Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Friendship for Grownups by Lisa Whechel


A copy of the book Friendship for Grownups by Lisa Whelchel (also known as "Blair" from the 80's sitcom The Facts of Life) arrived for my review at the end of April...just as we were packing up and shipping out of Indiana. Not quite ready to dive in to a new book, this gem sat patiently on my shelf until I opened it up one evening in June when all was silent around my house and all of my loves were tucked cozily in their beds.>

Let me just tell you, I could not put this book down that night. I sat in the recliner and tears streamed down my face. To say that I could relate would be an understatement. I even picked up my laptop and wrote a very heartfelt email to a friend. If you have ever felt just a little bit uneasy about the dynamics of genuine friendship, then this book is so worth your time. I will probably read through it again just to pick out some of the scripture and other literary references for my own quest into intimacy within friendship.

Lisa shares, quite poignantly, "Isn't that what we all want? To be seen, in all our glory, for better or for worse, the good, the bad, and the ugly and still be embraced?"

I do. I want to be loved for me...with all of my flaws...and with all of my strengths.

I've failed my friends in the past. And I've been failed by friends-- but that doesn't make me want to lie down and quit. I want to love more. Love bigger. Love stronger. And Love harder.

In any case, Lisa shares her own stories-- with raw vulnerability-- and I could relate. It was a breath of fresh air. In fact, knowing that she lives just an hour-and-a-half away, it makes me want to give her a call and invite her out for lunch. ;)
Doesn't that sound lovely?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”




3 comments:

  1. Oh, Kirsten. Can I tell you how much I feel I can relate to you lately? We barely even know each other. :) I JUST finished that book and couldn't put it down either. What a blessing it was! Marc and I are moving in just a week to a new place to serve. It is perfect timing as I know I will need to start new relationships. I know you can relate to the moving stress. :) Our car also bit the dust yesterday, and we will be a one car family. :) Thanks for blogging and being a blessing to me without even knowing it!

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  2. P.S. How do you get to review books?

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  3. Thank you for the review...I have had this book on my "wish list" for awhile now...
    and just wanted you to know- I'm praying for your sweet family as you make east Texas your new home! (I'm from Tyler,TX! I miss my family and friends there, but enjoy visiting as often as I can!)
    Many Blessings!
    Jill
    Jill

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