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Uncompromising: A Heart Claimed By a Radical Love
Ask any girl on the street what womanhood is about, and you’ll get a blank stare in return. No one knows. Young women are devoid of vision beyond popularity, material wealth, a cute boyfriend or a dream career. Even in Christian circles, significant questions are often left What’s the point of purity? Modesty? Femininity? What’s biblical womanhood? Most of all, girls wonder at the longing in their souls for something greater.
A Heart Claimed By a Radical Love cuts straight to the heart of young womanhood. Rather than setting up rules, it pulls at the desire in every woman’s heart to live a life of purpose, fully surrendered to His radical love. Written in an edgy teen voice, Uncompromising is a collection of “field notes” from the author’s own search for answers…and the story of how she stumbled upon the one Cause worth dying for. Contains study questions for group or individual use.
A Heart Claimed By a Radical Love cuts straight to the heart of young womanhood. Rather than setting up rules, it pulls at the desire in every woman’s heart to live a life of purpose, fully surrendered to His radical love. Written in an edgy teen voice, Uncompromising is a collection of “field notes” from the author’s own search for answers…and the story of how she stumbled upon the one Cause worth dying for. Contains study questions for group or individual use.
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 3, 2015
This book first came to my attention through The Rebelution. I didn't really know what to expect.
In many ways, Uncompromising was very similar to all the other books written for Christian young women. It covered topics like boys, beauty, modesty, self-esteem, etc. When I flipped through the book before actually beginning to read this, I noticed that trend and was a little disappointed. While those topics are certainly important, I've read it before.
Thankfully, Uncompromising /was/ more than the normal treatment of common girl issues. In fact, the whole book was worth reading for Chapter Three and the "Interjection" at the end of Chapter Three. I'll being going back to glean encouragement and to spend extra time contemplating. The author's take on legalism, self-esteem, and making God the biggest, most all-encompassing element of your life were truly eye-opening and challenging.
In many ways, Uncompromising was very similar to all the other books written for Christian young women. It covered topics like boys, beauty, modesty, self-esteem, etc. When I flipped through the book before actually beginning to read this, I noticed that trend and was a little disappointed. While those topics are certainly important, I've read it before.
Thankfully, Uncompromising /was/ more than the normal treatment of common girl issues. In fact, the whole book was worth reading for Chapter Three and the "Interjection" at the end of Chapter Three. I'll being going back to glean encouragement and to spend extra time contemplating. The author's take on legalism, self-esteem, and making God the biggest, most all-encompassing element of your life were truly eye-opening and challenging.
March 28, 2014
Let me start out by saying: if you only get one book for your teen daughter to read, make it this one!!!
Okay, now that I've tipped my hand, let me tell you about Uncompromising: A Heart Claimed By A Radical Love. Author Hannah Farver is a young, single woman in the midst of wrestling with the same issues that all young women wrestle with. The publisher describes the book as a collection of "field notes" from Hannah's own search for answers, and the story of how she ultimately discovered the Cause that makes sense of it all.
Instead of tackling issues that matter to young women from the standpoint of "do's and don'ts", Uncompromising comes from the perspective of discovering the purpose in life that every young woman longs for, the "Cause" we're all searching for. In pursuing that, the answers to significant questions about purity, modesty, femininity, and so on become clear.
As Hannah says in the Introduction:
This book is about the big Cause and the little causes that get in the way, how the Cause affects our lives, and how there's enough room and mission and purpose and passion in the Cause to go around...If you and I come face-to-face with the Cause, I guarantee we will never be the people we were before. We will cease to revolve around the sun as our lives find a new, blazing center. Our search for a purpose to define our existence will end. We will not run out of questions, but we will, at last, find the Answer to all things.
Take this book as the collected scribblings of someone who has met-and is still learning to adopt (or be adopted by)-the Cause. It's a work in progress, but maybe my notes will help you compile your own. (p. 15-16)
The book begins with an exploration of the definition of true, biblical love. Once we grasp exactly what Christ has done for us and what love really is, we realize that He is the only Cause to live for. How we live is a response to this incredible love, not an attempt to earn it. We exist to glorify Him, and everything we do is meant to reflect that reality.
After laying this foundation, Hannah moves into discussions of beauty, modesty, femininity, and purity, all from the standpoint of the Cause. She reminds the readers not to lose sight of the why behind our actions:
We're going to kick at the little "c" causes that so often snag our feet, and try to replace them with a Jesus-centered view...even biblical behaviors can quickly turn into little "c" causes themselves that distract from the main Cause, if we lose sight of the Reason for our obedience.
