★★★★★ 5
A refuge in the noise of life
Format: Paperback
There are some books that are so good, so nourishing, so deeply satisfying and life giving to read that it is hard to know how to write a review that does them justice. This is one of those books. As if she is sitting across the cafe table from you, drinking her coffee and sharing her life, Sarah is a master story teller who captivates your attention as she tells story after story that pertains to her personal quest and exploration of the pursuit of Quiet.
The chapters have titles such as "the halcyon day", "wise woman's cottage", and "seeing from the inside". Subtitles include "imagination, "assent and amazement", and "cadence". Split into sections (the nature of quiet, the shape of quiet, the gifts of quiet) this book takes the subject of a True Quiet and wrestles, examines, instructs about, and celebrates it from all angles.
I've read books that talk about how to have new habits and rhythms, slowing down in our busy social media filled age, and bringing order the the chaos of daily life, but this book trumps them all with the questions it asks, the way in which she communicates what she has learned.
Every chapter ends with prayer and more questions and thoughts to ponder. The structure lends beautifully to a small group discussion.
I know I will be rereading and pondering over the ideas in this book for a long time (I am not usually a highlighter and book marker but this one is covered with passages I just had to mark and remember).
This is a perfect book to read as we enter the end-year holiday season and I want to give to all my friends and family to nurture and encourage their souls. Sarah pulls from across her lifetime with her personal experiences, lessons, and tales, so I believe you can read this at any stage of adulthood and you will be encouraged and strengthened in your faith. This will be a book you keep reaching for it again and again that will continue to instruct, encourage, and inspire you across the years.
It should say "Welcome weary traveler, enter to find rest".
(This is probably one of the longest reviews I've ever written so bear with me if there are typos.)
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Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2024