Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way

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Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way

4.22 of 5 stars 4.22 · rating details · 1,034 ratings · 172 reviews

In her follow-up book to Cold Tangerines, author Shauna Niequist shifts her gaze to the challenges and blessings of change in Bittersweet. Drawing from her own experiences in a recent season of pain and chaos, she explores the bits of wisdom and growth we earn the hard way, through change, loss, and transition, and offers her own reflections on what brought her hope along...more

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Published August 10th 2010 by Zondervan (first published July 23rd 2010)

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Apr 09, 2013 Sarah Tsai rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was so skeptical of another "heart-felt" "Christian" book - but Shauna (I use her first name here because I feel like we're connected now) wrote an incredibly personal book that I connected with immensely. The idea of the title of the book is look at how all things in life have something broken and something beautiful in them. She writes, 'It's the practice of believing that we really do need both the bitter and the sweet, and that a life of nothing but sweetness rots both your teeth and your...more

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Feb 26, 2013 Pathway Midland rated it 3 of 5 stars

Bittersweet is a good reminder that life isn't always sweet, and Shauna helps her readers understand how to deal with the bitter circumstances that life throws us. It teaches us both how to cope and how to grow during these times. While I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has encountered a hardship in life, especially a miscarriage or marriage issues, this book has a message for everyone. I believe that it especially targets women, however the message is universally relevant. Shauna...more

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Dec 31, 2010 Barb Terpstra rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read Shauna's book "Cold Tangerines" a few years back and really enjoyed it. Her newest, "Bittersweet", did not disappoint--in fact, I really think I liked it better than "Cold Tangerines". Shauna's writing style is so fresh and honest, you feel like you are sitting and chatting with her on the couch. She talks about real life and real hurts and disappointments, but not in a "you should feel sorry for me" sort of way. She takes life struggles and gives them over to God, but that's not easy eit...more

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Dec 20, 2010 Sarah Joy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Every now and again I come across someone's blog or book or an article that makes me wish I lived in their town and have the privilege of being their friend. Shauna Niequist is now one of them.

I've been reading her latest book, Bittersweet and in it I've discovered treasure upon treasure which makes me want to tear out entire pages, fold them up and keep them in my purse for a quick recap whenever I find time. Bittersweet really is like a collection of blog posts or essays and at the end of each...more

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Oct 31, 2010 Amber French rated it 4 of 5 stars

In the prologue, Shauna explains her thoughts on the title for this book. “Bittersweet is the idea that in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a sliver of lightness on even the darkest of nights, a shadow of hope in every heartbreak and that rejoicing is no less rich when it contains a splinter of sadness.” Reading through the book, you learn about moments where she experienced heartache and also pockets of “life is perfect” at just that moment. She t...more In the prologue, Shauna explains her thoughts on the title for this book. “Bittersweet is the idea that in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a sliver of lightness on even the darkest of nights, a shadow of hope in every heartbreak and that rejoicing is no less rich when it contains a splinter of sadness.” Reading through the book, you learn about moments where she experienced heartache and also pockets of “life is perfect” at just that moment. She talks about grace and how she has a hard time bestowing it upon others though she readily admits to needing it herself. “If arithmetic is numbers, and if algebra is numbers and letters, then grace is numbers, letters, sounds, and tears, feelings and dreams. Grace is smashing the calculator and using all the broken buttons and pieces to make a mosaic. Grace isn’t about having a second chance; grace is having so many chances that you could use them through all eternity and never come up empty. It’s when you finally realize that the other shoe isn’t going to drop, ever. It’s the moment when you feel as precious and handmade as every star, when you feel, finally, at home for the very first time.” She talks about how she faced not one but two miscarriages, the second being doubly hard to deal with because she had been pregnant with twins. She talks about the rough spot she and her husband went through in their marriage and how thankful she is they were able to recover from it. At one point she says, “when things fall apart, the broken places allow all sorts of things to enter and one of them is the presence of God.” She explains the importance of women having other women in their lives – how much those relationships have meant to her. “Bittersweet” is a mosaic of her life experiences all pointing to her belief that we need both in our lives. “…a life of nothing but sweetness rots both your teeth and your soul. Bitter is what makes us strong, what forces us to push through…”

