Surprised by Oxford

Sep 05, 2011 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoir, religion

I am not going to lie, when I saw that the memoir I had agreed to read [Surprised by Oxford] by Carolyn Weber was well over 400 pages, I was a little disappointed in having chosen this title to review. Thankfully, this book is a beautiful narrative filled with poetry and quotes from classic literature, deep and intriguing questions about meaning faith and God, and even a little bit of love and friendship thrown in for good measure. This is not a boring 400+ pages filled with an author droning o...more I am not going to lie, when I saw that the memoir I had agreed to read [Surprised by Oxford] by Carolyn Weber was well over 400 pages, I was a little disappointed in having chosen this title to review. Thankfully, this book is a beautiful narrative filled with poetry and quotes from classic literature, deep and intriguing questions about meaning faith and God, and even a little bit of love and friendship thrown in for good measure. This is not a boring 400+ pages filled with an author droning on about herself, but rather a combination of stories from many different Christian academics covering various attributes of faith and God. I have never read a memoir that is less about the individual author but yet so personal.

Carolyn is a young woman who receives a scholarship to do graduate work at Oxford University. She has grown up without much of a religious background, but cannot help but search for and question meaning and faith, despite being surrounded by academics that do not always approve of these questions. I enjoyed reading her memoir, as she does not gloss over the hard questions of what being a Christian means and sometimes costs. It is not simple, and definitely not canned. While you will find classic Christian responses to faith, you will not find emotionally driven pat answers or promises of the easy “golden ticket” to faith. Carolyn is open minded and liberal in her ability to love and accept others. In fact, I think this book will frustrate many close-minded Christians, as she supports her friend who had an abortion, is buddies with a gay classmate and even quotes a professor’s religious profanity. This classic Christian, yet open-minded ability to love on her part is going to make this book offensive to many who read it! Both Christians and non-Christians will find something to offend within this memoir, but I found it to be thoughtful and provocative, and more importantly, grounded in a deep truth and honesty that transcends any of the offenses.

In fact, even though I have been a Christian for quite some time, I learned new ideas that have already transformed the way I look at life and God. If you cannot stomach reading a book of this length, please at least consider checking it out from the library and reading Chapter 10 – “Does Love Justify All.” In this chapter, Carolyn shares her memories of being privileged to sit at the high table with some of the leading politicians and scientists of the day. At this table the subject of faith and science comes up and the discussion that ensues from some very intelligent minds was life changing for me. A scientist noted for his expertise in time, space, speed, sound, and light was asked about what he thought of the relationship between spirituality and science. Everyone assumed that as a noted scientist, he obviously was not a Christian, but it later comes out that he definitely believes in the God of the Bible. Before answering completely his thoughts on the subject he points to the noted heart surgeon Dr. Inchbald who was also sitting at the table and asks what he thinks about spirituality given that he literally holds life and death in his hands so often. Dr Inchbald responds to the question of faith and science saying :“I’ve come to the conclusion that God is sovereign, even over science, and that I cannot pretend to fully know His ways. They really are mysterious, as the saying goes. And they are not of the mind of men, no matter how hard we try to wrap our minds about these ways. When I see death, I know it is wrong… really, really wrong. In-my-gut wrong… it was not meant to be. It was not meant for us. We were not built for it. Everything in my body, at a cellular level, let alone a metaphysical one, twists against it. Not just my death, but the death of every living thing.”(p. 126)
This was revolutionary for me. You see, I have always sort of thought that the opposite force from God was Satan. But that gives the devil way too much credit. No, the opposite of God, who is Life, is Death. And God had a plan through Jesus to defeat the death we brought upon ourselves and bring life again. The older I get, the more pain death brings as I lose more people that I have loved. We just accept death as inevitable, but it wasn’t intended to be. Thankfully God has fixed our mistake! The “Good News” is actually great news!
2 Timothy 1:10 …Our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Romans 6:9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.”

