Living in the Pink

by Sharon Tubbs

Living in the Pink is a series of humorous and insightful short stories with Christian underpinnings. Through the eyes of the wise “Sister Pinky” and Believers Ministries International Church, these stories highlight issues that women grapple with but often remain unspoken in religious circles. The characters are everyday wives, mothers, and singles. They develop and gain a spiritual perspective in dealing with romantic relationships, wayward children, jealousy, church traditions, Christian hypocrisy, and self-righteous judgment, among other themes.

Discussion questions help readers connect with the storylines and urge them to look within—and up—to reach their highest potential in life.

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2011

Reviews

[Patriciaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a novel, although it says that on the cover. Rather, it is a series of fictional vignettes that end with a set of questions for use by a Bible study group, women's ministry or for personal reflection. Still, it has to be one of the most entertaining study guides I've ever read, getting right to the heart of many of the real issues that Christian women face daily.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 4 out of 5]

The short stories that make up Living in the Pink are loosely but well intertwined glimpses into several different people's life challenges, most of them being church folks, the thread mainly held together by the rather maternal figure Laura Pinkston: Sister Pinky.

Author Sharon Tubbs hasn't weaved together a tidy set of happily-ever-afters but thought-provoking vignettes on a number of themes from interracial dating to all manner of family and church dynamics, stories that are realistic and that convey a sense of hope--faint hope, at times, but hope overall. Joy's tale of returning home and Destiny's tale of neglected dreams are my favorites, and Sister Pinky's character rounds out convincingly as the author uncovers both Pinky's strengths and weaknesses through other characters' plights as well as her own.

I'd never read a fiction work with this book's setup before; the reflection questions listed at the end of each chapter made it something like a workbook, and, therefore, I didn't pause to go over the questions in between, as it's my preference not to be pulled out of a story before it's over. Also, the narration throughout the book had a way of slipping from past tense to present tense and back, making the reading a bit awkward at points.

But, again, Living in the Pink is a thought-provoking and ultimately inspiring work that would encourage me to read more from this author in the future.
__________________________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers for an honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Living In The Pink by Sharon Tubbs. I enjoyed this book of short stories and found I could relate to many of the characters. Reading this you will find someone in the characters that you have either lived through their story or know someone that has. There are 15 short stories, that tell of jealousy, divorce, infidelity, abuse, addictions, lack of faith, and more. Each chapter is a story of different church members but all of the stories tie together. This book would be great for a women's group. At the end of each chapter is a section "Think About It" which gives you questions about what you have read and bible verses to read along with it. It is a great thought-provoking book, what would you do in a given situation, how would you try to help a friend or family member, or what would you do if it it was you? The author shows in these short stories how no one is perfect. I LOVED this book! I highly recommend it, it is an awesome thought-provoking book!

I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

[Valarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good selection of really short stories of men an women "living in the pink". Pinky the main character throughout each story described living in the pink as living half way between being washed white as snow by Jesus and living with your sins red as scarlet. Each little mini story showed how easy it is to be living in the pink even when you don't think you are or you don't even recognize it in yourself. After each story the author offered discussion question to help you see how each person was living in their own shade of pink, eventually even Pinky who was there to help everyone. Some of the stories had connecting characters so it was interesting to see a person show up in another story. Overall worth the time it took to read because it wasn't that long and you didn't necessarily have to read each story to understand the book.

[Cara Noyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this set of short vignettes. We Christians really do tend to hold onto our sins, hence the title 'Living In The Pink". As much as I know I've been washed white as snow, I still tend to fall back into bad habits. Meeting up with these realistic characters, each with their own flaws, was relatable and personable. Even the main character, Sister Pinky, was flawed, but above all REDEEMED. From a corrupt politician to a jealous know-it-all, the women and men in these pages felt real. And God loved each one of them. Hallelujah!
Thanks you to author Sharon Tubbs for creating this book, which would make a good group study. It is a pleasant read, but also causes one to ponder relationships in a new light. Nobody is perfect, right?

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of this books says it's a novel but that is quite deceiving. I was surprised by the thought-provoking vignettes that were ended with complementing scripture and reflection questions. This stories remind us that we must be sold out for God. I found myself thinking how would I react in that situation or how would help a friend...Pinky seemed to always have the right words and/or actions. I pray that I can be inspirational and uplifting to those that cross my path. I look forward to reading other stories on how we are "living in the pink".

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great book and I definitely related to more than one of the characters. I love short story collections where characters are interweaved. This would be a great book to read for a church book club, or any book club really. My only complaint is I wish I had someone to share it with.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun reading -- Living in the Pink is a series of humorous and insightful short stories with Christian underpinnings. Through the eyes of the wise Sister Pinky and Believers Ministries International Church, these stories highlight issues that women grapple with but that often remain unspoken in religious circles.

[Roslyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! Short stories that are thought provoking and quick reads. Good for group discussions among women of various ages.

[Rena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it a lot. Was surprised it was vignettes, but enjoyed each and learned something from them. Would definately recommend to others.

[Lakeisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It consisted of several short stories that displayed some of the battles Christians face. The group study questions were awesome and very thought provoking.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book and I love it each time I read it! I want a Sister Pinky in my life! I cannot wait for another...please Sharon tell me you've got something in the works???

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!! It will make you laugh, cry and remember so many stories of family or friends in faith struggles and triumphs. I highly recommend it.

[SpecialK · Rating 1 out of 5]

Would be a good book for a ladies book club.