A Review: "The Struggle is Real" by Nicole Unice

Life is full of challenges and struggles, even suffering at times. That's the nature of life in our sinful, broken world full of sinful, broken people. In her new book, "The Struggle is Real", Nicole Unice helps people dig below the surface to identify what is really going on when faced with our struggles, and then points the reader directly to Jesus. Sharing personal stories coupled with plenty of biblical wisdom, there is something for everyone in this book.

The first part of the book focuses on what lies below the struggles in life, what really lurks in our minds that causes us to fall prey to lies and false stories about ourselves. The second part of the book drives the reader to focus on rewriting the story by finding freedom and grace in Jesus. Each chapter closes with questions for reflection to help the reader truly process what they have been reading. As an added bonus, there are six companion Bible study videos that can be accessed on RightNow media for extra teachings in a group setting or in your own personal devotional time.

The second part of the book was my favorite. As someone who really struggles with thoughts and thought patterns, I found Chapter 9, "The New Language", to be quite helpful. This book would be perfect for any small group to go through, or just to use on your own. I appreciate her thoughts and approach in dealing with the general issue of struggles, something each one of us can identify with.

(I’ve received this complimentary book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

Quick Lit, October Edition

I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy for this month's quick lit, where I share short and sweet reviews of a few books I've read in the past month (or so). You can also find me over at Goodreads if you are interested in other books I've read or reviewed.

"Parnassus on Wheels" by Christopher Morley. I had never heard of this book until I read "Book Girl" by Sarah Clarkson (see review below). When I picked it up, I had no idea what a treat I was in for. Set in 1917October in New England, a wagon named Parnassus shows up in the farmyard of Helen McGill and her brother, Andrew. Upon discovering it is a bookshop on wheels and the proprietor is seeking her author brother to purchase the wagon, she decides to purchase it herself and have an adventure. A charming novella that I fell in love with from the beginning.




"Book Girl" by Sarah Clarkson. This is a lovely book about books. Clarkson shares her heart so poignantly about her love of books and the way the written word has helped shape her life. She include many book lists containing her favorites from different seasons and spanning multiple genres. I found myself concluding a chapter and immediately adding several books to my TBR list. A true treasure that I will return to time and again!






"I'd Rather Be Reading" by Anne Bogel. What is there to say about this book? This collection of essays is a beautiful love letter for book lovers everywhere. I fell in love with it from the very first page and thoroughly enjoyed the entire thing. My hands-down favorite chapter was entitled "Bookworm Problems". I found myself nodding along to the majority she described! If you love books, this is a perfect little book to read, read again and again, and gift to other book lovers in your life.






"Dreamland Burning" by Jennifer Latham. I have been trying to branch out in my reading a bit this year, reading books in a genre I wouldn't normally read or focusing on issues I haven't really thought of before. I picked up this young adult novel based on a recommendation (I can't remember where), and it did not disappoint. It's a novelization of true events that happened in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the early 20th century. Latham shares the modern-day story of teen Rowan Chase who is seeking answers to a skeleton that was found buried on her parents' property. Teen William Tillman is living in 1921 Tulsa and shares what life was like in a racially charged city. A gripping story about a piece of American history I had never heard of before.



"Imperfect Courage" by Jessica Honnegger. I am a big fan of fair-trade jewelry company Noonday Collection and was thrilled when the founder released her first book. She shares the story of how Noonday came to be, the heart behind her business, the joys and struggles along the way. She shares about her adoption journey and her desire to see people step out of their comfort zones and make an impact in the world around them. Challenging, thoughtful, and absolutely lovely.