I have heard much of that before, but I have always thought of it in terms of good conquering evil, or holiness vs. sin. I think it is that, but much more! It is life vs. death both in this world and the kingdom to come. To put it simply, because of sin we are all dying, and stuck in death, only through Christ Jesus can we find life, meaning and ultimately happiness!

When asked that night what the greatest force in the world is, scientist Dr. Sterling said it was Love. “There is nothing more powerful, more radical, more transformational than love. No other source or substance or force… Often folks like to dismiss it as a mere emotion, but it is far more than that. It can’t be circumscribed by our desires or dictated by the whim of our moods. Not the Great Love of the Universe, as I like to call it. Not the Love that set everything in motion, keeps it in motion, which moves through all things and yet bulldozes nothing, not even our will. Try it. Just try it and you’ll see. If you love that Great Love first, because It loved you first, and then love yourself as you have been loved, and then love others from that love… Wow! Bam! Life without that kind of faith—that’s death. Therein lies the great metaphor,… Life without faith is death. For life, as it was intended to be is love.” (P. 129)

There are many quotes I would love to repeat from this book, but I will leave you with two: my favorite is “No matter what culture tells us, faith is not the opposite of reason.” (P. 147) this intelligent and thoughtful book is proof that you can be very educated and thoughtful, but also trust in Christ. Lastly “I don’t know how anyone can live, let alone die, without faith… it grounds our identity in a world that vies to define us by a million worthless things.” (p. 390) This memoir was a wonderful, poetic, thoughtful read and I highly recommend it.

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Apr 17, 2013 Phil rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christianity, spiritual-content

When I first saw the title, I thought, "What an un-clever riff on C S Lewis." That said, and having completed the book, I can honestly say that there is a delightful element of originality in it, for what happened to the author while in her first year of graduate study at Oxford was hardly anticipated, and indeed, there was a strong element at Oxford that would counter her path.

(It has been perhaps 30 years since I looked at Lewis' Surprised by Joy, so making a qualitative comparison is out of t...more

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Feb 21, 2013 J rated it 2 of 5 stars

First, a disclaimer: I am atheistic/skeptical and therefore read the book and its contents critically - which is not the same as reading it without an open mind. Of course, if you're looking for a preaching to the choir then I suggest the five star reviews.

My expectation from this book was an insight into belief in god, and good (not necessarily rational) reasons for that belief. I also love a good story and value good writing above all other properties of a book.

I would like to say what it is...more First, a disclaimer: I am atheistic/skeptical and therefore read the book and its contents critically - which is not the same as reading it without an open mind. Of course, if you're looking for a preaching to the choir then I suggest the five star reviews.

My expectation from this book was an insight into belief in god, and good (not necessarily rational) reasons for that belief. I also love a good story and value good writing above all other properties of a book.

I would like to say what it is about the text that I enjoyed. It was highly readable, it offered some beautiful imagery, the writing was at times lovely (but always skillful) and the snippets of classic literature provided an excellent context to her chapters. Also, her honesty and warmth shined through her writing; despite not agreeing with her at the best of times, I felt that I could always relate to her writing.