I liked Shauna’s style of writing. While at times it was hard for me to follow what time in her life she was referring to (she jumped around with each chapter), I liked the “realness” in her writing. She wrote as though she was talking instead of trying to use big words and make everything come across as neat and tidy. What struck a cord with me was her chapter titled “twenty-five.” Having just turned twenty-five, I was able to instantly identify with her. The chapter was her giving advice regarding things she learned from that period in her life. One thing that stuck out to me regarded decisions made during this time. “Some of the most life-shaping decisions you make in this season will be about walking away from good-enough, in search of can’t-live-without.” My absolute favorite line from the book was about her love of Christmas. She talked about buying the exact same scarf for several of her girl friends and how she liked the idea of them all living in different places but wearing the same scarf. She talked about thoroughly enjoying Christmas despite what we may be going through. “And I hope that someone who loves you gives you a really cute scarf.” When someone is honest in their writing, allowing you a glimpse into their life, you’re able to connect with them and that’s what Shauna has done.
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Oct 13, 2010 Shirley rated it 5 of 5 stars

"I learned about waves when I was little, swimming in Lake Michigan in navy blue water under a clear sky, and the most important thing I learned was this: if you try to stand and face the wave, it will smash you to bits, but if you trust the water and let it carry you, there’s nothing sweeter. . . . If you dig in and fight the change, you’re facing, it will indeed smash you to bits. It will hold you under, drag you across the rough sand, scare and confuse you." (Page 15)

A talented writer will c...more "I learned about waves when I was little, swimming in Lake Michigan in navy blue water under a clear sky, and the most important thing I learned was this: if you try to stand and face the wave, it will smash you to bits, but if you trust the water and let it carry you, there’s nothing sweeter. . . . If you dig in and fight the change, you’re facing, it will indeed smash you to bits. It will hold you under, drag you across the rough sand, scare and confuse you." (Page 15)

A talented writer will capture her audience at the beginning of her writing. Shauna Niequist captured my attention in the first paragraph of the first chapter when she described the challenges of change. Her goal in Bittersweet is to assist us in learning to “go with the flow”.

After reading the book, I visited www.shaunaniequest.com and found the author’s definition of “bittersweet”.

"Bittersweet is the idea that in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a moment of lightness on even the darkest nights, a shadow of heartbreak, and that rejoicing is no less rich even when it contains a splinter of sadness."

Bittersweet is a journey into the seasons of a young woman’s soul. It is about abundant seasons with faith, family, and friends. It is about sparser seasons of loss, grief, insecurity, and fear. As the author bares her soul as though she is the reader’s closest friend, the reader better comes to understand the balance we ultimately hope to achieve by experiencing life’s most challenging or most fulfilling moments. Shauna has a grasp on the turmoil boiling within herself and also that of her large circle of friends. She also has an appreciation for the abundance of good that is manifested in our lives.

The young women in the book are of the age when many are beginning careers, marrying and beginning their families. I would love to read Niequist’s perspectives on life twenty years from now or even forty. For now, I’ll be looking for a copy of the previous book she wrote called Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life. I’ll also be looking for copies to purchase for all of my friends of many ages who came to mind as I was reading.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Though this is a verse from the Bible, I must admit that my first exposure to the words was in a favorite rock-tune by the Byrds back in the 60s called “Turn, Turn, Turn”. Shauna is a very religious person and she repeatedly makes use of the word “seasons” in her narrative. The scripture and the song’s lyrics relate well to Shauna’s overall theme.

She talks about her ability to sometimes hear the voice of God. Sometimes that still, small voice within is impossible to hear. In those times, I think books like Bittersweet, music, friends, and even strangers are brought into our lives to help guide us when we are being attentive.

I was amazed to learn that Bittersweet was written in two weeks. I felt as though I were glimpsing into someone’s diary. The continuity of the chapters has the feel of stream-of-consciousness writing. It is authentic and true-to-life. It is a truly enjoyable read.
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Jul 25, 2011 Adriane Devries rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: spirituality

Like talking with a friend over coffee, a friend who will tell you everything, the good the bad the ugly, of her soul and her life, you will feel relief and hope because there is someone who has experienced what you have, who nevertheless came through not only unscathed but with more grace, strength and faith as a result. Touching many major issues of life, from dating, marriage, and the child-bearing years, the pervading theme of this gentle read is, “Everything really will be okay. I know. I’v...more

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Aug 25, 2011 Annalee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I couldn't have read this book at a more perfect time. I opened it in a season of many changes in motherhood and life and it spoke volumes to the stage of life I am in. I felt like the author had climbed into my own brain countless times as I read each short chapter. It can be read cover to cover in one sitting or bits and pieces. Either way the impact will be the same. Full of good reminders and life lessons in a non-preachy way, in short I loved it.

