The Return by Lacey Sturm

In The Return, bestselling author Lacey Sturm offers a collection of thoughts on how Jesus helps us see the world with new eyes and makes the mundane things in life beautiful. It’s a guidebook from a fellow traveler on how grace helps us–to overcome darkness, to release our empty rituals, to shine with his light. Not so God will love us more but because we long to love him back. And a life lived loving God back is a life that shines with heaven’s glory.

(Excerpt from back of book)

Although I listened to Sturm's band Flyleaf  in college this was my first introduction to Sturm as an author. Overall, I was pleased with the book but there were a few points of concern.

First the style, this is not your typical novel length book and I loved the eclectic and artistic format. Each chapter included Scripture verses, prayers, recipes, and song lyrics set up as though reading the author's journal, actual journal entries were published along side Strum's poetry, and exposition summing up the chapters theme wrapped up each section. 

The strength of this format allowed for increased interest as heavy chapters were broken up by artwork and poetry appealing to those who connect with different forms of written word. The material connected on different levels as concepts were discussed in traditional exposition and artistic venues, and the wide range of materials included helped bring the author and her heart forward in what felt like a more intimate and more vulnerable way.

I also appreciate the way the material covered the author's lifetime. Topics  ranged from mental health, motherhood, performing, marriage, etc.. . Readers "watch" the author grow in her journal entries and see how perceptions change and season pass which I think can be a helpful reminder in hard seasons. 

That said, there were times, that although the author commented how her decisions did not reflect on another person's choices, at times felt harsh and noninclusive of those who differed from her. There also  wasn't a lot of room for differing personalities. I know and love a lot of analytical people. I know a lot of  people who believe without having the overwhelming emotional connection the author does and at many points it felt as though the author felt that this lack of emotion meant their faith was lesser or not genuine. For that reason alone, I couldn't recommend this book to a large portion of my community.

3.5 stars out of 5 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

The Christian Book of Mystical Verse compiled by A.W. Tozer

Have you ever been up late, working hard into the night when a craving hit?
Maybe you grabbed something sweet or salty or maybe even a hearty meal to satisfy that urge.

Lately our youngest hasn't been sleeping (thank you 1 year molars the gift that keeps on giving) and I found myself hit with a craving for poetry (I have mentioned I'm a geek before right?)

It seemed quite providential when Moody Publishing released The  Christian Book of Mystical Verse  right at the beginning of tooth #2. How could I resist?

Although the book lists A.W. Tozer on its cover, Tozer functioned as the compiler of this collection rather than contributor. Instead the pages are filled with the words of Fredrick William Faber, Jean Marie De La Motte-Guyon, Charles Wesley, Thomas Blacklock, Isaac Watts, and Christina Rosetti.


While I was introduced to poetry early and consistently through life, I was pleased to see this collection included many verses I was unfamiliar with. I was also impressed to see the equal footing given to both male and female writers, and the variety of topics covered in the pages.

I will say that I had a very hard time connecting with Faber's verses. I'm guessing it was a stylistic conflict. Unfortunately  Tozer did not share this difficulty and featured his work heavily throughout the book.
Variety is definitely a strength within this collection, however, and there really is a writer for everyone to connect with in this collection.

The Christian Book of Mystical Verse provides  a fascinating selection to both help readers in their reflections as well as introduce them to the writings of those who have gone before.

4 out of 5 stars

I received this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for an honest review, The views expressed are my own and unaltered.