a shameless promotion + May book club

In this post I mentioned a book I was reading where the author courageously wrote about her struggles with darkness and life's hard times. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy in return for sharing my review and promoting this remarkable book.

Peanut Butter and Dragon Wings

by Shari Zook

About Shari, copied from her book:

Shari Zook is a pastor's wife, mother of four, and foster parent for the past seven years. She bakes cakes, grows herbs, and reads amazing books, but her heart is in raising children, crafting words, and connecting with women. She lives with her family in northwestern Pennsylvania and attends Meadville Mennonite Chapel, where her husband, Ryan, pastors. Her blog, Confessions of a Woman Learning to Live, can be found at sharizook.com.

I was introduced to Shari's blog over a year ago and have been inspired many times by her writing. Even though some of her posts deal with hard things, she writes with humor and courage. I was thrilled when she announced she was writing a book!

About Peanut Butter and Dragon Wings, copied from book description:

Longing for permission to be real about your own needs and struggles? Permission granted.

As good Christian moms, we're not supposed to ask for much. Jesus meets all our needs and we're supposed to be the light of the world to everybody else, right? Wrong.

Shari Zook appeared to be an overachieving supermom who deftly supported her pastor-husband and their congregation, homeschooled their children, and cared for foster children through the ups and downs of placements. But inside, her world was growing increasingly desperate as she struggled with the grief of miscarriage, parenting a difficult child, and spiraling depression. 

In her darkest hour, Zook let go of her need to appear super-human and reached out to receive God's unfolding grace. With humor and artistry, Peanut Butter and Dragon Wings gives us permission to step out from behind the appearance of rose-filtered perception and embrace the authenticity of honest need and human limitations. In the book's twelve chapters you'll find twelve practical ways to reach for a faith that includes doubt, and holiness that includes failure. 

My review: 

The fact that I, not a mom, could connect with Shari's struggles, speaks for itself. This book is not only about fostering and parenting, but also about depression, marriage problems, and friendships. To me, this book is outstanding because Shari is so honest about the ugliness we desperately try to hide or imagine away. It's helped me realize I can do that too. She truly makes broken look beautiful.

I'm shamelessly promoting Peanut Butter and Dragon Wings because it's an impressive, worthwhile book. Release date July 6, available here for pre-order on Amazon.

Now for a note on book club.

We had a lot to discuss on The Happiness Project. I like the idea from a friend of doing a book study with a group, meeting after every chapter. There's so many practical tips and suggestions to ponder. I like the way Gretchen makes lists such as "Secrets of Adulthood" and "Twelve Commandments". It's inspired me to make some of my own! Also, I love the many quotes, such as this:

An uneasy conscience is a hair in the mouth. -Mark Twain

Obviously, I'm a fan of this book, but I understand why some don't appreciate it. It's not everyone's cup of tea, and that's fine! It's also not a quick, easy read. I had a hard time finishing the physical copy. I'm glad I listened to the audiobook first, which is read by Gretchen and seems easier to digest. I may revisit it every year or so!

Valarie chose Educated for our June book. 

I received my copy in the mail today and am looking forward to getting lost in it's pages!