Alrighty, I have here, not one, but two books in this review. I had the opportunity to read both of these works by Frederick Buechner for free, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Let's get started.
A Crazy, Holy Grace
I love a good story. I love them even more when the stories are true, when they include a rich history. A story where there is struggle, pain, and then hope that overcomes. That is what this book offers. I love a story that jumps right into the fray, and Beuchner does just that, as he shares a hard memory. He quickly gets to the subject of pain, and the fact that we are, as was pointed out to him, stewards of our personal pain. What a thought. We have the power to decide how our circumstances will steer us, either to increased turbulence, or into the loving arms of our God.
A Crazy, Holy Grace is a look into some hard situations, and how the author navigated his way through, ultimately choosing to use them as a light for others that point to God. He uses many examples from Scripture, and his own life. As I read, it was as if I was living it myself, hearing his thoughts. The book itself is fairly short, so while the material is deep, it's an easy book to work through. A really good book for anyone needing perspective on the Grace of God, which I think, is everyone.
The Remarkable Ordinary
After reading the first selection by Frederick Buechner, I was a fan, so I was anticipating a good read.
Not surprising, it was, it is. I'm trying to think about what his style reminds me of. I kind of feel as if I'm listening to my grandpa. Perhaps it's the nostalgia of reading his memories, his thoughts. I enjoy his style of writing, as he lays out what the title of the book states- The Remarkable Ordinary. I like the image that comes up when he says that we as people, have the mark of God's thumb on us, His image.
Like the first book, this is another short work, but there is a lot of material to consider. Buechner presents our ordinary lives in a remarkable way, pardon the pun, but he does. He helps the reader see the lovely aspects of a regular human life, and how God is in the smallest details of our existence. What we may feel is unimportant or insignificant, is actually part of our personal story that God is weaving. How does he accomplish this? Through current events from his past, God's Word, even other religions.
I apologize if this sounds corny, but the book is like a comforting cup of hot tea.
This is a book that I'm keeping on a list for Christmas gifts. I hope you'll check it out.
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