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Nov 19, 2012 Mandy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mandys-reads

MY REVIEW:

"When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow." This is the focus of Bittersweet which is a collection of short essays. It's cover invites you to sit, read, and reflect on your life as Shauna shares from her life.

In full disclosure, I couldn't finish this book. For the most part I liked the essays I read, but it felt like I was reading blog post after blog post rather than reading a flowing book. Each chapter stands alone while still...more

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Sep 27, 2010 Kristi Vitale rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-ill-never-forget, read-in-2010

With each creative chapter speaking honestly about the beauty of life and its many lessons we endure, this book shares delicately and gracefully the words of wisdom of Shauna Niequist. I really loved this book. I found her perspective on life experiences relatable and her desires and vitality very uplifting, all of it hitting very close to home. BITTERSWEET gives a great big bear hug.

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Jun 03, 2011 Gail rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: to-read-in-2011

Coming off a dense book on writing, Shauna's latest collection of stories, "Bittersweet" was like curling up on the couch with a blanket and a big 'ol bowl of comfort food — the literary equivalent to mac-n-cheese.

There are some folks who may read her writing and shrug it off as too folksy or too preachy. I feel sorry for them. Because I think Shauna has a remarkable ability to write poetically about the everyday moments we all experience but never take time to think about, let alone cherish.

In...more Coming off a dense book on writing, Shauna's latest collection of stories, "Bittersweet" was like curling up on the couch with a blanket and a big 'ol bowl of comfort food — the literary equivalent to mac-n-cheese.

There are some folks who may read her writing and shrug it off as too folksy or too preachy. I feel sorry for them. Because I think Shauna has a remarkable ability to write poetically about the everyday moments we all experience but never take time to think about, let alone cherish.

In "Bittersweet," Shauna writes extensively about her experience miscarrying her second child. I felt so sorry for her reading her words about the loss. And again, because of Shauna's approachability, she seems less the person sharing these words through a novel and more one recounting what happened over cups of tea in her living room. Someone you want to reach out to, give a hug, and tell her everything will work out because it's life and, well, it always does. (This ability of hers to be so transparent is probably why people seem to flock to her as girlfriends — of which, as you read, she has many).

A number of essays in this title (there's something like, 40 in all), really REALLY resonated with me. I'm borrowing a friend's copy of the book and since she underlined many of the same passages I would have, I know they resonated with her as well. Shauna's books are ones I really should just buy copies of seeing as how — though I rarely re-read anything — so many of her essays I could come back to again and again.

Here were a few snippets I loved from a book FULL of thoughts worth quoting:

• From "Things I Don't Do": In which Shauna writes about how she's learning that while she wants to do everything in life and DO EVERYTHING BETTER, life is about figuring out those things you're willing to give up so as to focus on the things you really care about (among her things she doesn't do were things I, also, don't do: gardening, major home improvements, making her bed in the morning, baking -- I loved the "This is me, take it or leave it" attitude she conveyed with this lesson)

• From "Alameda": Share your life with the people you love, even if it means saving up for a ticket and going without a few things for a while to make it work. There are enough long lonely days of the same old thing, and if you let enough years pass, and if you let the routine steamroll your life, you'll wake up one day, isolated and weary, and wonder what happened to all those old friends.

• From "Twenty-Five": For a while in my early 20s, I felt like I woke up a different person every day, and was constantly confused about which one, if any, was the real me. I feel more like myself with each passing year, for better and for worse, and you'll find that, too. Every year, you will trade a little of your perfect skin and your ability to look great without exercising for wisdom and peace and groundedness, and every year the trade will be worth it. I promise.

• From "Love Song for Fall": (for artists and writers and photographers and creatives): If you were made to create, you won't feel whole and healthy and alive until you do.....Do the work, learn the skills, and make art, because of what the act of creation will create in you.

Many more, but I'll let you read them instead. (less)

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Aug 14, 2011 Amber B rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved the way this book made me feel. It was honest and open and real. The author, Shauna Niequist, was so naked in her honesty about herself and her own shortcomings and her life that you even felt some of her stories were maybe your own. This book is a collection of stories or essays about the author and lessons learned and how to learn from situations that it's easy to just get wrapped up in and never move past.

