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Monday, June 11, 2012

My Review of "Selections From One Thousand Gifts: Finding Joy in What Really Matters" by Ann Voskamp

I have been asked to write a review of Ann Voskamp's new book, "Selections From One Thousand Gifts:  Finding Joy in What Really Matters.", published by Zondervan.  I was deeply touched by Ann's first book, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read and review her second one.  I had no idea how much I would be moved by it.

As soon as I received the book for review, I went to my nook on the front porch by the fountain and wind chimes where I have created a reading haven.  I didn't leave that spot until I had read every page of Ann's book, twice.  At one point, I even asked my 15 year old son if I could read a few pages to him.  I wanted to tuck some of Ann's golden nuggets into his heart where he might keep them to pull out later for inspiration.

The first wonderful thing I noticed was that Ann included her own exquisite photography in the book.  If you've ever gone to her website, A Holy Experience, you've not only been blessed by her writing but by her amazing photos, as well.  She has captured glimpses of life that are bulging with the joy she is seeking from every moment.

Ann has a way of penning words that read like a song from her heart.  She is raw and honest and her writing reflects a heart for God that is both tender and lioness strong.  Her new book could change your life, if you'd let it.  She opens on the very first page with these words, "You've got to figure out a way to stay awake to your own wild and beautiful life." From these first words, through the rest of the book, the reader becomes captivated and hungry for how to be able to do just that.  You find yourself wondering if you are experiencing joy in your every day life; the mundane days, the hard days, the glorious days. Ann draws you in, to contemplate the gifts in your own life that you may have dismissed or overlooked.

Then, as you read on, you realize that it is possible...possible to live a life of finding joy around every corner, in every circumstance.  Ann encourages you to look life square in the face, seeing each moment as a gift to be grateful for and experience the joy that comes with being thankful for it!

I hope that you include "Selections From One Thousand Gifts:  Finding Joy in What Really Matters" in your summer reading.  I know you will be truly blessed and be challenged to look for the gifts of grace and joy that God has placed in your life!

From His Lap,




14 comments:

  1. Love this, Erin! Looks like I need to read this book for sure. ;) These words get me: "You've got to figure out a way to stay awake to your own wild and beautiful life." No more existing! God wants us to truly LIVE!

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    1. Paula, you will love Ann's writing. I've been following her blog for a long time and her words have touched my heart and moved me many times! You are really going to enjoy the book!
      Blessings,
      ~Erin

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  2. How exciting! I'm thrilled to learn Ann has a new book out. Thanks for sharing this review!

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    1. You will really enjoy the book, Shannon! It's powerful!
      Blessings,
      ~Erin

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  3. Erin thanks so much for your thoughts on Ann's book. I haven't read or heard of her before, but now YOU have my curiosity going... and will have to put her book on my reading list this summer.

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    1. Carla, you will love Ann! She has a way of writing that penetrates the soul and helps you see life's ordinary moments extraordinary! I hope you enjoy it!
      Blessings,
      ~Erin

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  4. I'll tell you what...I'm ready to buy it :) You know, we have had some serious financial setbacks lately and I refused to let it get me down. Instead, I took that opportunity to find things to be thankful for and I know God has richly rewarded me. I definitely want snag this book. Thanks for the lovely review.

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    1. I hope you do buy it, Andrea! It will bless you. She shares how you can take those hard places in life, find the grace in them and be joyful for the One who leads you through them!
      Blessings,
      ~Erin

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  5. I know someone else who includes their amazing and joy-filled photography in their writings. And I am blessed every time I experience. I love my friend Erin!
    Dianne

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  6. Oh this looks like a book I would quite enjoy! I need to put it on my "to read" list! thank you!!

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    1. Amber, I think you'll thoroughly enjoy the book and be blessed by it! Thanks so much for stopping by!
      Blessings,
      ~Erin

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  7. Oh, I am SO getting this book. Thank you for your review and for getting me all excited about my next purchase. :-)

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    1. Rosann, I know you will love it! Ann is such a blessing!
      Love you!
      ~Erin

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Thank you for giving us a little nugget of truth from your heart!

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