Without love, these acts of obedience won't make sense. Without the gospel, we'll become legalists. But if we keep coming back to Jesus as the central reason for these changes, we'll keep that bad word legalism at bay. (p. 61-62)
So how does this play out in the following chapters? Here are just a few of the principles given:
Read the rest of the review here: http://www.homewithpurpose.net/2013/0...
Okay, now that I've tipped my hand, let me tell you about Uncompromising: A Heart Claimed By A Radical Love. Author Hannah Farver is a young, single woman in the midst of wrestling with the same issues that all young women wrestle with. The publisher describes the book as a collection of "field notes" from Hannah's own search for answers, and the story of how she ultimately discovered the Cause that makes sense of it all.
Instead of tackling issues that matter to young women from the standpoint of "do's and don'ts", Uncompromising comes from the perspective of discovering the purpose in life that every young woman longs for, the "Cause" we're all searching for. In pursuing that, the answers to significant questions about purity, modesty, femininity, and so on become clear.
As Hannah says in the Introduction:
This book is about the big Cause and the little causes that get in the way, how the Cause affects our lives, and how there's enough room and mission and purpose and passion in the Cause to go around...If you and I come face-to-face with the Cause, I guarantee we will never be the people we were before. We will cease to revolve around the sun as our lives find a new, blazing center. Our search for a purpose to define our existence will end. We will not run out of questions, but we will, at last, find the Answer to all things.
Take this book as the collected scribblings of someone who has met-and is still learning to adopt (or be adopted by)-the Cause. It's a work in progress, but maybe my notes will help you compile your own. (p. 15-16)
The book begins with an exploration of the definition of true, biblical love. Once we grasp exactly what Christ has done for us and what love really is, we realize that He is the only Cause to live for. How we live is a response to this incredible love, not an attempt to earn it. We exist to glorify Him, and everything we do is meant to reflect that reality.
After laying this foundation, Hannah moves into discussions of beauty, modesty, femininity, and purity, all from the standpoint of the Cause. She reminds the readers not to lose sight of the why behind our actions:
We're going to kick at the little "c" causes that so often snag our feet, and try to replace them with a Jesus-centered view...even biblical behaviors can quickly turn into little "c" causes themselves that distract from the main Cause, if we lose sight of the Reason for our obedience.
Without love, these acts of obedience won't make sense. Without the gospel, we'll become legalists. But if we keep coming back to Jesus as the central reason for these changes, we'll keep that bad word legalism at bay. (p. 61-62)
So how does this play out in the following chapters? Here are just a few of the principles given:
Read the rest of the review here: http://www.homewithpurpose.net/2013/0...
November 14, 2016
I read and discussed this book with a friend and really enjoyed it! (2014)
Reading this book for a second time this year by myself was rewarding. Yes, this book covers many of the same issues as most other books for teen girls do. But it's not just the same old thing, either. Always going back to Christ & God's Word, Hannah Farver brings a fresh perspective to the things we face in everyday life from a Biblical viewpoint. It is inspiring, encouraging, and challenging. I recommend this 5 star book!
Reading this book for a second time this year by myself was rewarding. Yes, this book covers many of the same issues as most other books for teen girls do. But it's not just the same old thing, either. Always going back to Christ & God's Word, Hannah Farver brings a fresh perspective to the things we face in everyday life from a Biblical viewpoint. It is inspiring, encouraging, and challenging. I recommend this 5 star book!
December 10, 2012
I am no stranger to Christian books for teen girls. I’ve occasionally read them since I was that age over twenty years ago. So many times they are encouragement that God still loves you even if you have a bad hair day. I was very pleased and I must admit a bit surprised that Uncompromisng: A Heart Claimed By a Radical Love by Hannah Farver was a deep book for girls. Of course, she discusses beauty and the implications of focusing on the outward appearance, but she puts it into perspective with Scripture.
One thing I really appreciated was her mention of expository Bible Study. If there is one thing I wish she would have elaborated on in this book, it is this topic. Many adults don’t even know there is a way to study the Bible besides letting it fall open to a passage and seeing what is there and calling that their “word for the day”. Hannah encourages in depth Bible study, and that is rare to find in any book, especially one for teens.
She discusses all the hot topics of teen girls. Yes, that includes guys. She doesn’t encourage dating over courtship or vice versa, she allows that decision up to the reader. She talks about the need for community and female friendship -- including Christian woman who are older than you so you can learn from them.
