Sarah Clarkson

I picked this up thinking it was going to be a memoir-ish book on books and reading, and it's not not that, but it wasn't what I was expecting either. Clarkson is an evangelical Christian, and Book Girl is very specifically written with that lens and takes on the project of recommending books for Christian women to read at different life stages or for particular purposes. I almost DNFed when I clocked this (evangelical Christianity is the brand of organized religion I have the biggest show more problem with, always), but I do like to read about people with different perspectives and world views, so I carried on. Her book recommendations are largely good and agreeable, but also not *terribly* surprising or enlightening (Tolkien, check. C.S. Lewis, check. Jane Austen, check. Elizabeth Goudge, check. Also, the books discussed were largely (not entirely, but largely), written by authors who are white and straight.), and she communicates very well why she liked each book, what she got out of it, and why she thinks others will get something out of it as well. I did get very tired of the gendered language (and the gendered project--why are these books for girls? what does it mean for a book to be for a girl? are they then not for boys? (this seems not to be the case, since she mentions her husband having read many of them.) if they are for both boys and girls, what are girls supposed to be getting from them that is specific to their gender? why are we gendering reading, Sarah?) and the way creationism was baked into her very sentences. (We are made for xy and z, for instance.) By the end, despite finding the book engaging and Clarkson's lists sometimes compelling, I have to confess I had a bad taste in my mouth. Like whatever pleasantness there was in this book was maybe covering up some attitudes I would find very unpleasant and painful. show less

In today’s world of constant stimulation—news feeds, social media, notifications, and an endless stream of TV shows and movies—finding quiet can feel nearly impossible. More often than not, the real challenge isn’t the lack of stillness, but our own reluctance to embrace it. We crave quiet yet rarely take the need seriously enough to pursue it.



In Reclaiming Quiet, Sarah Clarkson masterfully explores the art of “recapturing wonder and learning to live the healing shapes and rhythms show more of stillness.” This phrase from the book’s back cover perfectly encapsulates what readers will discover within its pages.



One of the most striking insights in the book is how many of us struggle with boredom, turning to “noise” as a distraction. Whether through entertainment or constant busyness, we often override our deeper need for stillness and silence.



Clarkson’s book is a deeply personal journey as she navigates life with OCD, searching for peace through her faith in God. She weaves together reflections on suffering, grace, and contemplation, drawing wisdom from literary greats such as C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and Madeleine L’Engle.



I especially appreciated her challenge to step away from modern noise and rediscover the beauty in the world around us. She reminds us to see God not only in the grand and miraculous but also in the small and mundane. In a culture that often equates significance with scale, her invitation to slow down and notice the little things is both refreshing and necessary.



Finally, Clarkson’s honesty and vulnerability make this book a comforting and compassionate read for those struggling with anxiety, doubt, or spiritual exhaustion. Her words offer encouragement and hope, making *Reclaiming Quiet* a valuable companion for anyone seeking peace in a noisy world. show less

I recently read "Stolen Focus" by Jonathan Hari, which addresses the societal and technology-based attention thieves that eat our time and peace of mind. Sarah Clarkson has addressed the same topic from a spiritual point of view, truly getting to the root of the cause: we just don't know how to be quiet before God these days. Because of that, we're missing out on the way He speaks best--through a still, small voice.
Each chapter of "Reclaiming Quiet," through personal stories and gentle show more prose, presents a good reason to hush, a beautifully composed prayer, and some good pondering points. Sarah's writing style, not overly flowery, but lyrical, causes you to slow down--if you're a bullet point reader, that could be a stumbling block. Put your phone in a different room, make a cup of tea, and read this one slowly. show less

I was (pleasantly!) surprised to discover this is a devotional book. Its 12 chapters each feature “pray” and “ponder” sections at the end. I’d been expecting more of a “regular” read, but found that this format helped me engage with the text and the Creator in more depth than I might have otherwise, and it grew on me.

I quit social media last month in anticipation of the election—my own first step in reclaiming quiet—and this read was a blessed insertion into my newly found show more free time. I’m planning to revisit the book in January/after the holidays to start the new year off right. (Ironically, another politically fueled time as a new president will be sworn in that month—so I’ll need another go-round and pointer back to Christ, who raises up and brings low every authority.)

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Clarkson is a kindred spirit and loves J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis as much as I do—and references them quite a bit throughout the read. She and I are both introverts, as well; that being said, this book is a fantastic read for both introverts and extroverts: both camps will find exceptional value in it. Reclaiming quiet is for everyone, and this is a great place to start.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. show less