Feb 18, 2011

Book Review - One Thousand Gifts

After reading numerous comments and posts about Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, I jumped on the bandwagon. I ordered the book from Amazon.  I read the book in about 4 days, but I've been processing it for about 2 weeks now.  I would say it definitely stretched me...a good kind of stretch.



I was challenged to re-consider how I viewed every circumstance in my life: the good, the bad, and everything in between.  The book is really about Ann's personal journey from bitterness and resentment to thankfulness, joy and surrender.  The book details briefly her early encounter with unthinkable circumstances that molded what she thought about God and his goodness.  It continues with her initial challenge to name one thousand gifts of God.  She shares her development into a new-found grace and understanding of God and his sovereign love for mankind.  Further, she elaborates with Scripture and experience how God expects us to live daily towards Him and others in light of her discovery.

To be honest, I found the message of the book riveting, but the writing style is poetically vague.  There were many times that I wished she would have just come out and SAID it instead of vaguely describing it in flowery language.  I had to re-read many passages to wrap my head around her meaning.  It's just my opinion, so if you love her style, please don't be offended. It wasn't so awful that it buried the book's intent, but I felt that it detracted from the message.  I would recommend this book to anyone who struggles to understand why God allows painful circumstances in our life, as well as anyone who seeks contentment and joy.

1 lovely comments:

Rebecca said... Best Blogger Tips

I agree with you. It's a good book but I think I would say it is written in "blog format." Her writing is unique; I personally love it. But I love the book because I love her blog and style of writing there.

My Mom picked up the book and she didn't like the writing style, either.

But it *is* a good book. :)