Friday, August 5, 2011

Fresh-Brewed Life

The subtitle is enough to captivate you: "a stirring invitation to wake up your soul." You can almost smell the coffee brewing. Author Nicole Johnson invites you to a "fresh-brewed life" by sitting down with you and talking about the issues that women face in a challenging, fallen world. She starts by leading you to a place of surrender and then quickly moves you to take action in "waking up your soul." One of the most powerful exercises that she discusses is journaling. This action alone can awaken your soul in ways you can't imagine. But she doesn't stop there. She urges you to listen to your inner longings, embrace your beauty (true beauty), take a look and analyze your anger, get a better understanding or your sexuality, invest in your friendships, and enjoy your freedom. The message of the book begs you to "wake up and smell the coffee."

I thought this was a "good" read. It is a republished book . . . revised and expanded from 1999. The synopsis and introduction are heavy in "coffee" metaphors . . . almost overly so. At times, the metaphors were completely dropped and it seemed to lose the creativity of the message. But, overall the chapters provided insight and encouragement. The "Directed Journaling" questions were helpful in examining where you are in your faith. The "Fresh Brewed" Adventures sections were a little "cheesy," in my opinion. Others might like them. For example: "Pay attention to your dog. Dogs really know how to celebrate. Pick up some helpful suggestions from their behavior: hang your head out the window, wag your tail when you see people you love, enjoy your food, nap anywhere. Some of the "adventures" were helpful, some should have been left out or rethought. (In my opinion) The author is a good writer. I felt her best writing was done in her Epilogue. It seemed finally you could feel her heart and get to know her. Overall this was a "good" book. It just wasn't my top shelf recommendations. (And I agree with one reviewer . . . editing errors are a little ridiculous on a revised and updated Thomas Nelson book)

*I was provided this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program.

5 comments:

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

Thanks for this review Cherie, honest and open, very useful.
Editing errors... what a nightmare, I can't find a book without 'm.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

I have enjoyed this book, I am on my second reading in ten years...and I don't have the revised edition. As for editing errors...well those don't bother me, but maybe because I am not a writer, I read to hear the heart of the speaker.

Cherie Hill said...

Thank you sisters for your comments! It definitely is a "good" read. The errors didn't bother me much either . . . but coming from a TOP publisher . . . you just expect better. ;)

Blessings and hugs,
Cherie

Unknown said...

I reading it right now and it's been slow going. It's a decent book just not as interesting as I had hoped. I totally agree with your review.

The King's Son said...

Hi Cherie. Wow! Great and honest review. I can feel the sincerity from here. I just joined the Book Sneeze and i saw your review. Just want to encourage you. Keep the fire burning. Keep being a beacon. Your light is much needed in a dark world.
Blessings :D

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I am so blessed that you would take the time to share your thoughts with me! You encourage my faith and I pray that God will fill you to the full with His love, mercy,and grace! With joy, Cherie

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