emthewordenthusiast's reviews
489 reviews

The Intentional Year: Simple Rhythms for Finding Freedom, Peace, and Purpose by Rich Villodas, Holly Packiam, Glenn Packiam

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3.0

 In this easy to read road map into intentionality, Christian Pastor Glenn Packiam with his wife Holly use stories and scripture to encourage personal, relational and spiritual growth.

This was a great book to read at the end of one year looking forward to the next and I would definitely recommend it as resource entering into 2023 as it focuses on reflecting on the lessons and celebrations of a past season, identifying themes and purposes for the season ahead and implementing rhythms of prayer, rest, renewal, and relationships. I definitely enjoyed this book, however the content was pretty basic, so if interested, I would consider listening to it as an audiobook. 
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

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emotional funny 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

3.0

The Vow: The True Events That Inspired the Movie by Dana Wilkerson, Kim Carpenter, Krickitt Carpenter

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0.0

 I really enjoyed this couples story until I looked them up to see how they were doing and discovered that after 25 years of marriage, they got a divorce due to Kim having an affair… Definitely made me rethink the entire book since it isn’t a story of “success” any longer. How weak we humans are if we have the strength to suffer through so much tragedy, receive Gods grace through it and come out on the other side more blessed than before, and yet still. choose. sin. Truly heartbreaking that the vow which inspired this book and caused Kim to stay by his wife’s side after a brain injury that made her forget him, was ultimately broken in the end. Lord we need thee. 
The Bold Return of the Dunces by Eric Ludy

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 Those which desire to train the true church must function as the true church in the moments when such definition is most imperative.”

In this short book, Eric Ludy uses the true story of fourteenth century Jon Duns, the first wearer of the pointy hat which we now associate with idiocy, to strike home the truth that the wisdom of God is foolishness to the world. “The Bold Return of the Dunces” is a call for Christian’s to exude the fragrance of heaven even when it offends people who prefer the aroma of worldly things.

This book is actually available for free online at ericludy.com and I would especially recommend it to those interested in his school, Ellerslie, or anyone working in or apart of Christian Education! At 60 pages, it’s short and sweet- essentially an essay in book format! 
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

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3.0

 #1 New York Times Bestseller. #1 International Bestseller. 2022 Goodreads Choice Winner.

I read this book because everyone has been reading this book- and loving it. A painfully honest and yet artfully humorous account of her life before, during and after stardom on the Nickelodeon show iCarly, Jenette McCurdy’s memoir- mainly featuring the relationship between her and her mother- is candidly crafted, yet also explicit. This is a difficult book to read and left me with the same feeling I felt after finishing Tara Westover’s memoir, “Educated“, a dull sense of sadness due to the fact that although the writer has “healed” from the abuse she suffered growing up, she has yet to experience the true healing and restoration that can only be found in Jesus.