The Husband says I have a tendency to over-sell. If I love something, a food, a movie, a television show or a book I get really excited and go overboard when talking about that certain something. And that certain something can never live up to the hype.
So…I’m gonna try to keep this minimal and personal and simply tell you some facts as well as what this book is doing for me.
*****
First the facts…
A short two weeks after it’s release, the book was in it’s THIRD printing…
About the same time the book made the USA Today’s Bestsellers list…
It’s in the top 20 Bestselling books on Amazon…
*****
Now, what’s this book doing for me?
First…the concept, eucharisteo … grace, thanksgiving, joy. “Is the height of my joy dependent o the depths of my thanks?”
Granted giving thanks isn’t a new concept, but Ann Voskamp is helping open my eyes to the ways in which giving thanks is more than “slapping a sloppy brush of thanksgiving over everything in my life.”
“Life changing gratitude” she says, “does not fasten to a life unless nailed through with one very specific nail at a time…”
And seeing the “very specific” requires me to see life in a different way.
As she says…”the remedy is in the retina.”
Second…she doesn’t shy away from the issue of deep pain. She hits it head on with her heart bleeding onto the page… “What in the world, in a world of certain loss, IS grace?“
So many of us have experienced hurt to the point of questioning: where is God and Ann Voskamp’s questions mirror some of my own. I was relieved to find her honest and up front with those questions and with her fight to find answers.
Third… (although this would have been first if the message wasn’t so completely life changing)…
her writing.
Poetry.
Art.
I’m a visual person and my mind filled with images drawn simply by her beautiful words.
Ann Voskamp is one of the best writers I’ve ever read. Ever.
*****
One more thing…the concept of echaristeo is changing how I see things. For me, a chronically negative and relatively dark person, this is akin to being blind and finding out that all along there was a cure for my blindness. Awestruck with the discovery I’m determined not to lose this cure.
*****
I’d love to hear what you think if you’ve read the book. If you haven’t read it yet I can’t think of a book (besides the Bible) that I’d recommend more.
ps…I read through the book slowly, underlining and journaling pages and pages of those things from the book that I don’t want to lose. I rarely read a book and then listen to the same book on my iPod, I’ve only done it twice before. Once with Crazy Love by Frances Chan and then with A Thousand Miles in a Million Years by Don Miller. Today I downloaded the audio-book from Audible so I could listen to One Thousand Gifts hoping to help seal the lessons I’m learning.
I’d like to talk more about this in the coming weeks. If you plan to read it let me know.
Love to each of you…
no way…i’m the first to comment? well, i picked up this book because it sounded too good to be true–a way to live life fully right where i am–and because it sounded like it fit with my one little word for the year: focus forward (yes, i know that’s two words).
oh.my. her writing is a thing of immaculate beauty. i am drawn in and can see the scenes she crafts with her words. i am amazed by the insight given her by the Holy Spirit as a result of her pursuit, her hunger for truth to heal a deeply scarring wound. i’m savoring it, going slowly because i too don’t want to miss a morsel of what’s being shared. i’m wanting the Holy Spirit to allow me to comprehend, internalize, and reproduce eucharisteo in a way that will change me forever.
it will be on my list of a thousand gifts.
in case you were not aware, angie smith and jessica turner, who co-host the bloom book club at {in}courage.com, have chosen this book as the club’s selection. don’t know if the discussions on it have started, but i have a feeling this is part of why the book is where it is on the charts.
still, it’s just amazing. please, let’s talk some more about it.
Jenn, I watched the inCourage (Bloom Book Club) video this morning on chapter 1 w/ Ann, Angie and Jessica…wonderful! thx.
And I agree…the book is also on my list. I’m getting attached to my gratitude notebook, taking it everywhere in case I need to weigh down a moment…xo
I actually purchased 15 copies of the book to share with some of my very dear friends and family. I started the book this afternoon and can’t wait to find a quiet time to delve into it. Like you, I plan on high-lighting and making notes as it is certainly “that” kind of book. Having suddenly lost my 17 year old daughter and best friend to leukemia after a short five months I am filled with so many questions yet have been showered with the Grace that only One can give. Can’t wait to share more with you as I journey into Ann’s book.
Amy what a good idea to give some away. You have such a sweet generous heart.
I’m hurting as I read of your loss…sending you love dear one.
p.s. I too read and am a big fan of Crazy Love and A Thousand Miles in a Million Years….
Robin,
I don’t think I’ve read praise this high for a book in a long time. Needless to say, I am adding it to my book list because of your high recommendation. On a side note, although I only “know” you through your blog, I can’t quite reconcile your …”chronically negative and relatively dark person” remark, with your blog personna, i.e. creative, talented, fun, etc. Are you being too hard on yourself?
Best,
Susan
Susan…how sweet to say you can’t see me as dark and negative…it’s my ‘bend’ but truly, my desire is to be different. Love to you for your encouragement.
xo
Hi Robin! I saw your blue/white ruffle pillow on Pinterest and I had to come visit your blog I loved it so much! I dunno how I haven’t come across your blog before! It’s great!