To criticise an author whom you enjoyed is never an easy thing, but I'll give it a go. What I did not like was her alien way of presenting her thoughts; they were put in such a way that seemed deeply unnatural for someone who is wrestling with difficult questions. Let me explain, for someone struggling with these issues, their biases or the inevitabilities shouldn't be so transparent. Her thoughts were skewed to make her objections seem less plausible, there was virtually no internal debate, it was a stream-of-consciousness that never was: she made straw men of her own thoughts (I say that they're straw men, as she's far too intelligent to have not believed for the reasons she did).
Also, the dialogue was far below the standard of the rest of the book; it was broken and pretentious in the best bits. Understandably she had a topos in mind, so the dialogue would naturally progress to that each time; the thing is, the progression was unnatural. The book was too long, many things could have been compressed or left out - most of it was just her rebelling against some doctrine and then she suddenly knew that even though she can't rebut the objection: it doesn't matter because she's happy. The characters were very one-dimensional, only she herself seemed like a real person; the rest were either bonkers, tiresomely pious or naive skeptics. The constant defence of some doctrines detracted heavily from what could have been a more personal and intimate read. That being said, I felt like there were many tokens and contrived scenes to make the Christian experience more normal: the nights at the pub, the parties, the gay roommate that everyone is fine with and the apparent friendliness of all Christians. Honesty about one's worldview would be appreciated and is far more appropriate for a memoir - it would be miraculous (pun intended) that her life intersected with only wonderful Christians. I mean, if we're going to perpetuate stereotypes, the least the author could have done is contrived a secular character that is impressively good and virtuous. As it stands, her story is skewed so dramatically as to imply (to my mind, at least) that secular people will always pale in comparison to the glories of god's people. My main issue is the rose-coloured glasses she's wearing throughout the book: her inability to remember (or imagine) a time when she didn't think that the sun shone from Christians' anuses.
Her little jibe at the postmodernists was also amusing (the dreaded Professor who doesn't like Milton). It's amazing how meaningless everything (except her religion, naturally) seems to her; how postmodern!

I found an ode to Christianity, written by a convert. She lays down every criticism she can think of on ways of life that are not hers (it's established that she's incapable of changing her frame-of-reference), these were leveled based on her anecdotal experience which I found intensely obscured by her new beliefs. That said, I do like her and was interested in what she had to say. I think perhaps her mistake lay in trying to write a memoir-apologetic; kind of like the 'X great Christian found Atheism' type of books. She just does not make for a balanced read, which would be great if she wasn't trying to be defensive and anticipate objections by the reader all the time - I want the story as it was, not how it IS to the writer now. I suppose some would say I'm asking the impossible of her, but perhaps if some effort towards this was made obvious, then I wouldn't be so disappointed. (less)

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Oct 30, 2012 Jude rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was unsure if I would enjoy this book, worried that the author's esteemed Oxford background would make me feel less than intelligent. However, she faces a classic question, "What will you do then with Jesus?" on her faith journey. I liked that she took time to grapple with the questions she had, and how she worked through them with a thoughtfulness and consideration that we often do not afford others or ourselves. Grace is such a prevalent theme, and one that challenges the reader to spend wha...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Cindy rated it 3 of 5 stars

As a student at Oxford University, the author writes a diary of sorts, about her time, studies, living in England, folks and friends and most of all her conversion to Christianity. The authors shares with us, the readers, interesting conversations with friends, quaint times in the pubs, and holiday traditions, and English traditions also. We get an inside look at the author's feelings about men, and religion from visions of her childhood and upbringing. She asks many questions about God and fait...more

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Jul 13, 2012 Esther Marie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I picked this book up and read it over the course of two days, which is probably much too quickly to really read this kind of book. I get the feeling it is meant to be enjoyed like dark chocolate, slowly melting and being savored along the way, rather than raced through like a cheap bag of Hershey's Kisses. I may end up going back and reading parts of it again, because it is beautifully written and engaging.

Why four stars instead of five? Well, the author jumps from present to past to commentary...more I picked this book up and read it over the course of two days, which is probably much too quickly to really read this kind of book. I get the feeling it is meant to be enjoyed like dark chocolate, slowly melting and being savored along the way, rather than raced through like a cheap bag of Hershey's Kisses. I may end up going back and reading parts of it again, because it is beautifully written and engaging.

Why four stars instead of five? Well, the author jumps from present to past to commentary (on both the present and the past, but which ones?) all within the same segment of story, and at times it can be disorienting, but not in that good way that a riveting mystery or major plot point can be. Its just confusing really.

And, while this is probably petty of me, the author and I seem to hold some (secondary) theological differences. It certainly doesn't detract from the book, but I don't feel comfortable embracing every SINGLE thing she espouses. So in that regard, its a four stars from me as well.

