October 19, 2010

A review: I Quit!

Stop Pretending Everything is Fine and Change your Life- so reads the subtitle of Geri Scazzero's book "I Quit!" Mrs. Scazzero discusses eight topics that the reader should examine, pray about, and then quit appropriately. Using examples from her life and the lives of others, Mrs. Scazzero shows clearly how these behaviors and attitudes effect every area of our life negatively. Then, using scripture and biblical principles, she advises the reader to quit. Quit being afraid of what others think. Quit lying- to others, ourselves, and God. Quit dying to the wrong things. Quit denying anger, sadness, and fear. Quit blaming (and take positive action instead). Quit overfunctioning. Quit faulty thinking. Quit living someone else's life. The sound advice doesn't stop there. Mrs. Scazzero also delves deeply into what behaviors should take the place of these things. In all, the book is a guide to taking the first steps to emotional and spiritual health and freedom.

I like that "I Quit!" acknowledges repeatedly that grace, peace, and freedom come from Christ alone. This is not a "save yourself by your own work" book. Rather, the book addresses the things that we do and think that keep us from being able to accept peace, grace, and freedom personally, in our relationships with our spouse or children, and in our churches. It's far more practical than, "let go and let God," which I also appreciate very much. I did not get the impression of religion or condemnation at all in any part of the book, but I definitely felt convicted and encouraged more than once.

Finally, I'd like to address the actual writing of the book. One can have great things to say, but if they are not said well, the message can quickly be lost in boredom and confusion. This is not the case at all with Geri Scazzero's "I Quit!" "I Quit!" is easy to read and follow, one section leads logically and compellingly into the next, and Mrs. Scazzero strikes an excellent balance between anecdote and practical application. I never felt the pace of the book was lagging or rushing. At the beginning, Mrs. Scazzero suggests that readers might want to skip ahead to chapters that applied to their current situation, but to please return to the earlier chapters so as not to miss anything valuable. I can see where this would work without taking anything away from the book, but I also really enjoyed reading it straight through. "I quit!" was affirming, encouraging, and a pleasure to read.

October 14, 2010

Argh- and expect a review very soon

The UPS delivered my advanced reader copy- but I wasn't home. So they left a note saying they would try again. I never heard from them. I finally tracked down the book. they delivered it to my apartment complex office and didn't let me know. Argh! I'm excited, though, and on my way to pick it up. Expect more soon!