Category: book review

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Review: No Such Thing as Ordinary

https://www.avemariapress.com/products/no-such-thing-as-ordinary

I just finished reading Rachel Balducci’s newest book, No Such Thing as Ordinary: Unlocking Your Extraordinary Life through Everyday Encounters with Jesus. I read a chapter a day with my coffee in the early mornings, and I highly recommend the book, and the approach I took.

an ordinary approach to extraordinary living

Each chapter moves through the steps of a deep call to relationship with Jesus, starting with encounter and thirst, and moving toward trust, surrender, and finally our mission through His will to name a few of the chapters. Rachel shares her spiritual journey at each of these steps, revealing the little foibles that probably make up most of our lives, and then jumping in with both feet to reveal some deeply wounding experiences, that again, are probably close to the insecurities and hurts we’ve experienced as children and then later as young adults (and maybe beyond).

Rachel’s storytelling engages the reader with her vulnerability. Too often we are entertained with egregious self-confessionals that offer us little in the growth department. Here, Rachel Balducci uses her personal stories to show us how through these experiences her heart broke open a little more each time, letting Christ inside to heal her.

More than a light summer read, No Such Thing as Ordinary is a little manual for making friends with Jesus.

highly recommend

catch up on CatholicMom’s summer book club that features fun conversations with Rachel Bladucci!

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Review of Taste: My Life through Food

perfect for an afternoon in a cozy spot – Negroni optional

Stanley Tucci’s engaging demeanor in the documentary series, Searching for Italy, captivates me. I enjoy his performances in many films, but the documentary series reveals a charming and personable side of him. Also, his love of food is contagious. It was a no brainer that I would connect with his memoir, Taste: My Life through Food.

evolution of a fan

In recent years, I’m drawn more and more to reading memoirs and biographies. These days, I find the actual human condition far more compelling than the fictional human condition. And I am astonished to note that I am reading foodie memoirs. Ruth Reichl was my introduction into this fascinating world, and I followed her book, Save Me the Plums with a rather extensive biography of Julia Child.

Of course, I watched the film Julie & Julia. Tucci’s performance captivates the audience. In a roundabout way, I have become a fan of all things Stanley Tucci.

I confess to watching the viral video of Tucci’s Negroni recipe on loop, going so far as to replicate the recipe. I even went on a mad (unsuccessful) search for the right coupe glasses in which to serve it. It’s a different spin on the cocktail (I prefer the original recipe), but I was so charmed by his presentation that I had that fangirl moment of wanting to be friends with him and have him make me a cocktail.

setting the table for relationship

Reading Taste feels a lot like sitting around Tucci’s table enjoying after-dinner conversation for hours. This memoir captures the intimacy of sharing a meal with someone, and the loving work and effort that goes into preparing meals regardless of their complexity.

Tucci shares his memories as well as family recipes. At its core, Taste celebrates relationship. Relationship with food, certainly, but how food encourages, develops, fosters, and embraces relationship with others.

highly recommend for some light reading to mix up your usual reading

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SURRENDER ALL book giveaway

I’m so excited to share this wonderful book for Lent, Surrender All: An Illuminated Journal Retreat through the Stations of the Cross by artist Jen Norton.

I’m always looking for some spiritual reading. I go through those books, if not quickly, then certainly consistently, as I dedicate a part of my morning prayer to spiritual reading. Jen’s book combines that meditation with a visual component that feeds all my senses. I think you’ll enjoy it, too.

I am looking forward to praying through the Stations of the Cross with this lovely companion.

To celebrate Jen’s book launch, I’m giving away a copy of Surrender All to folks in my monthly newsletter. You can sign up here. I’ll be selecting the winner on February 11th to ensure you’ll get the book by the beginning of Lent.

You can also get a copy through Ave Maria Press for the special price of $13, and shipping is free! Use the code: JOHNSON.

Spiritual reading has enriched my morning prayer routine, and subsequently, my whole day. I’d love for you to share what you’re reading, and of course, your reactions to this lovely recommendation.

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