The other very minor gripe I have is that I felt like there were too many loose ends left at the end of the reading. I would have like some more information on how the lives of other characters chronicled in the book ended up, or didn't end up.

Putting aside those three, really very minor points, I did greatly enjoy reading the book. Which is why I raced through it so fast. The literary and musical references are delightful and often quite funny in the way they are laid together with the plot. The details of life as a student at Oxford are enchanting, and make me want to experience the campus in person. The inward journey that the author takes the reader through is one that I imagine many women can relate to...this woman has some Daddy issues, and some Men issues in general, that are, sadly, common in our culture. (Those aren't the only issues at hand, but they do feature prominently.)

But the very best part is being given a front row seat as God pursues this smart, talented young woman insistently and gently, until, as I'm sure you can guess, His irresistible grace draws her to Himself. And she makes the transition from growing in knowledge to growing in wisdom, with her hand held along the way by some very colorful characters. (less)

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May 13, 2012 Beatnik Mary rated it 3 of 5 stars

http://www.cozylittlebookjournal.com/...

Surprised by Oxford is a beautiful, elegantly written memoir of author Carolyn Weber’s spiritual journey as she embarked on her academic journey through Oxford University. Her writing, at once sincere and yet delicate, will appeal to academics, agnostics and Christians alike. I myself found my university experience to be one of spiritual awakening as much as academic fulfillment—I did my undergraduate studies at McGill University in Montreal, where I earne...more

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Feb 12, 2012 Cynthia rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Who is God to you? I'd really like to know." No one had actually asked me such pointed questions of the topic before...I felt like a hummingbird that had hit the glass. Hard."

Carolyn left Canada to attend Oxford. She took with her an unquestioned agnosticism and a large chip on her shoulder from her upbringing. She quickly met professors, friends, and assorted others who challenged (both purposefully and not) her beliefs and feelings. Tall, Dark, Handsome (TDH) entered her life, adding a new di...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Jamie rated it 3 of 5 stars

How do you criticize someone's personal faith journey? It's impossible. This book did not have the depth to serve as anything more to me than an interesting look at just that: an individual and personal faith journey. I was frustrated by the struggle between unbelieving and Christianity: should it not be unbelieving and simply believing? After all, all religions are right and all religions are wrong: "any idea of Him we have He must in His mercy shatter."

It would have been far more compelling i...more

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Oct 12, 2011 James rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoir

With alarming statistics about Christians who lose their faith in college, it was refreshing to hear a story of an agnostic finding Jesus in grad school. Carolyn's memoir about her time at Oxford, her introduction to the faith by a man she calls bu the initials TDH (tall dark and handsome), and her coming to terms with what her faith means for her as an academic was well worth reading.

What I especially liked about this story was how it reminded me of people and conversations I had in college. I...more

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Sep 07, 2011 Kristine Coumbe rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: highly-recommended, lds-christian, memoirs, nonfiction

I enjoy stories about self discovery and journeys of faith, so when I read Surprised by Oxford I was not disappointed. I love how the book is set up on the first school year at Oxford. I can say I learned a lot of interesting things about this world renown school. The author has a beautiful command of language which made it easy to slip myself into the scenery of the story.

What a wonderful experience Carolyn Weber had during her time at Oxford. Who knew one could have a journey of faith and self...more

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Jul 20, 2012 ladydusk rated it 5 of 5 stars

Own.

Half-way point? phenomenal.

This is my third memoir of the year, and by far my favorite.

According to my blog, I read Girl Meets God by Lauren Winner almost 10 years ago. I still remember that I liked it, but didn't love it. Something seemed off.

This. This book blows it out of the water.

Carolyn Weber has written a beautiful book wrapping her confusion and questions in poetry. As a student of literature, these bits come to life as she negotiates a tumultuous conversion and first steps in faith...more

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Sep 13, 2011 Sally rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: thomas-nelson-free-for-review, non-fiction

Make no bones about it; I adore the history of my home country. Oxford and its university are steeped in it. The town was founded in the 8th century and there is evidence of teaching there from the 11th century. Sadly, in 22 years of living in the United Kingdom, I never had the opportunity to visit. Carolyn Weber, on the other hand, got to spend a year there. Her university home was Oriel College, established in 1324.

