I have always loved to read. As a kid growing up in the Bronx, my favorite thing to do was to head to the library and come home with a shopping bag full of books. Sure it was nerdy but it was always an exciting way to go on an adventure. To be honest, not much has changed now that I am an adult.
I still love to read. There is nothing like a good conversation in which thoughts from books are shared. Throw in a few cups of coffee and call it wonderful!
I recently had the opportunity to read “Spiritual Misfit: A Memoir of Uneasy Faith” by Michelle DeRusha. I have been waiting for today – her release day!!! – to share about this book. I have been so blessed in reading her blog posts for the last year that when the chance to read her book became available, I jumped at it.
Recently I was asked this question … What are the top three reasons I would recommend this book? Here are my reasons:
#3 – This book will make you laugh! Seriously, the woman has the funniest sense of humor. She describes situations and emotions which will not only make you laugh with her but you will laugh at yourself because you will see reflections of yourself in her stories. Michelle makes you realize, there are so many experiences in life which are common to us all. And funny as they are, these experiences still point us to God, revealing Him in ways which make Him all the more tangible in our lives.
#2 – This book will make you cry!! Michelle shares with a transparency which will touch your heart. She lets you into places most of us hold close to ourselves to reveal her own personal struggles. We come to see God has been at work in each of our lives through all things. She shares her skepticism, her shortcomings, and her fragile faith.
And the #1 reason!!! – This book will surely grow your faith and relationship with God. Throughout each page, we discover our search to belong, to fit in, leads us to the profound truth which is this – we have been loved all along. We come to grips with the fact that this journey of faith – well – it is just that … our journey. For each of us, it will look different. And yet it will look similar. 
Michelle’s memoir and journey is transparent, honest and authentic. We all have doubts and questions at various times throughout our lives. I have come to realize these are the very catalysts which God uses to grow us in our faith. He moves us deeper into our awareness of Himself and Who He is. We come to see facets of faith which may have remained hidden had we not questioned. These times become the means by which as Michelle explains,
“…we learn how to seek God every day, in ordinary life, and to learn how to shape my life to reflect him.” (page 208)
After all, that is truly the goal – to be transformed so that we reflect Him and our lives bring Him glory.
~~~~So here’s the deal … I was graciously and generously provided a copy of this book by Michelle to offer in a giveaway. Now you all do not want to miss this opportunity. Trust me. So I am going to make this as easy as I possibly can. Leave me a comment in which you tell me: Are Cheez-Its ever a snack in your house? Simply – yes or no. But you must answer the question in your comment to be entered into the giveaway. I will close this opportunity Friday at midnight and a winner will be drawn.~~~~
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I was given this book in exchange for my honest review. The book has impacted and changed my life. You can learn more about this book by visiting Michelle here. You can also purchase the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or ChristianBook.com .
Today I am joining with … Soli Deo Gloria and Playdates With God and Unite and Testimony Tues. and Titus 2 Tues. and Tell Me a Story and Teaching What is Good and Titus 2sday .
Unfortunately, yes, Cheeze-It Grooves have become a new staple at our house….
I wonder why ???? They are sooo good!
Yes!!
I have this book on my must-read list! So many books, so little time. (Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday!)
It is so true! There are so many wonderful books! Don’t miss out on this read, Holly. It was truly a wonderful book in so many ways!
Yes, Cheesits are a staple in our house.
Yes. When my husband buys them on the down low! 🙂
Yes. Cheez-its are my go to “salty” snack 🙂
Try the “Grooves”. They are the best!
Yes, we do by Cheez-its, usually the white cheddar ones!
Those are so good as are the new “Grooves”. Thank you for entering.
Yes! Cheez-its are one of my favorite snacks.
No! I don’t even know what Cheez-its are. I am sure I would be allergic to them anyways. So don’t tell me.
Blessings,
Janis
Thank you for entering, Janis. I hope you get to read the book. It was truly a great read!
Well, I guess I’m the oddball of the group so far…no cheezits in my house – not yet anyway 🙂
None here unless I can find an organic brand. And I did!
🙂
Oh wow – who knew there was such a thing as organic Cheez-Its!
Well it’s another brand. 😉 hee hee!
Yep yep yep love Cheez-its!! I’d love this book too. 🙂 Great review. Can’t wait to read.
Thank you for entering. I hope you will read this book as it was truly a great read!
I learn well with laughter and tears, and am looking forward to reading Michelle’s book.
No on the Cheez-its. 🙂
Fondly,
Glenda
Yes to Cheezits, we but the low fat ones to be “healthy” but really prefer the Cheddar Jack flavor! I’ve heard great things about Michelle’s book!
Yes, with a husband and two boys, Cheezits are a staple in my house. They don’t last long though. 🙂
Cheez its were a regular part of our 4 basic food groups (I would love to win a copy & read more than the first chapter)
I really enjoyed this post especially the Laugh, Cry and reason why!
Marie – I love that it is now a part of our 4 basic food groups! I hope you do get to read the rest of the book. It was great!
No, Cheez Its for us — we are more of a cheetos kind of family.
I love Michelle — so excited about this book! 🙂
We love Cheetos too! I hope you get to read this book as it was a great read Lyli! Thank you for entering!
HAaaaaa! Best question EVER! Thank you for this, Joanne – and thank you, too, for your enthusiastic cheerleading all the way through this launch. Whenever I asked the team for help, I knew I could always count on you to come through. You are the BEST!
Cheez-Its are my total go-to snack. Though I must admit, I only stock up on them when they are on sale. Thank you for the chance!
KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh yes, we love Cheeze-Its at my house! Thanks for offering the giveaway!
Thank you for sharing this review of Michelle’s book with us here at Tell Me a Story.”
I would love a copy, but please allow someone who also loves cheez-it’s to enjoy the book.
No
Yes!
I just got the book from Amazon. I’ve visited her in her house once and she and Deidra came to mine once. Then a couple of retreats. I thoroughly enjoy being with them. So, hitting a plane on Monday to go to the Northwest, I will be reading that book when out and around there for 3 weeks. Looking forward to it to even friendlier to and for her. She’s a treat. Thank you for sharing about it.
Joanne, thank you so much for sharing with me. What a treat to be able to spend time with these two women! Enjoy your trip & reading the book. It was a wonderful book to read!