The Other Side of Hope: Flipping the Script on Cynicism and Despair and Rediscovering our Humanity

by Danielle Strickland

Overcome the twin giants of cynicism and despair that threaten to derail your emotional and physical health and find hope for life by witnessing the power of God’s redemptive healing. Part guidebook and part storytelling, The Other Side of Hope is a uniquely designed flip-book with two entry points to the message of finding hope in a desperately harsh world. One part of the book focuses on theory and biblical philosophy, including insights into Flip the book over to the other part and read a collection of stories about people from around the world who overcame impossible situations, showing that nothing is impossible through Christ. In this start-where-you-want flip-book, you not only learn what the Bible says about hope but also witness God’s redemptive power at work in the lives of people in the real world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theology, Faith, Christian, Self Help, Religion

272 pages, Paperback

Published August 9, 2022

Reviews

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books about the Christian faith that I have read in a long time. Over the years I have found myself deconstructing my beliefs and questioning faith traditions, that have been passed down from areas I had not even been aware of. It is hard not to become cynical in an age where you share faith with people who brought Donald Trump into power.

This book si Danielle Strickland's answer to "cynicism and despair", and I love the imagery and format she chooses. It is a flip book: one part are real-life stories that tell about hope in hopeless places, and the other part (you literally need to flip the book and read it from its back) are more theological thoughts about what it is that holds us in a place of hope when all seems to be so, well, hopeless. The image of paintings that once flipped over shows the ugly background with wooden frame and unpainted canvas, serves as a clever book cover, front and back, to constantly remind you, that hope needs a foundation and is a practical truth, that holds the pretty picture in place. For me, the theoretical second part is what makes this book great.

Danielle is very effective in her communication. Every chapter has a clear message and a very practical approach. She raises topics about fundamental beliefs, that remain unquestioned by too many, yet can lead us to making Christianity a religion about appeasing a wrathful deity, rather than being set free by what is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I will definitely read this book again, and try to internalise more of the many life-, love-, faith- and hope-affirming thoughts and ideas. Danielle's book is a voice that I wish will be heard loud and clear in Christian communities and help to reframe distorted ideas of who God is, who we are, and how this affects everything.

[Minseo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minseo's book review: The Other Side Of Hope by Danielle Strickland

The Other Side Of Hope is like that one friend who knows how to balance storytelling and wisdom—you know, chill but hits deep? The book is split into two parts: The Stories and Theory. In Stories, different people are the main characters, each sharing raw, real, and sometimes heartbreaking moments of struggle—but there's always an ending filled with hope and a connection to faith and God. It's like listening to the story of a friend who’s been through so much but found a light. In Theory, Danielle drops some practical and spiritual truths that serve as a guide to keep pushing forward no matter how hard it gets.

The interplay of the stories and teachings is beautiful—like, you won't just be inspired, but you'll also be empowered to find hope in your own life. Strickland doesn’t sugarcoat reality, but it shows that God’s presence is always there as a source of hope and strength. Read this if you want to be reminded that even in the darkest moments, there’s still light—and that light is always God working through us and the people around us.

My rating for The Other Side Of Hope: 10/10

[Debbi Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book after seeing the author speak at a conference. I was really drawn to her, and this book spoke to me. It did not disappoint. So encouraging and thought provoking. I enjoyed revisiting some of her life stories that she shared at the presentation, in addition to some new ones. Her view on hope and cynicism, and how we handle both in our own lives, inspires you to look beyond the struggles in front of you, and focus on God and the true end game.

[Dina Horne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great initial analogy of an art exhibit that showed only the back sides of the paintings. Appreciated Strickland's real world approach, no slushies and sunshine type of hope. I wanted to know more about who Strickland is, as this is the first book I read of hers. But I caught myself...is that just because she's a female author?
Strickland seems like a genuine person, someone I'd like to get to know!

[Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably just under a 3 for me as I did have issues and stopped reading. The side with the stories is in was good. The other side felt off to me, then I got to the chapter of the people she was quoting (and I presume her theology lines up with) and I realised why it felt a little off to me. Our theology doesn't align. Still a good book however I didn't read the last 50 pages of so, I moved onto other books.

[Otis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The transparency of the stories were excellently articulated. Heartwarming captivating encouraging. The author draws one into the this subject matter in such a compelling way. Once you’re hooked you’re enriched by how to apply the theory. Excellent read. Recommended.

[Erin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutley adored this book, a fascinating and feel-good treatise on hope that reckons with despair in a way that feels authentic

[Siobhan Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. The audio version was really well read. The stories are heartfelt and compelling and I finished it feeling inspired. This is a good for your soul kind of book.

[Stefanie Goudeaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and powerful faith stories. The way to hope is not through positive thinking but going through the hard and holding onto Who is with us

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. Danielle always smashes it out of the park.

[Amanda Breen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't finished this book yet but I just had to give up for the moment because I wasn't excited to pick it up. I'll try again in a few months!

[Morris Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worthwhile read…

Danielle is a compelling story teller. One quickly becomes enamored with her lived experience and practical approach to theological application. “The Other Side of Hope” is an enlightening read.

[Judy Zehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Strickland is such a great story teller. Her stories are so powerful. They are heartbreaking & heartwarming, entertaining and so hope filled. I read this book with a group as a book study. I listened on audio but also bought the book. Highly recommend it!