I thought I'd get a travelogue, mixed with some poetry I didn't understand (E...more

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Aug 29, 2011 Kirsten Pilkerton rated it 5 of 5 stars

I generally don't choose to read memoirs, much less to review. I suppose the title hit me, as I have to admit in some small way I dreamed what it might be like to get a Rhodes scholarship. Those, however, are allotted to insanely brilliant people that are simply in a league among their own. That being said, I shouldn't have been surprised by the intellectual depth that Weber wrote into this book.

But I was. Probably not as much as she was surprised, although.

Weber attended Oxford on a Canadian Co...more

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Aug 07, 2011 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoirs, blog-review, booksneeze

Promo: When Carolyn Weber arrived at Oxford for her graduate studies, she felt no need for God. Her childhood in a broken but loving family taught her to rely on reason and intellect—not faith—for survival. Eager and expectant, Carolyn sets out to study Romantic literature in one of the most inspiring and beautiful academic environments in the world. She had no idea that she was about to embark on a love story of her own—one much deeper, more colorful, and more surprisingly God-shaped than any s...more Promo: When Carolyn Weber arrived at Oxford for her graduate studies, she felt no need for God. Her childhood in a broken but loving family taught her to rely on reason and intellect—not faith—for survival. Eager and expectant, Carolyn sets out to study Romantic literature in one of the most inspiring and beautiful academic environments in the world. She had no idea that she was about to embark on a love story of her own—one much deeper, more colorful, and more surprisingly God-shaped than any she’d read before … Surprised by Oxford tells the real-life tale of a young woman’s search for—and eventual discovery of—purpose, identity, and what it means to be human.

My last few reviews for Book Sneeze have rated fair to sub-par. Not so with Carolyn Weber’s book, “Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir.” I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down! Intelligent. Thoughtful. Honest. “Surprised by Oxford” is a beautifully written account of Carolyn Weber’s intellectual search for truth and meaning in life, while attending Oxford University in England.

A self-proclaimed agnostic (at the onset), Weber shares her journey of grappling with the deeper questions of life: Does God really exist? Why do such horrible things happen in this world? What is my purpose? Are intellect and faith mutually exclusive? Is there room for faith in academia? What about feminism? What is the meaning of grace? What is required to follow Jesus—what is expected and in what ways will life change, post-conversion?

One of the reasons why I really enjoyed this book so much is because of the author’s honesty. Every page is filled with the passion and pains of a deliberate, intelligent, inquisitive mind seeking to know–really know–the truth about God, Jesus, death, suffering, pain, science, academia, purpose, joy, grace, conversion, (etc.). Weber bears her mind (and occasionally her heart)—every concern, every question, every doubt, every hesitation, every paradox, every seeming contradiction in accepting the reality of God and the Bible as more than a great work of literature. In this sense, the author’s inquisition is relatable as most of us, I assume, have at one point in our lives considered the very same questions.

I would certainly recommend this book to anyone open to reading a thoughtful, intelligent dissection of the Christian faith.

(Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.)(less)

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Sep 18, 2011 Elaine Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars

When Carolyn Weber won a scholarship to do graduate studies at Oxford, the oldest surviving university in the English-speaking world, she expected to greatly increase her knowledge of the romantic writers, make new friends, explore a new country and live an unforeseen life.

She is not long in Oxford when she is befriended by a handsome American man (whom she refers to throughout the book as TDH, short for "Tall, Dark and Handsome), rather than his Christian name. At first this seems to be a lite...more When Carolyn Weber won a scholarship to do graduate studies at Oxford, the oldest surviving university in the English-speaking world, she expected to greatly increase her knowledge of the romantic writers, make new friends, explore a new country and live an unforeseen life.