Her book is written in a down to earth way. It is far from preachy. Neither do you feel she puts herself on a pedestal as having all the answers. In fact, as an adult, the biggest flaw I found with this book is it seemed a little too much like a casual conversation. I understand she wanted to make jokes, and that is fine, but the way they were worked into the book disrupted the flow of my reading occasionally, but that could just be a personality quirk of mine.
There are 24 pages of text, 10 pages of composing the checklists “Am I ready for Marriage” and “Modesty Checklist” and 10 pages of a study guide. I believe this book would work well with a teen girls’ discipleship group. With 12 chapters, it could also work well with a Sunday School class.
I highly recommend this book for teen girls, especially those in the younger and middle teen years
FTC disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own.
One thing I really appreciated was her mention of expository Bible Study. If there is one thing I wish she would have elaborated on in this book, it is this topic. Many adults don’t even know there is a way to study the Bible besides letting it fall open to a passage and seeing what is there and calling that their “word for the day”. Hannah encourages in depth Bible study, and that is rare to find in any book, especially one for teens.
She discusses all the hot topics of teen girls. Yes, that includes guys. She doesn’t encourage dating over courtship or vice versa, she allows that decision up to the reader. She talks about the need for community and female friendship -- including Christian woman who are older than you so you can learn from them.
Her book is written in a down to earth way. It is far from preachy. Neither do you feel she puts herself on a pedestal as having all the answers. In fact, as an adult, the biggest flaw I found with this book is it seemed a little too much like a casual conversation. I understand she wanted to make jokes, and that is fine, but the way they were worked into the book disrupted the flow of my reading occasionally, but that could just be a personality quirk of mine.
There are 24 pages of text, 10 pages of composing the checklists “Am I ready for Marriage” and “Modesty Checklist” and 10 pages of a study guide. I believe this book would work well with a teen girls’ discipleship group. With 12 chapters, it could also work well with a Sunday School class.
I highly recommend this book for teen girls, especially those in the younger and middle teen years
FTC disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own.
July 18, 2011
In "Uncompromising: A Heart Claimed By a Radical Love," Hannah Farver offers a fresh voice on what it means to be a young women of modesty, purity, and femininity. Her style is conversational and unassuming. The reader gets no sense of a finger-pointing admonishment to live a pure and holy life from a perfect person. Rather, Farver opens herself to her readers with all her faults, fears, concerns, doubts and questions as a fellow traveler on the road to a life well-lived. Her focus is not on `thou shalt nots' but rather on guiding her readers to find the Cause who is able to fulfil their inner desire to be wholly and unconditionally loved.
Farver opens with an acknowledgement that passion is good and hard-wired into our DNA. We are designed to be passionate about a cause. The world dangles all sorts of causes in front of our eyes to lure us away from the one Cause that can deeply satisfy the desires of our hearts. These worldly causes include the desire to be considered beautiful, popular, famous, and loved. The problem, Farver contends, is that all of these causes are fleeting and leave the seeker wholly unsatisfied. Rather, she challenges, we can live for the one Cause that claims our hearts with a radical love and provides a fully satisfying life. This doesn't mean she wants to remain single all of her life but that she is willing to seek a relationship with God and allow Him to prepare her heart for relationship with the man He has chosen for her.
The book closes with a modesty checklist and an unofficial checklist to help young women determine if they are ready for marriage. The author begs, however, that readers don't take either of these resources as the final word on either topic. A study guide is also included.
I enjoyed this book. It was thought-provoking and encouraged self-reflection. Even as Farver advises young teens to seek out older, more mature "Titus 2 women" I sensed a subtle shift, seemingly unknown to the author, of her becoming just such a woman for the younger teens in her audience. I would recommend this book for 12+ teens.
Farver opens with an acknowledgement that passion is good and hard-wired into our DNA. We are designed to be passionate about a cause. The world dangles all sorts of causes in front of our eyes to lure us away from the one Cause that can deeply satisfy the desires of our hearts. These worldly causes include the desire to be considered beautiful, popular, famous, and loved. The problem, Farver contends, is that all of these causes are fleeting and leave the seeker wholly unsatisfied. Rather, she challenges, we can live for the one Cause that claims our hearts with a radical love and provides a fully satisfying life. This doesn't mean she wants to remain single all of her life but that she is willing to seek a relationship with God and allow Him to prepare her heart for relationship with the man He has chosen for her.
The book closes with a modesty checklist and an unofficial checklist to help young women determine if they are ready for marriage. The author begs, however, that readers don't take either of these resources as the final word on either topic. A study guide is also included.
