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Tag Archives: Book Review

Wonderstruck {Book Review}

Wonderstruck {Book Review}

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Kendra Jernejcic • 0 Comments

(This year, as part of seeking Wonder in 2021, I will be reading and blogging about a related book each season. Join me as I deepen my understanding of Wonder through books!)

Mere moments after settling on my Word for 2021, I began to brainstorm ways I could embrace this theme in the coming year. Of course, my mind immediately leapt to books, and my first thought was of a book-based study I did years ago with my church in California. I recalled little from the study, but the memorable title had stuck with me, and I was eager to return to this book to set myself up for success with seeking wonder this year.

Like me—like most of us—Margaret Feinberg found herself going through the motions. Though she had placed her hope for eternity in Jesus, she had grown blind to His presence in her everyday life. “Icy religion replaced the delightful warmth of being a child of God,” her worship lacked enthusiasm, and she no longer waited on God with hopeful expectation. God’s splendor seemed to have lost its luster, and once-fervent awe was replaced with indifference.

Also like me, Margaret began praying for wonder. And God, in His infinite goodness and kindness, did not disappoint. Margaret’s wonder was rekindled as God’s Word took on new life, His works regained their shimmer, and her own hope flourished. In Wonderstruck, Margaret reminds us that we were created and designed to experience wonder, and she outlines a path towards an awakening to God’s presence and divine handiwork.

I wish that I could download this entire book to my brain! Through impeccable storytelling, refreshing enthusiasm, and insight informed by Scripture and experience, Margaret points her readers to the wonder all around us in a book that itself echoes the wonder of creativity and anointed teaching. I soaked in every word, delighting in Margaret’s vivid metaphors and thoughtful wordplay and jotting down endless notes to keep in mind as I pursue divine encounters with wonder this year.

Margaret’s strategies are simple yet profound, illuminating ten key areas where we can awaken to God’s wonder. Some of these are obvious, such as the wonders of God’s presence, of creation, and of prayer. Others are less apparent, such as the wonder friendship, of forgiveness, and of rest. Margaret is clear on how much “wonder-seeking” remains in God’s hands, while pointing us to actionable steps we can take in awakening to the wonder of God all around us.

Wonderstruck ends with a challenge to experience God more through 30 Days of Wonder, and adopting the principles outlined in the challenge truly has brought the abstract concept of wonder into the ordinariness of my everyday. The invitations to silence, to stillness, and to dream have been especially powerful in refocusing my attentions and allowing myself to be captured by the wonder of God’s presence.

I’m only a few weeks into this year of seeking Wonder, and am amazed—wonderstruck—at how God is already meeting me in my quest this year. God is captivating me with His handiwork and, more so, with Himself. If you are looking to be awakened to this divine nearness, this book is an excellent way to begin.

My Book Rating: 5 Stars!

Filed Under: Book Corner
January 2021 Quick Lit {Part Two}

January 2021 Quick Lit {Part Two}

Posted on January 14, 2021 by Kendra Jernejcic • 5 Comments

I have some fantastic books to share with you today—and a lot of words to say about them—so I will skip the long-winded intro and get right to the reviews. Leave the World Behind, by Rumaan Alam: Amanda and Clay are eager to leave the chaos of their lives in Brooklyn for a week of… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Book Corner
January 2021 Quick Lit {Part One}

January 2021 Quick Lit {Part One}

Posted on January 7, 2021 by Kendra Jernejcic • 0 Comments

So far, my reading in 2021 is off to a strong start. Because I track my books from December-November, I’ve already read over a dozen books “this year,” including some very memorable titles. Let’s dive into the reviews! His & Hers, by Alice Feeney: Anna Andrews is a successful BBC news presenter who has thrown… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Book Corner
2020 Reading Recap and My Favorite Books of the Year

2020 Reading Recap and My Favorite Books of the Year

Posted on December 14, 2020 by Kendra Jernejcic • 5 Comments

December is halfway over, which means just one thing: it’s time for the post I know you’ve all been anxiously awaiting (insert winky face emoji)—my annual recap of my reading life from the past twelve months, plus a list of my favorite books of the year. I contemplate this post all year long, and I… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Book Corner
Quick Lit: December 2020 Reading Wrap-Up, Fiction

Quick Lit: December 2020 Reading Wrap-Up, Fiction

Posted on December 10, 2020 by Kendra Jernejcic • 2 Comments

I have a whopping EIGHT book reviews to share with you today, so let’s skip the formalities and get right to the reviews! Big Lies in a Small Town, by Diane Chamberlain: In 2018, Morgan Christopher is a budding artist spending time in a North Carolina prison for a crime she didn’t commit. When she… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Book Corner
Quick Lit: December 2020 Reading Wrap-Up, Nonfiction

Quick Lit: December 2020 Reading Wrap-Up, Nonfiction

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Kendra Jernejcic • 3 Comments

Welcome to Quick Lit, where this month I’m doing things a little differently: instead of spreading out my reviews across a few weeks, I am sharing book reviews today AND Thursday—all in an effort to wrap up my 2020 book reviews in time for next week’s post on my favorite books of the year (always… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Book Corner
Quick Lit: November 2020 Reading Wrap-Up, Part Two

Quick Lit: November 2020 Reading Wrap-Up, Part Two

Posted on November 12, 2020 by Kendra Jernejcic • 3 Comments

A mystery, a thriller, literary fiction, and romance all make an appearance in today’s reviews, in addition to an enlightening book on happiness and a spiritual book I can’t stop talking about. Let’s get right to the reviews! Love Lettering, by Kate Clayborn: Meg Mackworth is a hand-lettering aficionado whose skill has made her famous… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Book Corner
Quick Lit: November 2020 Reading Wrap-Up, Part One

Quick Lit: November 2020 Reading Wrap-Up, Part One

Posted on November 9, 2020 by Kendra Jernejcic • 6 Comments

I have been surprised by a number of books lately: many of the novels I’ve been excited about reading have been a disappointment, while books for which I’ve held lower expectations have been pleasant surprises. Of the four novels I’m sharing in today’s post, the book I enjoyed the most was one I hadn’t anticipated… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Book Corner
Book Review: Beautiful Resistance

Book Review: Beautiful Resistance

Posted on October 19, 2020 by Kendra Jernejcic • 0 Comments

If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that life is unpredictable—often in ways that are uncomfortable and even catastrophic.  As someone who thrives on structure and predictability, it’s tempting for me to conclude that unpredictable circumstances such as those we are experiencing this year are the antithesis to joy. But I know from Scripture… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Book Corner
Quick Lit: October 2020 Reading Wrap-Up, Part Two

Quick Lit: October 2020 Reading Wrap-Up, Part Two

Posted on October 12, 2020 by Kendra Jernejcic • 4 Comments

Last Monday I shared reviews of some of the lighter books I’ve read in recent weeks. The slightly more serious books in today’s post were more in line with my usual taste, and all five were well worth the read. Enjoy the reviews! The Course of Love, by Alain de Botton: Most popular love stories… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Book Corner
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  • Hi, I’m Kendra! I am a follower of Jesus, an avid reader and podcast-listener, an Enneagram enthusiast, and a big fan of lists. Born and raised in Southern California, I am now living life in Austin, Texas, with my husband Luke, our son Charleston (2015), twins Sullivan and Kalinda (2019), and Arlo the Labradoodle. Thanks for visiting my blog!
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