She is not long in Oxford when she is befriended by a handsome American man (whom she refers to throughout the book as TDH, short for "Tall, Dark and Handsome), rather than his Christian name. At first this seems to be a literary conceit. Although I still don't know the reason for it, I did get used to it and it felt "okay." When a rival for his attention appears, the author also does not refer to her by name. The repeated references to her are "Miss Georgia." She was the winner of a state beauty contest. This young man makes it quite clear that he will not marry someone who does not share his Christian faith--his specific vision and version of Christian faith, no less. This initiates the author's spiritual quest throughout the rest of the narrative. Ultimately, she experiences a religious conversion (which she does not describe in specific detail) and continues to struggle with spiritual paradoxes while seeming to discover an overriding peace amidst life's hard challenges.

What I liked about this book: It's riveting from start to finish. The reader is steeped in the life of Oxford and learns what day-to-day life is really like there. I was quite surprised at the international make-up of the student body. Being that she is a scholar of romantic poetry, there are many beautiful quotations and references interspersed throughout the text. Her religious quest has a mythic undertone.

I found, however, Ms. Weber's frequent interspersal of simile and metaphor to be unimaginative and flat. She does not have the "feeling" fluidity necessary to discover original images (remember Picasso said: "I do not invent things, I find things.") She is short-tempered to unreasonable and frustrating limits, and sometimes her writing is too abrupt and sharp. She expresses views that seem to broach on religious intolerance, not just referring to other religions, but to other types of Christianity that view devotional practice differently. Occasionally I simply could not comprehend the meaning of some of her words and phrases.

That said, this book is well worth reading and I highly recommend it. It captures a broad panorama of life, both interior and of the outer world. The author's growth and spiritual struggles offer fascinating insights into one who is slowly "turned around." Indeed, she credits her newfound embracing of Christianity to having saved her life. If the reader expects the superficial, he or she will not find it here. The foundation of this book, agree with it or not, is at heart profound. It's a book that will stay with you. (less)

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Sep 27, 2011 Elizabeth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: faith, world-travel

Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber
When I saw this book offered on Book Sneeze (where I get books for free from Thomas Nelson publishing by blogging about them), I thought it looked neat, an inspiring, engaging little book about a lady becoming a believer as an adult. Well I was right about the inspiring and engaging and really wrong about the little. Surprised by Oxford is a book worthy of an Oxford graduate and is a brick. She includes introductions by various authors and intersperses quotati...more

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Jun 01, 2012 Paul rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: autobiography

This isn't a full autobiography giving the story of her entire life, as much as it is a one-year slice of her life, documenting her first year at Oxford on a full scholarship with some flashbacks to earlier episodes in her life. It details the witness of "TDH" who confronted her agnosticism, with the ensuing four month struggle with unbelief, God's grace, the love of God and so much more. She finally surrendered her unbelief on Valentine's Eve and trusted the Lord.

The book is well written, and I...more

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Sep 12, 2012 Renee Wolcott rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoir, religion

This book is making the rounds in my family, from my aunt Lindy to my mom to me. As a former Oxford tourist, English scholar, and wannabe writer--as well as a person with her own, ongoing spiritual journey--I was excited to read this book. I came away somewhat disappointed. For someone who has read so much classic English literature, Dr. Weber is not a great writer. I can't tell you how many times her friends "smirked" instead of smiling, which made them all sound like sarcastic creeps. Despite...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Janie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-april, just-a-few-favorites-is-all, memoir, poetry, spiritual-growth, theology-and-ministry, to-re-read, across-the-pond, 2012-favorites, 2012-read, 2012-top-ten

I cried reading the author's acknowledgments. That's some good writing, eh?

"So messy!"