I enjoyed this book. It was thought-provoking and encouraged self-reflection. Even as Farver advises young teens to seek out older, more mature "Titus 2 women" I sensed a subtle shift, seemingly unknown to the author, of her becoming just such a woman for the younger teens in her audience. I would recommend this book for 12+ teens.
July 21, 2011
Uncompromising is a book written by young college student, Hannah Farver, for teens and young women for today.
There are ’causes’ that are competing every day for each young woman’s heart. Hannah provides a list of ’causes’ that need to take a back seat or at least an attitude adjustment to the real Cause. They sneak up very subtly, drawing young women unaware.
She’s not saying all these causes are wrong. But they need to be put into the right priority and perspective. The True Cause must take precedence. A few of the causes that can sidetrack a young lady are:
The world’s beauty
You need more than a guy
Feminism
Equality
She goes into detail on some of the real purposes that young women need to look into:
Inner beauty
Femininity
Modesty
Purity
Marriage in God’s Will
Friends
Submission
And most importantly, Seeking First the Kingdom of God, THE CAUSE
This is one power-packed book of what womanhood truly means. Coming from a young college student, you know God has given her truths and wisdom beyond her years. She pulls no punches, but she does couch it with a lot of humor and wit. No questioning her loyalty to her Lord.
Every young woman and teen needs to read Hannah’s book to get a better handle on God’s love for them and to submit to His ways for their own joy and the joy of serving others. In fact, it would be a great book for a mother/daughter discussion time. A time to bond and learn how to be a Godly women after His own heart.
I received this book free from Moody Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
There are ’causes’ that are competing every day for each young woman’s heart. Hannah provides a list of ’causes’ that need to take a back seat or at least an attitude adjustment to the real Cause. They sneak up very subtly, drawing young women unaware.
She’s not saying all these causes are wrong. But they need to be put into the right priority and perspective. The True Cause must take precedence. A few of the causes that can sidetrack a young lady are:
The world’s beauty
You need more than a guy
Feminism
Equality
She goes into detail on some of the real purposes that young women need to look into:
Inner beauty
Femininity
Modesty
Purity
Marriage in God’s Will
Friends
Submission
And most importantly, Seeking First the Kingdom of God, THE CAUSE
This is one power-packed book of what womanhood truly means. Coming from a young college student, you know God has given her truths and wisdom beyond her years. She pulls no punches, but she does couch it with a lot of humor and wit. No questioning her loyalty to her Lord.
Every young woman and teen needs to read Hannah’s book to get a better handle on God’s love for them and to submit to His ways for their own joy and the joy of serving others. In fact, it would be a great book for a mother/daughter discussion time. A time to bond and learn how to be a Godly women after His own heart.
I received this book free from Moody Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 4, 2014
This really is a must read book for any teenaged girl. So much truth is packed into this book.
Hannah tackles tough issues with love and grace and she doesn’t hold back on what the Bible teaches.
As a mom I totally appreciate this book for my daughter, but even as an adult women who can struggle with issues of the heart I appreciate it as a reminder of who God created me to be.
I really liked the chapter on modesty, this chapter alone it worth the book. Hannah offers some great insights into the clothes girls choose to wear and asks why are you choosing the wear that? What is the heart behind that choice? This is a timely chapter for my daughter and me as summer is here and she sees a lot of girls wearing bikinis. I don’t allow my daughter to wear them. My daughter and I have also had conversations about that fact that it is part of our responsibility as women to help keep boys mines pure. If we dress in a way that will lead them to think lustful thoughts then we are part of the problem. Young girls (and women) need to take responsibility for how we dress.
I do think this book is geared more toward teens, I think my daughter might get a bit bored reading it, but she is only twelve. But this is a very good book and much needed.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Hannah tackles tough issues with love and grace and she doesn’t hold back on what the Bible teaches.
As a mom I totally appreciate this book for my daughter, but even as an adult women who can struggle with issues of the heart I appreciate it as a reminder of who God created me to be.
I really liked the chapter on modesty, this chapter alone it worth the book. Hannah offers some great insights into the clothes girls choose to wear and asks why are you choosing the wear that? What is the heart behind that choice? This is a timely chapter for my daughter and me as summer is here and she sees a lot of girls wearing bikinis. I don’t allow my daughter to wear them. My daughter and I have also had conversations about that fact that it is part of our responsibility as women to help keep boys mines pure. If we dress in a way that will lead them to think lustful thoughts then we are part of the problem. Young girls (and women) need to take responsibility for how we dress.