I don't know if I would recommend this book because of it's deep religious teac...more

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Oct 11, 2010 Tess rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: faith

I wrote a rather lengthy review here: http://parasolparty.wordpress.com/201...

And here are some of my favorite quotes:

"My rampant, illogical fear about our future..."

"When I thought she would back away, she walked forward."

"We're living in a funny time right now, when people build restaurant-grade kitchen in their homes, and if you walk into a specialty cooking store, it seems like you need sixteen gadgets and a graduate degree to make a meal. At the same time, other people live entirely on take...more

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Jan 27, 2011 Tia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, christian, arc

Reading "Bittersweet" felt like reading my own journal, or having a conversation with a close friend. I laughed and cried while reading this book. This was very relevant to what is going on in my life right now. Sometimes we do need reminders to not feel sorry for ourselves, this book was my reminder. I highly recommend "blueberries" it reminded me so much of my own grandma, and made me miss her so much that it made me tear up. The prologue is wonderful!!! an awesome introduction to the book. Al...more

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Mar 23, 2013 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, full-hand, want

Have you ever had one of those nights where everything was just perfect? You just want to bask in the magical memories and don't want to go to sleep, because once you close your eyes, you'll wake up in tomorrow, where the present night will truly be over. Or maybe you had the best hair and outfit day ever, and you don't want to change out of your clothes because you know you won't be able to recreate this image, even if you do repeat the outfit again later.

That's what this book has been like for...more

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Jan 04, 2011 Jenn rated it 1 of 5 stars

This book may as well be a shout out to all of Shauna's friends and family. Most of the pages are filled with cliches about food and cooking clubs and her son... blah blah blah. She talks about churches and the Christian community but very little about God and faith. True, there are brief moments of spiritualness if you can sift through the lines upon lines of her "dear diary" whining and attempt to mention every person she's ever met by name. I don't mean to be insensitive, this woman clearly h...more

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Oct 26, 2010 Cheryl Selby rated it 3 of 5 stars

In this book the author writes about growing through her struggles as she experiences the natural occurrences that most of us experience as we begin our journey in adulthood. Shauna Niequist speaks openly about her experiences and thoughts as she shares her journey as a young adult.

The book is easy to read, many short chapters. For me, I found myself remembering the earlier years of adulthood – the struggles, the confusion, the uncertainty and the moments of bliss. I recommend this book to young...more

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Feb 08, 2013 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I bought this book a few years ago after finishing up Shauna's "Cold Tangerines." I love her voice, the way she can take an everyday thought or interaction and make it beautiful. And even though it's a book about a season of her life, there are universal truths and experiences that I think all women experience. I had it on my bookshelf for so long, thinking, "I'll read it next..." and for some reason, it just sat there. I can't figure out why, because I couldn't put her first book down. But now...more

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Nov 17, 2010 Dan rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a very raw and honest book about life as seen through the eyes of the author. The roller-coaster ride of living is masterfully woven as Mrs. Niequist tells small stories about her life. Using a journal-style of writing the reader is drawn into struggle, laughter, heartache, joy, and thought as each story bares a small piece of the author's soul. I found myself stopping several times to think about what I just read. This book does just that: makes the read stop and think. A well written b...more

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Jul 24, 2012 Adam Shields rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Short Review: This is an excellent collection of essays about how life is both hard and sweet, and that is the way God has intended. There is much here about the pain of life, miscarriages, lost jobs, struggling marriage, etc. But also much that is hopeful, birth, parenting, friendships, gathering of friends around the table. I have seen a couple of reviews that suggested that this book was whiney. I don't think we were reading the same book. Because while Shauna Niequist was honest about pain,...more

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Oct 02, 2011 Lauren rated it 3 of 5 stars

I finally finished "Bittersweet," after picking it up at the beginning of the year. I loved "Cold Tangerines" so much, I had high expectations for the sequel. Shauna's essays are excellent and thought-provoking, as always. My only thought was that either the book should have been shortened or the essays lengthened, since I began to experience "reader fatigue" about halfway through. The book could have been shorter and been just as, if not more, enjoyable. Still, I so appreciate her insights and...more

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Feb 17, 2011 Melody rated it 3 of 5 stars

