nedmac mama

Fascinating account of historical events

Revisado: 10-05-23

I'm not quite old enough to remember most of the surrounding events. I visited East
Berlin in 1979, and I was overcome with the aura of sadness and bleakness. This story is a heart wrenching depiction of the lengths people went to.

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Thoroughly enjoyed this book

Revisado: 07-12-23

This book was long, but I had no problem with that. I found myself looking for "brainless" tasks to do so I could listen for hours. I loved the humor and honesty. Most of all I loved listening to his evolution, growth, set backs, and give it another go.

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Finished in one day

Revisado: 02-22-23

First, there's nothing wrong with your download or streaming quality. I spent too long adjusting playback speed, trying different devices, re-downloading trying to figure out the "problem" with her voice. After deciding to just try to ignore it, she explains it's intentional, and gets better later on. It's her story to tell, the way she wants to tell it; but it felt like an odd choice by someone whose voice is so well-known.

Having worked through so many of Beth's Bible studies over the years, I really looked forward to hearing her story, from her, in her words with her voice. Memoirs and biographies are my favorite genre, because people are endlessly fascinating, resilient, and creative in their responses to life's circumstances.

True to her public image, she skillfully adds humor where appropriate which provides respite between difficult, heartbreaking, heavy topics. And there are heavy sections. She maneuvers skillfully through topics of sexual abuse and family mental health issues in ways which set the scenes and describe the pain without providing unnecessary, scandalous details. I appreciated that.

As one would expect from Beth, her faith, love of family, respect and caring for others is on full display throughout. Worth the time.

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esto le resultó útil a 30 personas

I loved this story

Revisado: 11-07-22

Fiction with entirely believable historical context, this story held my attention all the way to the unexpected ending. Three separate, yet intricately entwined, stories had me feeling all the emotions - from wistful to angry, heart-broken to surprised.

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Much to think about

Revisado: 11-03-22

I can understand some reviews implying this book is an echo chamber for people already critical of the church. For that reason, I will seek out well-written critiques as well.

Having said that, so many of du Mez's observations provide plausible explanations for feelings I have had before, and since, leaving the church (little c). I am still a Christ-follower, and I am grateful for all He has given me - including a well-developed brain and not a small amount of empathy.

I followed the church faithfully for many years; but was utterly dismayed at the lack of Christ-like behavior I began to witness. I simply could not reconcile it with the Jesus I know, and the indwelling Spirit. When I read the Bible, I don't skim. I dig in; translations, lexicons, concordance, and scholarly articles at the ready. I struggled with the disconnect between what I studied and what church taught, recommended, demanded. This book proposes some reasonable motives.

Also, food for thought: I paraphrase someone's response to recent Pew or Ligonier/Lifeway surveys: the church seeks to mandate the things it was unable to accomplish culturally. (It really resonated with me when I read it, but I have been unable to locate it again in order to offer proper attribution to the author.)

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Riveting

Revisado: 09-28-21

Gripping perspectives from the "inside." Such powerful tear-inducing recollections. Well done! Thank you, Garrrett for ensuring they will be remembered forever.

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enjoyable and enlightening

Revisado: 07-24-21

This story really kept my attention. I learned many details I'm just a bit too young to remember. Jill's experience as she travelled the "mapped out, but still being paved" road of a young female prosecutor were also enlightening.

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A thoroughly enjoyable listen

Revisado: 07-14-21

I have always appreciated Ms. Tyson's work. This book adds a depth that could only happen through her retelling of her behind-the-scenes experience, thoughts and emotion.

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Food for thought

Revisado: 04-01-21

As usual, this book left me examining many aspects of my life - not just what needs to be scaled back, but which need to increase. I particularly liked her comments from each update, giving a glimpse of what had changed for her since the original printing.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Words from a friend

Revisado: 05-19-20

This book was like having coffee with your best friend: laughter, tears, acceptance, truth, encouragement, and a kick in the pants. I am now waiting on my hardcopy to arrive, so I can highlight and scribble margin notes all over it.
I love when books are read by the author, and Jen's extras ("Listener..." and "Now, back to the book.") make the listener feel like a trusted friend getting inside info. Already recommended this to several friends and family, and sent one as a gift.

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