I do think this book is geared more toward teens, I think my daughter might get a bit bored reading it, but she is only twelve. But this is a very good book and much needed.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2011
With tween and teen daughters in the house and the girls in the weekly Bible study, I'm always on the lookout for good books for young ladies. I read the summary for Uncompromising and expected author Hannah Farver to write the typical dos and don'ts list with a sprinkling of relationship advice. What a pleasant surprise to be proved wrong!
Miss Farver is a young gal herself, barely out of her teen years. She has an incredibly grounded view of life and seems to know how to live that out. The book begins with an explanation of the Cause and the causes. God's plan for our lives, centered around His sacrifice and love for us, is THE Cause. However, we tend to fill our minds and, consequently, our hours on the little causes that seem to be so important, losing sight of the main thing. This book touches on all the normal issues today's young lady faces, from friendships and dating to beauty and self-esteem, but it does so from the inside-out. Rather than focusing on what you should do, the focus in on why and for whom you should do. With a study guide included, this is the perfect book for groups large and small, or for sharing with a daughter or young friend.
**NOTE: Moody Publishers via NetGalley provided this book to me for review purposes.
Miss Farver is a young gal herself, barely out of her teen years. She has an incredibly grounded view of life and seems to know how to live that out. The book begins with an explanation of the Cause and the causes. God's plan for our lives, centered around His sacrifice and love for us, is THE Cause. However, we tend to fill our minds and, consequently, our hours on the little causes that seem to be so important, losing sight of the main thing. This book touches on all the normal issues today's young lady faces, from friendships and dating to beauty and self-esteem, but it does so from the inside-out. Rather than focusing on what you should do, the focus in on why and for whom you should do. With a study guide included, this is the perfect book for groups large and small, or for sharing with a daughter or young friend.
**NOTE: Moody Publishers via NetGalley provided this book to me for review purposes.
October 12, 2012
This is one of the best books I've read written for teen girls. Hannah Farver encourages girls to first and foremost get right with God and have Him as priority in their lives, and then all the other things in life will fall into place as they seek His will. (Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness - then all these things will be added unto you) Not only could this book be enjoyed by girls, but boys, also. At times, the style of writing is a bit hip/trendy to the extent that some things might need explanation to a younger teen - we started to read it with our 13 year old and she was asking "What does she mean here?" What does that word mean?" Some chapters are easier to grasp that others for this agegroup - so we may just choose the chapters which we feel she'd understand best and would apply to her best at this time of her life and leave the rest for another year.
The chapter on'Friendship' is challenging and quite possibly the best I've read anywhere on choosing friends wisely/defining friendship and what true, worthwhile friends look like. She also addresses tolerance (where we put up with friends ungodly behaviour, just to fit in) - something which all teens struggle with.
An excellent, and challenging book. The Gospel shines through in every chapter.
The chapter on'Friendship' is challenging and quite possibly the best I've read anywhere on choosing friends wisely/defining friendship and what true, worthwhile friends look like. She also addresses tolerance (where we put up with friends ungodly behaviour, just to fit in) - something which all teens struggle with.
An excellent, and challenging book. The Gospel shines through in every chapter.
July 15, 2013
This is a really good book for girls. It is written by a college student in a way for teenagers to relate, but not in the I'm-an-adult-trying-to-talk-like-a-teen type of way. A lot of the book is about modesty (I'm a strong Christian and I even learned some things on that) but the whole book encompasses love. It talks about relationships with guys and girls and family and most importantly with God. There is a LOT of good Bible verses in here and I think this is a great book for any girl, whether she is an atheist or a long-time Christian (although those more defensive against religion would probably not willingly read this because of the strong Christian message and constant Bible references).
June 11, 2012
At first, I thought this book would be your typical book about purity and not making guys your top priority, but it ended up having some deeper thoughts that I really appreciated. I especially like the second half. She even mentioned de Tocqueville and Bernard of Clairvaux, if only for a short reference.
November 17, 2013
Wow. Read the book.
March 9, 2018
This book really helped me think about my faith differently - in a positive way.
September 4, 2012
I highly recommend this book for anyone
FTC: I received a free copy of this book and was not reimbursed in any other way.
FTC: I received a free copy of this book and was not reimbursed in any other way.
April 20, 2013
Great thoughts on true beauty, identity in Christ, and dealing with common "girl" weaknesses.
July 25, 2013
výborná kniha, pomohla mi uvedomiť si a pochopiť niektoré veci, ktoré ma štvali, bolo to veľmi prínosné čítanie :)
February 7, 2019
What I remembered of this book before I read it this year is that when I first started reading it at thirteen few years back, I adored it. Now I ascribe this to my admiration of the fact that the author published a book this young and she evidently knew what she was talking about.