There were some chapters I appreciated and resonated with, including Alameda, Say Something, and Evergreens, however I felt the same frustration I did when I read her first book, Cold Tangerines. One of the final chapters in this book is about Telling Your Story and I wish she would have elaborated more on the circumstances around her leaving her job and now her husband as well in the telling of her story. I don't want the nitty gritty details, but I feel like her allusions / references to their...more

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Apr 24, 2011 Stefanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christianity, favorites

Shauna Niequist has done it again. Where Cold Tangerines helped me see God in the little joys in life, Bittersweet helped me see Him in heartbreak. There's an authentic, raw honesty to her writing, and you almost feel like you're sitting at a coffee shop with her swapping life stories. It's comforting to see a Christian writer who doesn't try to sugarcoat life or make you feel like a pagan if you struggle with pain in life. There's really nothing else to say except that it's poignant and beautif...more

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Oct 08, 2010 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Have you ever read a book that so perfectly described all of the thoughts and emotions swirling around in your head, some you didn’t even know you had or at the very least, didn’t have the capacity to express in the moment? This book has been a pure gift, but it has also made my heart raw and exposed.

I know for certain I will read and re-read this book many times. I borrowed the book from a friend, and had to buy my own copy because I wanted to go through and make my own notes through the book....more

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Nov 21, 2010 Dee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As I have grown older I see the need personally and in community to share our stories, and especially the stories of faith and what God does in our lives. Shauna has created a series of essays that are introspective, even painful. She shares intimate details of feeling and revelation that enable us to identify with the depth of joy and pain - the bittersweet moments of her life. At best we can identify and appreciate those moments in our own lives. We can better share pain and joy in the lives o...more

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Nov 09, 2011 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, favorites, good-story, christianity, memoir, non-fiction

Another fantastic Shauna Niequist book that had me completely engaged. My commutes were so much better when they were spent wrapped up in her amazing storytelling.

To save myself some typing, I'll just quote a bit of my review of Cold Tangerines that also applies to Bittersweet. :)

I listened to the audiobook, which I loved because it is read by the author. So far, I've had really good experiences with authors reading their own books; I think it adds a personal touch. Shauna does a great job, and

...more Another fantastic Shauna Niequist book that had me completely engaged. My commutes were so much better when they were spent wrapped up in her amazing storytelling.

To save myself some typing, I'll just quote a bit of my review of Cold Tangerines that also applies to Bittersweet. :)

I listened to the audiobook, which I loved because it is read by the author. So far, I've had really good experiences with authors reading their own books; I think it adds a personal touch. Shauna does a great job, and I loved hearing her words in her voice.

It was a very fast listen, only a few hours. However, as another reviewer said, it is probably a book that should be read slowly and savored. After each chapter, I had the sense that I needed to stop and just take it in, but then part of me doesn't want to because I want to keep listening! Good thing this book is definitely rereadable [relistenable? I'm just making up my own words is all].

The book is similar to and different from Cold Tangerines. It is set up similarly as a collection of essays about her life and lessons she's learned along the way. Most are written about a recent season of her life that was, you guessed it, bittersweet. This is how it's a bit different from Cold Tangerines. To me, Cold Tangerines felt lighter whereas I felt more sad listening to Bittersweet.

I honestly feel like I could gush forever about Shauna's books, and at the same time, I feel like I don't even have the words to explain how truly wonderful I think they are. I highly recommend them, and I recommend you read Cold Tangerines first and Bittersweet second. Then immediately join me in praying that she writes another book. :)

Also, I would just like to add... In one chapter, she talks about differences she's experienced between parties in Chicago and Grand Rapids. She makes it sound like every Chicago party is a posh, catered event in some lavish setting, whereas Grand Rapids parties are filled with homemade food and no one is too good to sit on folding chairs. In my entire life of living in the Chicago area, 99% of the parties I've been to have been "Grand Rapids" type parties. All Chicagoans are not snooty, high-class people with their noses in the air. There are many real people all over Chicagoland who much prefer a low-key party in someone's home to an upscale event at some hotel. I know that Shauna grew up and now lives in an area that tends to be fairly affluent, but not all suburbs and parts of the city are like that. And I'm sure there are even down-to-earth people in Barrington, at least I hope so. :)

Dates read:
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Feb 12, 2011 Rebekah rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoir, waste-of-my-time, 2011

This book was basically just a handful of blog posts set into book format. None of the posts had continuity, so I kept reading about the same few events over and over again (losing her job, moving, having a miscarriage, etc.). When the author wasn't repeating herself, she was talking about how awful her life was, listing off the names of every friend she's ever had in her life, and talking about the food she served or ate at dinner parties she had with aforementioned friends. This book was a was...more

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Feb 04, 2011 Ems (Ems Reviews Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: how-to, motivational, non-fiction, self-help

I randomly received this book from a publisher during a time of absolute crisis in my life. You can read the original post here (http://philosophically-yours.blogspot...) if you're so inclined. I think it's a pretty sweet story.

