I’ve been a book worm for as long as I can remember.
Growing up, I would always prefer to be tucked away in a corner reading, learning or studying instead of playing outside (or, as my parents often “urged” us to do the farming chores.)
I think I even loved reading more than TV watching.
Which stands true even today, decades later.
So when someone contacts me to say, “Hey, can we send you a copy of a book to read and review?” I can hardly resist.
But honestly, that’s a dangerous practice. Because what I am I going to do if the book is terrible?!? (I still get a free book out of the deal so…)
However, in my nearly five years of online ministry, a “terrible book” coming my way has yet to happen. Every single book I have read, reviewed and share has encouraged my heart or edified me in some way.
And today’s book Life is Beautiful is no exception.
Before I get into the review portion, let me give you the “official” synopsis of the book.
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Life is Beautiful: How a Lost Girl Became a True, Confident Child of God, by Sarah M. Johnson, takes you on a full journey of trauma, loss, and finally resilience. While on a mission’s trip in Guatemala, a small Cessna Caravan’s engine blows while carrying fourteen passengers. Unfortunately, the Cessna crashes in a remote village, leaving eleven of the fourteen passengers dead. One passenger, Sarah, shares her story in Life is Beautiful, about the deaths of her father and brother; her mother’s extreme physical and emotional injuries, and Sarah’s self-discovery to accept this new life.
Life is Beautiful, however, is more than a story about an airplane crash. Life is Beautiful shares the personal struggles of Sarah’s father’s drug use, his recovery, and redemption to be a better person. He gives back by doing missions work in Africa, takes in Sarah’s aunt dying of uterine cancer, and eventually leads their family to the mountains of Guatemala. Sarah also discusses her struggles with alcohol use and depression; where she eventually hits rock bottom. It is not until she starts seeking God through prayer, books, and therapy, where she starts to turn her life around.
Life is Beautiful is not only a unique story, but it shows the strength of God’s Will. When all hope is lost, she never gives up on God. This story is a true testimony of God’s love for His people, and when one seeks a spiritual journey and connection with God; He gives back in love, forgiveness, and happiness.
Life is Beautiful was released on August 25, 2015. It is available for order on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
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Ok. So you get the general gist of the book, yes? Now, the big question: Was it any good?
Well, if “good” constitutes that I hypothetically started reading it early evening the “accidentally” stayed up way past my bedtime to read it straight through, then yes. It was good. Very, very good.
(Side note: That is not a hypothetical situation. It really happened.)
Author Sarah Johnson shares her story with such vulnerability and authenticity– I truly felt like I was there at the plane crash, when she was in her counselor’s office, or facing the struggles with her mom post-plane crash.
And I could see God moving in her life.
Life is Beautiful was one of those books that, when I finished the final page, it was a mix of the following:
1. Satisfaction because wow, what a testimony!
2. Encouragement because wow, what a testimony! (Oh wait– did I already say that?)
3. Slight disappointment because the book was over… plus I realized it was past midnight and then remembered that my tiny human gets up mucho early-o.
So yes, my friends, I give the book FIVE STARS.
Snag a copy of your own to hear about Sarah’s heart-wrenching yet engaging tale of how God got a hold of a lost girl and turned her into a true, confident, child of His!
I like the book so much that I am giving away a copy. Enter the giveaway below.
And I encourage you to join in the conversation and respond to this prompt: Where do you currently see God’s hand in your life? How would the Life Is Beautiful Book encourage you today?
Get yourself a copy of this book, my friends. You won’t regret it. Because with God in charge, life is truly beautiful.
For His Glory,
Want to know more about the author, Sarah M. Johnson? Here’s her bio:
Sarah M. Johnson is currently a graduate student seeking her Marriage and Family Therapy degree. She will graduate in 2015. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. After graduating, she plans to open up a private practice office and guide those who are seeking their own self-discoveries of love and happiness.
To learn more, go to http://lifeisbeautifulbook.com/
