supposed to believe in.” And later it says “We don’t push any dogma, doctrine, or creed. It’s even fine that you’re a Trinitarian.” Still, I chose to keep reading.
Michelle Huneven is gifted at writing diverse people and each character’s dialogue and attributes were identifiable. I was never confused as to who was talking. I’ve been on a search committee and much of it was relatable. I liked the premise and the way recipes were incorporated. I didn’t like the characters disdain for Christians. I did like how the book ended.
I think this book will be enjoyable for some but it wasn’t the right book for me.
“You don’t realize how thirsty you are for such full attention until it comes to you. One by one, we bloomed under her gaze.”
“… in my experience, the people who join search committees are often seeking a change for themselves – the internal self is conducting its own search alongside the church’s.“
bpicillo's review against another edition
4.0
Was skeptical about this when I first started but this book charmed me.
imalittlechurch's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
goneabroad71's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Unexpectedly delightful!
graham_butterfield's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mkazdoy's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bnason's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
eshatto's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
jesshawa's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
lorinda817's review against another edition
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
After reading other reviews I’m disappointed to realize that I missed out on recipes by choosing the audio version.
This fictionalized memoir was a mix of an entertaining look behind the scenes of church processes and a hefty dose of the all too real frustrations of working on committees—with a wide range of identities, stereotypes, and cliches somehow included (and hammered on) in a fairly small group.
The narrator becomes more insufferable at each stage of the search process for a new pastor. (And the more annoyed I became with her the more I rolled my eyes at her not only taking her donkeys for walks all the time, but constantly referring to them as “donks”, exactly the kind of irrational feeling that arises from too many meetings together).
I can see why others enjoyed this, although it wasn’t quite right for me. I think I was hoping for a more reflective story with maybe a little bit more personal growth, not just a reminder of the types of stress, politics, and painful group dynamics that go along with membership in church communities—even ones theoretically happy to welcome anyone, everyone, and all beliefs.
This fictionalized memoir was a mix of an entertaining look behind the scenes of church processes and a hefty dose of the all too real frustrations of working on committees—with a wide range of identities, stereotypes, and cliches somehow included (and hammered on) in a fairly small group.
The narrator becomes more insufferable at each stage of the search process for a new pastor. (And the more annoyed I became with her the more I rolled my eyes at her not only taking her donkeys for walks all the time, but constantly referring to them as “donks”, exactly the kind of irrational feeling that arises from too many meetings together).
I can see why others enjoyed this, although it wasn’t quite right for me. I think I was hoping for a more reflective story with maybe a little bit more personal growth, not just a reminder of the types of stress, politics, and painful group dynamics that go along with membership in church communities—even ones theoretically happy to welcome anyone, everyone, and all beliefs.