~ http://www.billiemonster.com ~
Billie…welcome. Thank you so much for being here…pls come back soon.
xo
On your recommendation alone I will get this book. It seems I need this message too! Thanks so much sweet friend for this review. I am going on a trip to Fl. with 3 other girlfriends, so I am going to get this to take. Thanks again. XOXO, Pinky
Oh yay! Pinky I’m looking so forward to your photos from your trip! Yes, this will be a perfect book to take along with you…take a new notebook too…you’ll want to start listing your 1000 gifts and what better place to see God’s gifts than at the beach.
love u sweet friend.
I’ve been reading Ann’s blog for awhile and love it. I adree her writing is poetry. I haven’t bought the book yet though because I have so many I haven’t read yet. I will end up picking it up though. I’m always late reading books. =P
Gina…I just found her blog. Sometimes I her music playing in the background while I do other things…there’s such peace in that music.
Let me know your thoughts about the book when you read it if you have a minute.
xo
I am loving Ann’s book as well and am participating in the Bloom Book Club.
Elizabeth…I went over to Bloom today too. I’m so happy to see you here. I’m praying for you…xoxo
I read it through in 3 bathtub sessions and have started over. It’s that full of things that need to be said. My main takeaway is, as Ann says, “All’s grace.” When you look out onto your life with that perspective, you can’t count the gifts and graces fast enough.
And, I only met you once, but the last way I would describe you is negative and dark. No, you beamed light.
Celesta…remember when we met? I told you how absolutely beautiful your smile was…what I thought was…if I had that gorgeous smile God, I think I’d never stop smiling…
Thank you for what you said about beaming light…made me cry for some reason.
And I agree…“What in the world, in a world of certain loss, IS grace?“
…”all’s grace…”
xo
I’m on Chapter 6–trying to read it both slowly and quickly. As soon as I finish, I’m going back through it. It’s the first thing I thought about this morning.
The book is more than life-changing. It’s mind altering–soul piercing.
It’s the kind of book I whisper the words as I read. I don’t want to miss a single peep of goodness.
Thank you, once again, my dear friend.
J…oh thank the Lord you’re reading it…how amazing huh? Can it be? Can there really be a cure?
love u J
You know, my heart just instantly goes where your heart is. Based on that principe alone, I would take your recommendation. Plus, my copy of A Thousand Miles in A Million Years is dog-eared, highlighted, penciled and well, just loved to death… so I am quite certain I will have a companion in this book. Thanks sweetie!
Vicky…your heart and mine do seem strangely connected. I’m really looking forward to talking about this with you. I love you and as always your on the tip of my thoughts every day.
Hugs and smooches
i have to admit i haven’t heard about this book. it’s soundslike a wonderful book to read. there’s nothing wrong with getting excited about things we feel are good to pass on to others. rose
Rose…you would love this book dear one. xoxo
i have to admit i haven’t heard about this book. it’s soundslike a wonderful book to read. there’s nothing wrong with getting excited about things we feel are good to pass on to others. rose
I am off to get a book for my book group, so I will devfinitely be looking this one up. I’ll let you know!
Megan
Megan…Can’t wait to see what you think…have your pen or highlighter ready!!!
xoxo
Thank you for sharing this book with us. I just read the first chapter online, and proceeded to order it. I don’t think I can wait the 3-5 days for it to be delivered! Blessings <3 Paula
I have just started reading it at your recommendation, and am LOVING IT! I get lost in her beautiful writing and am going slowly, treasuring it and hopefully learning, learning….
Thank you! I follow your blog~ I love a good read, so off to target I am! I will keep you posted on my journey:)
I was going to mention In-Courage, but saw it was mentioned to you. I came across your blog sometime ago but this is my first time posting. I just had to when seeing your comments on One Thousand Gifts. I bought it after reading Angies Blog and to be discussed on Bloom. I have not had the chance to open it. Now I must and can’t wait. I’ve just been so inspred by all the comments and reviews.
I LOVE this book! I’ve reread the first two chapters 2 or 3 times trying to soak it in. She writes in a way that I have never read before, and I am loving every word! Keep on selling!
I just ordered this book because of your recommendation and I truly look foward to reading it. You are a special person and I want to thank you for your inspiration.
Have enjoyed visiting your blog a few times now. Am also an “empty nester” and love seeing the beautiful things and words that you share here. And … I identified with your words about the book “One Thousand Gifts” … I am reading it now, along with taking part in the discussions at Bloom Book Club at (in)courage. There is so much to think about from this book … so eye-and heart-opening, and I don’t want to miss any little part of it. Will be re-reading it over and over again, too, I am sure.
i am just shy of giddy that you love this like you do. i just think she is so anointed to see life the way she does. i have the privilege of calling Ann friend, and am just in awe of what she had done and what God is calling her to. you are so not overselling to call this book a life changer. i love love love that you love it!
I keep thinking I need to buy this book. It sounds so wonderful!
Well,you’ve sold me. Not over-sold, you just have the envied ability to “close the deal”.
You may want to look into a career in sales, if you haven’t already. 😉
Going to buy the book. Like right now. See ya later.