This blind affection underlined my distaste for it once I picked it up now. Not for the embarrassment of my younger self, but also for the fact that I now had my own experiences and beliefs about things this book has touched upon. Moreover, the foreword by Brett Harris, the coauthor of the book 'Do Hard Things' (which I liked), went in my opinion overboard with praising Hannah as a person, which is not bad, except it made me feel as if my negative emotions to few parts were unjustified, since the author is supposedly a good person. I am not saying otherwise, but I prefer my thoughts on the book not influenced greatly by my thoughts on the writer.
Halfway through I was conviced of giving it two stars. I felt as if the author was quite subjective touching upon certain topic, exaggerating even - although I am unsure whether or not this is a dealbreaker, nothing about this book is implying this to be a literature of fact. I do not mean to mock the book, the author herself or the religion she adheres. I myself am from a Christian household, although I was not raised in a less strict environment. I understand where the author is coming from, yet I cannot bring myself to embrace her opinions, as I sometimes through reading this felt advised to. (Plus I have a major problem with the first notable parable about David and Alexis.)
(Also, as I noticed someone pointing this out, the mentioning of certain people's names, full names even, seemed unnecessary (and inappropriate to me at times, and made me ponder if the author had a permission from all of them).)
For the majority of the book I was keen on giving it two stars. Only the last few chapters were redeeming for me, ones I enjoyed reading and agreed with the majority of the time. It was questionable however, whether this outcome was worth raising up to the three.
But I do not want to give rating solely based on my personal enjoyment, as I think I gave this too much of bashing. I understand and believe this book could be uplifting to some girls (and women) and as I am not that much of a Christian, it is not my place to bring this book down in front of someone who could benefit from it. Overall, it was a harmless, readable book, but I am not about to forward it to anyone's TBR anytime soon.
Review update
Reading through this review again made me feel dishonest and revaluating the notes I had in this book, I decided to make my rating two out of five. 'It is okay'but not that 'I liked it' much in particular. It is possibke this under-average rating was only a poor conclusion of unfortunate circumstances - few sentenced which played out badly, the foreword, the parables - but this is my honest thought on theUncompromising.
This blind affection underlined my distaste for it once I picked it up now. Not for the embarrassment of my younger self, but also for the fact that I now had my own experiences and beliefs about things this book has touched upon. Moreover, the foreword by Brett Harris, the coauthor of the book 'Do Hard Things' (which I liked), went in my opinion overboard with praising Hannah as a person, which is not bad, except it made me feel as if my negative emotions to few parts were unjustified, since the author is supposedly a good person. I am not saying otherwise, but I prefer my thoughts on the book not influenced greatly by my thoughts on the writer.
Halfway through I was conviced of giving it two stars. I felt as if the author was quite subjective touching upon certain topic, exaggerating even - although I am unsure whether or not this is a dealbreaker, nothing about this book is implying this to be a literature of fact. I do not mean to mock the book, the author herself or the religion she adheres. I myself am from a Christian household, although I was not raised in a less strict environment. I understand where the author is coming from, yet I cannot bring myself to embrace her opinions, as I sometimes through reading this felt advised to. (Plus I have a major problem with the first notable parable about David and Alexis.)
(Also, as I noticed someone pointing this out, the mentioning of certain people's names, full names even, seemed unnecessary (and inappropriate to me at times, and made me ponder if the author had a permission from all of them).)
For the majority of the book I was keen on giving it two stars. Only the last few chapters were redeeming for me, ones I enjoyed reading and agreed with the majority of the time. It was questionable however, whether this outcome was worth raising up to the three.
But I do not want to give rating solely based on my personal enjoyment, as I think I gave this too much of bashing. I understand and believe this book could be uplifting to some girls (and women) and as I am not that much of a Christian, it is not my place to bring this book down in front of someone who could benefit from it. Overall, it was a harmless, readable book, but I am not about to forward it to anyone's TBR anytime soon.
Review update
Reading through this review again made me feel dishonest and revaluating the notes I had in this book, I decided to make my rating two out of five. 'It is okay'but not that 'I liked it' much in particular. It is possibke this under-average rating was only a poor conclusion of unfortunate circumstances - few sentenced which played out badly, the foreword, the parables - but this is my honest thought on theUncompromising.