ETA: I forgot to mention the friendships in my original review. Along with the literary references (and all the U2!), I loved Weber's portrayal of her friendships. They were so beautiful and honest and read. Her relationships with Edward and Hannah in particular were engaging. Surprsingly, Weber's relationship with TDH was one of the less-memorable parts of the book (though that sounds harsh as I type it). Book...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-star

Carolyn Weber had a hard childhood. From a young age she had to work for everything that she had because her father flitted in and out of her family's life usually bringing only drama. She and her siblings worked hard to keep their family financially solvent, so when she won a full scholarship to study at Oxford she can't wait to be a part of such a prestigious place. But, when she arrives she gets more than she bargained for when she strikes up a friendship with a fellow student she calls "Tall...more Carolyn Weber had a hard childhood. From a young age she had to work for everything that she had because her father flitted in and out of her family's life usually bringing only drama. She and her siblings worked hard to keep their family financially solvent, so when she won a full scholarship to study at Oxford she can't wait to be a part of such a prestigious place. But, when she arrives she gets more than she bargained for when she strikes up a friendship with a fellow student she calls "Tall, dark, and handsome" or "TDH" for short. TDH isn't looking for a hookup, in fact from the very beginning he makes it clear that he's a Christian and saving himself for marriage. Caro is thrown at first not knowing what to do with someone like TDH, but as their friendship develops she begins asking him more and more questions about God and Christianity and within her first year at Oxford she becomes a Christian herself. Surprised by Oxford is her account of her journey not just to Christ, but how she continues to struggle with questions about her faith even after her conversion. She also struggles with how to be a devoted Christian AND an academic. A very interesting book that examines one woman's journey of faith.

I was very impressed this book. Caro writes of her journey in an incredibly honest way - sharing all her doubts, fears, and mistakes. I don't think I've ever read a memoir of Christian faith that was both so ordinary and extraordinary at the same time - ordinary in that nothing miraculous or crazy happens to lead to her conversion, but for the same reason extraordinary in that God can work such miracles through such "ordinary" things as someone meeting a friend while in graduate school. Also Caro's extraordinary joy at her newfound faith is so clearly described. Caro seems like someone I could be friends with and she shows that not only can you be a Christian and be "normal," but you can also be a thoughtful, intelligent, academic Christian as well.(less)

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Jan 17, 2013 Cassandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoir, nonfiction, favorites

What a fantastic book. It's as good as I had hoped it would be. The memoir tells of Carolyn's first year at Oxford, her exposure to new ideas, and her intellectual and emotional battle with Christianity. Carolyn asks some of the same questions I ask; she struggles through some of the same struggles that I face.

I will admit - this is one of those books that makes me realize that no matter how much I love to read and how many books I have read, I am a baby when it comes to classic literature. I m...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Shelley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Carolyn Weber, with her Romantic-literature vision offers a truly reflective memoir that took me by the hand, waded me through doubts and hopes, and most of all beckoned me to the feet of the greatest romanticist of all-God. Her novel's title "Surprised by Oxford" a take off from "Surprised by Joy" by the great English writer of both theology and allegory, C. S. Lewis, manages to do Lewis' theme justice. The joy that comes when life's answers are found in Someone greater than oneself. She is nei...more

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Oct 29, 2011 Steve rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle

I really enjoyed this book. it's a bit disjointed at times but the author uses language beautifully and describes Oxford University in ways which made be want to study there. She also shares her gradual and subtle journey from agnosticism towards Christianity. This journey sometimes includes a few cliched responses to questions that are issues for Christians but, on the whole, does not dominate the narrative. To start with, I wondered whether my interest could be sustained for over 400 pages. Bu...more

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Mar 02, 2013 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ecc-book-club

Enjoyed this book. Favorite quote..."I set Dostoyevsky down. The only way to set Dostoyevsky down, I think, is with a thud." I can relate to this as I am STILL trying to finish Dostoyevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov".

