theseasoul's reviews
482 reviews

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

3.0

|| 3 ⭐️ ||

The story itself unfolded beautifully, sad as it was. I loved how each of the characters was written. And, naturally, loved the addition of bees and how they were tied into everything Lily was processing about her past and learning about life. 

The religious component and Mary-worship was super weird (and sad) though, and I didn’t appreciate how engrained in the story it was. It was hard to look past.

|| Content warnings ||

Physical abuse, suicide, a fair bit of language and a few misuses of the Lord’s name.

Book Girl: A Journey Through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life by Sarah Clarkson

4.0

|| 4 ⭐️ ||

Splendid collection of ponderings on how reading books shapes Christian women in our understanding of different facets of life, faith, people and the world. Lots of great book lists were compiled here too. This is not the best book to read if you’re trying to keep your TBR manageable, because there are so many intriguing book recommendations.

Ancient Tea Horse Road by Jeff Fuchs

4.0

|| 4 ⭐️ ||

Jeff Fuchs was the keynote speaker at the World Tea Expo when I attended last year, and I thought his storytelling abilities were magnificent. I finally got around to reading this book and it was more of the same. So immersive, and so many fascinating cultural tidbits as we follow his adventures traversing the Tea Horse Road. 

The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais

3.0

|| 3 ⭐️ ||

This is one case where the movie was so much better than the book. The book started off strong, but I was very surprised at how early on the rivalry between the two restaurants was resolved and Hassan moved on with his life. After that point, I felt that there was nothing really keeping the plot going; most events and aspects of his life weren’t elaborated on nearly enough to keep me invested. 

|| Content warnings ||

A couple of closed-door bedroom scenes. Hassan goes through way too many girls throughout the book. 

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.

DNF due to 2 bedroom scenes in the first 8%!

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz

4.0

|| 4 ⭐️ ||

Well, I predicted some of it, but not all of it, so it was still very suspenseful and engaging and I read it in two days. 

|| Content warnings ||

Lesbian character, some swearing, God’s name misused. Mentions of suicide. Abortion is considered. 

The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St. Clair

4.0

|| 4 ⭐️ ||

This was a fun microhistory (or collection of them). I hadn’t thought too deeply before about what creating different pigments/dyes entails, especially before we had technology advanced enough to produce synthetic ones. Some of the stories of how the pigments came about are really crazy. It was also interesting to learn about different colours having their moment in history, what triggered their popularity at a certain time, what they were and are associated with culturally. I also discovered a few new wonderful colours. 

Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield

4.5

|| 4.5 ⭐️ ||

I’m always immensely challenged and encouraged by Rosaria’s writing. Her testimony is amazing and impactful, and every time I read it, I can’t help but marvel at the way God orchestrates every detail of her’s and everyone’s story.

Although her past and salvation story is very different from mine, she has a way of drawing out relevant, universal truths from her testimony regarding who we are without the Lord, who He is, what He has done to reconcile us to Him and how He continues to transform and sanctify us. With this book specifically, I enjoyed a lot of what Rosaria had to say on overcoming temptation. I also always end up learning a lot about the art of hospitality from her, which seems to be one of her gifts and specialties and is deeply engrained in every topic she touches on.

Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot

5.0

|| 5 ⭐️ ||

I love the way Elisabeth Elliot thinks, and how she gracefully communicates those thoughts and the truth of God’s word, character, and design. In this book, she specifically delves into God’s design for womanhood and marriage. She discusses a myriad of different aspects of being a woman and wife that will make any woman thankful all over again for her unique design and role within the bigger picture of marriage and creation. (God designed the polarity in marriage so brilliantly, and being reminded of it always makes feminism seem like such a ridiculous downgrade.) Elisabeth also warns her daughter (whom this book is written for) of many common trials and pitfalls that marriage inevitably brings, and how to overcome them. This would be an excellent gift for a woman soon to be married or recently married.

Every Woman a Theologian: Know What You Believe. Live It Confidently. Communicate It Graciously. by Phylicia Masonheimer

4.0

|| 4 ⭐️ ||

A pretty decent birds-eye view of basic, foundational theology and different perspectives that exist within orthodox Christianity. Some branches of theology I was already more familiar with than others, but it’s always good to be reminded of how all the pieces of my faith fit together even in the areas I’m well-versed in already.

The chapter on eschatology was especially helpful for me, since that’s a branch of theology I’ve found it hard to wrap my brain around—the author did a really good job of dumbing down the different perspectives. It’s also always good to be reminded of what the essential, core doctrines are, as a reminder to extend grace to brothers and sisters whom I may disagree with on secondary/tertiary issues.