August 16, 2013
RECENZIA NA BLOGU
Moje myšlienky
Ani neviem, ako by som mala začať. Táto kniha je naozaj radikálna, ak nie hneď prehnaná. Hannah v nej prezentuje svoje názory na kresťanskú krásu, ženskosť a postoj k životu. Dosť som sa Nekompromisnú tešila, ale moje očakávania neboli naplnené.
Začiatok sa mi zdal veľmi dobrý. Hannah má skvelý štýl písania - zaujme, nepodáva všetko len faktograficky, má svoj vlastný názor - ktorý sa skvelo číta. Bohužiaľ, je to najväčšie plus celej knihy. Autorka rozpráva svoj názor, preto v knihe nenájdeme žiaden dej. Ibaže som mala pocit, akoby od každej novej témy, ktorú nastolí, akosi znova skĺzala do všeobecného uvažovania a vlastne stále opakovala dookola to isté, čo sme už počuli.
V niektorých veciach som s Hannah úplne súhlasila. Niektoré ma šokovali. Áno, dievčatá sa dnes obliekajú tak, že sú viac vyzlečené než oblečené. Vidno podprsenky, zadok, sem tam aj iné časti tela. Ale aby sme teraz nenosili šortky, tričká bez ramienok a pod.? A v lete, keď sú štyridsiatky horúčavy, tak si dám tričko s rukávom, nohavice po kolená a upečiem sa po piatich krokoch, čo som opustila dom? Ďakujem, neprosím.
Možno práve otázka obliekania ma "podráždila" najviac. Pretože zastávam názor, že vyššie spomenuté oblečenie nie neslušné a že nepokúša chlapcov okolo. Týmto sa dostávam k ďalšej časti. Kresťanskí chlapci. Tí už podľa knihy majú hriešne myšlienky, len keď vidia dievča s odhalenými nohami. Tak to majú asi v živote ťažké, lebo Amerika prekypuje dlhonohými dievčatami, ktoré v horúčavách nosia krátke sukne. Teraz sa trošku obávam, čo si o mne pomyslíte. Nezastávam trend vystrč, čo máš (prípadne nemáš), čím kratšie tým lepšie alebo niečo podobné. Len chcem podotknúť, že sú chvíle, keď sa chcem páčiť alebo len ochrániť pred mokrými fľakmi od potu na tričku. Mierne (len mierne?) som odbočila od hlavnej témy, takže späť.
Pomocou Hannahiných opisov som si urobila dobrý obraz o kresťanskom spoločenstve. Znie to veľmi pekne a lákavo. Škoda, že u nás nie je nič podobné. Pretože ako som vyrozumela, tam kde žije sa ľudia naozaj stretávajú a pomáhajú si navzájom, nechodia len do kostola, a keď z neho vyjdú nerobia ihneď napriek susedom.
Niektoré pasáže si z môjho pohľadu protirečili. V jednej vete hovorí toto, ale druhá už trošku podkopáva tú prvú. Páčilo sa mi, ako používala na vykreslenie príbehy. Čo sa mi nepáčilo - nepáčilo sa mi vymenúvanie kamarátiek krstným menom aj priezviskom. Ak to bolo v peknej súvislosti, vôbec mi to neprekážalo, ale až okolo strany 183 som si uvedomila, že niektorým sa v podstate vysmieva. To je možno nie je správne slovo, ale iné mi nenapadlo - prinajmenšom o nich nehovorí pekne.
Nakoniec by som ešte chcela povedať, že vlastne netuším, čo týmto všetkým chcela autorka povedať. Na začiatku písala o kráse. Na mňa to pôsobilo, akoby sa chcela trošku vyžalovať. Keď hovorila o tom, že každý je krásny aký je - súhlasím, ale že skúsim schudnúť alebo vyformovať postavu neznamená, že pôjdem do pekla. Alebo keď vysvetľovala konanie dobrých skutkov. Toto ma dostalo. Mám konať dobro, ale nie pretože chcem, nie pretože chcem získať obdiv, nie preto aby som niekomu pomohla, ale pretože to chce Boh. Je jasné, že Boh chce, aby sme konali dobré skutky a tak sa snažíme, ale keď chcem niekomu pomôcť predsa viem, že to Boha poteší. Ibaže celá tá konštelácia tejto časti na mňa pôsobila skôr negatívne než pozitívne.
Na druhej strane, ma zaujalo, ako hovorila o dievčatách, ktoré nepovažujú mamu za svoju priateľku alebo nechcú tráviť žiaden čas doma. Myslím, že v tomto ohľade mala pravdu. Kamarátok budeme mať na každom mieste, kde prídeme, ale mama je len jedna. Podobne to platí na sestry a zvyšok rodiny.