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Jan 11, 2012 Pilar rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Recommended to Pilar by: Booksneeze

Shelves: booksneeze-book-review

Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber was a delightful surprise for me. Firstly, the title alone immediately grabbed my interest. But, I have to admit that I was a bit intimidated by the word 'Oxford'. Words like 'Oxford' and 'Cambridge' are a bit out of my league. However, I secretly (now not so secretly) relished the concept of vicariously being a student of such a reputable and highly esteemed university. I was undoubtedly salivating throughout the book and compared it to eating a delicious go...more Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber was a delightful surprise for me. Firstly, the title alone immediately grabbed my interest. But, I have to admit that I was a bit intimidated by the word 'Oxford'. Words like 'Oxford' and 'Cambridge' are a bit out of my league. However, I secretly (now not so secretly) relished the concept of vicariously being a student of such a reputable and highly esteemed university. I was undoubtedly salivating throughout the book and compared it to eating a delicious gourmet meal; scrumptious beyond measure. I have a penchant for memoirs and this one was by far the best!

I was enraptured by all the twists and turns of Professor Carolyn Weber's life. She is such an eloquent and absolutely gifted writer. I fell in love with this book, with Professor Weber and all the people she describes in her book. Especially, the infamous 'TDH' (tall, dark and handsome), he was my favorite. Mind you, I never thought of myself as a die hard romantic until now.

I honestly do not have one single negative thing to write about this book at all. It was totally my kind of book in so many ways and on so many levels. I totally related to Professor Weber's life. She endured some very difficult things, such as her strained relationship with her father. I respect her character as nothing was handed or given to her, she didn't feel 'entitled', but worked hard for everything. Which is why she wound up achieving a full scholarship at Oxford University in the first place. I so admire Professor Weber and also appreciated how she came to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Oxford.

Throughout this book, there were so many quotes which captured nuances for me, such as this one written by the wife of one of Carolyn Weber's professors: "How do you go off to study literature, only to find that there is no human language that can convey the glory of heaven." - Dorothea Deveaux. I just loved that.

Yes, Professor Weber went to Oxford University to complete her masters in literature, but surprisingly found Jesus in the midst of academia.

This book is written like a beautiful embroidery interwoven by thread of God's love and grace. If I could give this book more than five stars I would. I loved it that much and highly recommend it!

In conclusion, I want to thank Booksneeze for sending me this complimentary book and allowing me the opportunity to honestly review it.(less)

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Aug 23, 2011 Shola rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: nookbooks

Quite an experience, "Surprised by Oxford" is a book written by the writer of her experience and journey in becoming a christian through the hall of oxford university. Carolyn Weber shares her experience while in college,She has known to be moral but being moral does not get you to heaven. She had not need for God, as a fact doing great without him.Until she meet a young guy (THD) hence bringing forth all the unfulfilled questions.There is a life she had planned and well familiar with and here i...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Frank Peters rated it 5 of 5 stars

Reading surprised by Oxford, was a very happy surprise for this reader. The book is an autobiographical account of the faith journey of the author – Carolyn Weber, who had just left Canada to start a Masters program at Oxford University in the UK. The book recounts her spiritual journey as she wrestles with her past and with God. Weber bravely opens her heart using her pen as she recounts and deals with all of the real issues of life that are so important to us. The book also contains a lovely r...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Kris rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: spiritual-memoirs

This will be one of those books that I will revisit in years to come. It was selected as our book club read for January and I was so far down on the holds list at the library that I was only able to pick it up in early February. Not sure I would read it as our February pick now needed to be read. Once I started, I struggled to put it down. My head and heart are still digesting all that I read and 'saw'. Through the author's voice, you feel that you are part of her struggle and subsequent convers...more

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May 14, 2012 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars

I like memoirs and I like memoirs about faith. I went searching for this book after reading a favorable review in the Washington Post, but was a little disapointed overall. I think I would really like the author, but I grew tired of her voice. I especially disliked her unnaturally stilted conversations. I give license to memoirists to recreate/remember conversations in a way that advances their narrative, but these seemed particularly unlikely. The best parts were the very Oxfordian bits (some o...more

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