I think it's pretty fair to say that this book changed my life. There aren't many out there that I can say that about, so this is pretty huge. If you don't believe me, read this excerpt from the back cover and relate it to someone in crisis mode:

"When life is sweet, say t...more I randomly received this book from a publisher during a time of absolute crisis in my life. You can read the original post here (http://philosophically-yours.blogspot...) if you're so inclined. I think it's a pretty sweet story.

I think it's pretty fair to say that this book changed my life. There aren't many out there that I can say that about, so this is pretty huge. If you don't believe me, read this excerpt from the back cover and relate it to someone in crisis mode:

"When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.

The idea of bittersweet is changing the way I live, unraveling and re-weaving the way I understand life. Bittersweet is the idea that in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a sliver of lightness on even the darkest of nights, a shadow of hope in every heartbreak, and that rejoicing is no less rich when it contains a splinter of sadness.

Bittersweet is the practice of believing that we really do need both the bitter and the sweet. Sweet is nice enough, but bittersweet is beautiful, nuanced, full of depth and complexity. It's courageous, gutsy, audacious, earthy.

This is what I've come to believe about change: it's good, in the way that childbirth is good, and heartbreak is good, and failure is good.

I've learned the hard way that change is one of God's greatest gifts, and most useful tools. Change can push us, pull us, rebuke us, and remake us. It can show us who we've become, in the worst ways, and also in the best ways.

I've learned that it's not something to run away from, as though we could, and that in many cases, change is a function of God's graciousness, not life's cruelty."

You know what I learned from reading Shauna's story? She's absolutely right. Change is not meant to destroy us, but to make us stronger and better. I don't exactly like change. In fact, I generally shy away from it or maybe even run screaming in the opposite direction. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that I just don't deal well with it. I learned though, that change has the amazing effect of making you take a deeper look at yourself. Not everything in life has that effect.

I'm learning to look at change as a gift. I can't say that I especially like it or actively seek after it, but I'm also not running away or hiding from it. I'm learning to embrace it and see where it takes me.

This book really helped me to see how the bittersweet can work those small miracles in life. It's just a collection of essays on life and what the author learned from the experiences. They're not all joyful and they're not all sad. The one thing they do have in common is that they have all taught something. And I think we can all take our own lessons away from Shauna's stories.

This book is literally, for me, a life changer. I'd recommend it to anyone. It gets a 'Pick Me' rating here.(less)

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Mar 19, 2011 Maya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Niequist does it again in this very open and honest book. This book takes a different kind of tone than Cold Tangerines. It's focused on finding the beauty and story within heartache.

Niequist sums up the book well in her prologue, "This collection is an ode to all things bittersweet, to life at the edges, a love letter to what change can do in us. This is what I've come to believe about change: it's good, and failure is good. By that I mean that it's incredibly painful, exponentially more so if...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Veronica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction-memoir-biographies, on-my-shelf, self-help-religious-inspirational, parenting-marriage

I read this book as a Holy Week reflection and it did speak to me a lot. Shauna Niequist was brave in sharing about her experiences of pain, frustration, insanity and brokenness. Reading it was like being patted by a friend on the back while saying, "It's alright. You are not alone. Many women are imperfect and messy just like you, you know. We're all just trying our best." I believe it took Shauna a lot of gut to be able to write about her most painful but fruitful experiences and I salute her...more

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Religion > Faith

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Christian

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Biography Memoir

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“It's not hard to decide what you want your life to be about. What's hard, she said, is figuring out what you're willing to give up in order to do the things you really care about.” — 187 people liked it

“Everybody has a home team: It’s the people you call when you get a flat tire or when something terrible happens. It’s the people who, near or far, know everything that’s wrong with you and love you anyways. These are the ones who tell you their secrets, who get themselves a glass of water without asking when they’re at your house. These are the people who cry when you cry. These are your people, your middle-of-the-night, no-matter-what people.” — 163 people liked it

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