Off the Bookshelf: THE STORY OF WITH, by Allen Arnold

After hearing so many people talk about this book -- and getting almost daily quotes on Twitter from the author, talking about creativity and working with God in all creative endeavors -- it's kind of a no-brainer to finally pick up this book and read it.

What is it? Part parable (a journey of tests and learning, like Pilgrim's Progress) and part self-discovery/creative devotional. Yeah, the subtitle says Allegory, but it's so much more.

Mia, our heroine, is slammed with disappointments, and she's at the breaking point. She gets lost, and meets a mysterious woman who starts her on a journey .... and that's giving away too much. Maybe.

Here's what Mary Weber (Storm Siren trilogy) has to say, from the Foreword:
Whether you're a free spirit, an office exec, a writer, musician, college student, or tired parent -- your soul, like mine, knows life is meant to go beyond rat races and rare applause. This book speaks to that belief. And if you're not careful, you may find tears warming your eyes as you read because finally someone is naming your weariness, your striving, your questions of why you just can't quite make it, or the emptiness that hit because maybe you did. It is into those places The Story of With reaches -- fusing allegory with application -- to offer fresh perspective, restored hope, and a rebirth of creativity.

I'm just sorry it too so long to read the book, once it was on my shelf. So read it!