Mark Yaconelli

We yearn for the good times and the good experiences. We do everything to avoid the awkward, difficult, and uncomfortable experiences and moments in life.

But much of life is found in the latter, and Mark Yaconelli compellingly wrote about them in The Gift of Hard Things: Finding Grace in Unexpected Places (galley received as part of early review program, but full book read).

The author related incidents in his own life, as well as conversations he held with others regarding their show more experiences, which run the gamut from uncomfortable, awkward, and humiliating to grappling with grief, loss, and suffering.

There’s no easy moralizing in these stories; they are told well, and while there is wisdom to be gained from them, they are not presented in ham-fisted ways. Questions for reflection exist for those using the work in a class structure.

It’s worth a read to consider the experiences of the author and those with whom he associated, and from there to consider one’s own experiences of difficulties and challenges across the spectrum and how one could grow and develop on account of them and through them. show less

Some books change my outlook, my worldview, and perhaps even my life. This one is high on that list. It's about stories -- the author's heartfelt stories and others' that dig deep into pain and truth and healing.

In the age of the internet and Netflix, many of us are drowning in stories, but the wrong type that leave us feeling cluttered and cynical and fearful. We need to tell our own true stories. We need to be heard. And we need to listen to others'.

This book spoke to me. I read a lot of show more history, often about horrific events, and I will continue to. But perhaps a bit more slowly, and take mental health breaks with more tales of everyday challenge and uplift, which are just as true.

Thank you, Karen, for finding this book in your Little Library!

Highly recommended! show less