Sunday, March 30, 2008

"Cold Tangerines" - Book Review

I first heard about "Cold Tangerines" by Shauna Niequist through Sara's Blog "Shortstop". It was there that she shared her love for this book, and offered 10 copies in a giveaway to the those who left comments on her blog.
Instead, she was brave enough to ask Zondervan Publishers to provide 30 copies, one for every person who commented. They agreed! How cool was that? I was very excited to have actually won something and then to have the book arrive on my doorsteps soon thereafter.

"Cold Tangerines" reads as fresh as it looks, with its glossy, vibrant orange cover.

As I read her stories it was like sitting down to coffee with a good friend as he/she opened up the pages of their life that had been written for them, and the lessons that had been learned along the way. Between the pages there was laughter, tears shed, and head nods in agreement. There were numerous quotes and chapters with green post-it notes that I had tagged just begging to be shared. There were entire sections I wished to simply tear out, and send in the mail to a friend or family member who could really use these words of refreshment.

The writing was deeply honest. Many stories were shared that most of us would never imagine divulging to just anyone, let alone a good friend, but the author does this with amazing faith in her readers, lest she would sit in the seat of judgment from those less willing to be true about themselves. I respected her for that. So often relationships with people are so superficial. When I first meet someone, I quickly grow weary of the customary "foo-fa" of conversation. I really just want to say to them, "Tell me who you really are, what is your story, and what makes you tick?!"

This book is for anyone who has ever experienced love, jealousy, family, death, a new baby, sin, failure, frailty, joy, disappointment, and friendship. It is especially for that aspiring writer who needs boost in the arm and is wondering if the world will ever allow them to share their own words, too someday.

Some of my favorite chapters were: "swimming" (wonderful definitions of friendship), "eggs and baskets" (where the disappointment's in life can be "good" Romans 8:28), and "soup from bones" (how God can make the crumbles of our lives into something glorious). There were simply too many wonderful quotes and stories to share, therefore I can only highly recommend you place this book at the top of your "to read list" and experience the flavors of these stories for yourself.

In closure, this was a wonderful book about the celebrations of life. It made me want to make the most of every day. To turn the stagnant parts of my own life and home into something beautiful - worthy of sharing and an offering to my Lord.

Truly the authors own words best described her book:

"You pray for wonderful, honest, gritty, tender stories to write, but then you have to live through them".

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*Please be sure to visit "Shortstop" for additional Book Reviews and later this week for a "Question and Answer Session" with Author, Shawna Niequist.

*Special thanks to Sara at "Shortstop" and Zondervan Publishers for the opportunity to experience "Cold Tangerines".

9 comments:

Monica said...

This book looks SO good. I'm going to have to check it out!

Thanks for coming by a visiting my recipe blog. I just went to a cooking party/swap Friday night. I hope to post about it soon.

Blessings.

Kristen said...

I loved the book too! I posted my review earlier and am now reading the other reviews - so I had to chuckle because I too mentioned that reading the book was like sitting with a friend at coffee :o) It was such a delightful easy read - and so meaningful.

I enjoyed reading your review!

Heather and Reese said...

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll definitely check it out.

Blessings to you!

Reese

Short Stop said...

Lisa,

Thank you for your review. I agree with you - there were many pages I wanted to tear out and share with a sister/friend! I enjoyed reaading your thoughts!

Heather and Reese said...

Lisa - that book sounds awesome! I'm going to have to check it out...or, let Reese get it and she can send it to me when she's done. She's my "book tester" LOL!!

Heather

Mel said...

Looks like a book I really need to add to my book shelf! I have been sorely disappointed in my latest reads. I could really use something refreshing!
Thanks for highlighting it!

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