V konečnom dôsledku je najlepšie povedať, že v mnohých veciach som s ňou nesúhlasila. Pôsobila príliš no.. nie umelo... ale tak prehnane a ja som z nej mala pocit, že príliš tlačí na čitateľa. Neberiem jej jej presvedčenie a netvrdím, že je zlé či nesprávne, no vôbec mi nesadol spôsob podania. (Uf. Pozerám, že som to s dĺžkou dneska natiahla. Dúfam, že ste to zvládli. :))
Moje myšlienky
Ani neviem, ako by som mala začať. Táto kniha je naozaj radikálna, ak nie hneď prehnaná. Hannah v nej prezentuje svoje názory na kresťanskú krásu, ženskosť a postoj k životu. Dosť som sa Nekompromisnú tešila, ale moje očakávania neboli naplnené.
Začiatok sa mi zdal veľmi dobrý. Hannah má skvelý štýl písania - zaujme, nepodáva všetko len faktograficky, má svoj vlastný názor - ktorý sa skvelo číta. Bohužiaľ, je to najväčšie plus celej knihy. Autorka rozpráva svoj názor, preto v knihe nenájdeme žiaden dej. Ibaže som mala pocit, akoby od každej novej témy, ktorú nastolí, akosi znova skĺzala do všeobecného uvažovania a vlastne stále opakovala dookola to isté, čo sme už počuli.
V niektorých veciach som s Hannah úplne súhlasila. Niektoré ma šokovali. Áno, dievčatá sa dnes obliekajú tak, že sú viac vyzlečené než oblečené. Vidno podprsenky, zadok, sem tam aj iné časti tela. Ale aby sme teraz nenosili šortky, tričká bez ramienok a pod.? A v lete, keď sú štyridsiatky horúčavy, tak si dám tričko s rukávom, nohavice po kolená a upečiem sa po piatich krokoch, čo som opustila dom? Ďakujem, neprosím.
Možno práve otázka obliekania ma "podráždila" najviac. Pretože zastávam názor, že vyššie spomenuté oblečenie nie neslušné a že nepokúša chlapcov okolo. Týmto sa dostávam k ďalšej časti. Kresťanskí chlapci. Tí už podľa knihy majú hriešne myšlienky, len keď vidia dievča s odhalenými nohami. Tak to majú asi v živote ťažké, lebo Amerika prekypuje dlhonohými dievčatami, ktoré v horúčavách nosia krátke sukne. Teraz sa trošku obávam, čo si o mne pomyslíte. Nezastávam trend vystrč, čo máš (prípadne nemáš), čím kratšie tým lepšie alebo niečo podobné. Len chcem podotknúť, že sú chvíle, keď sa chcem páčiť alebo len ochrániť pred mokrými fľakmi od potu na tričku. Mierne (len mierne?) som odbočila od hlavnej témy, takže späť.
Pomocou Hannahiných opisov som si urobila dobrý obraz o kresťanskom spoločenstve. Znie to veľmi pekne a lákavo. Škoda, že u nás nie je nič podobné. Pretože ako som vyrozumela, tam kde žije sa ľudia naozaj stretávajú a pomáhajú si navzájom, nechodia len do kostola, a keď z neho vyjdú nerobia ihneď napriek susedom.
Niektoré pasáže si z môjho pohľadu protirečili. V jednej vete hovorí toto, ale druhá už trošku podkopáva tú prvú. Páčilo sa mi, ako používala na vykreslenie príbehy. Čo sa mi nepáčilo - nepáčilo sa mi vymenúvanie kamarátiek krstným menom aj priezviskom. Ak to bolo v peknej súvislosti, vôbec mi to neprekážalo, ale až okolo strany 183 som si uvedomila, že niektorým sa v podstate vysmieva. To je možno nie je správne slovo, ale iné mi nenapadlo - prinajmenšom o nich nehovorí pekne.
Nakoniec by som ešte chcela povedať, že vlastne netuším, čo týmto všetkým chcela autorka povedať. Na začiatku písala o kráse. Na mňa to pôsobilo, akoby sa chcela trošku vyžalovať. Keď hovorila o tom, že každý je krásny aký je - súhlasím, ale že skúsim schudnúť alebo vyformovať postavu neznamená, že pôjdem do pekla. Alebo keď vysvetľovala konanie dobrých skutkov. Toto ma dostalo. Mám konať dobro, ale nie pretože chcem, nie pretože chcem získať obdiv, nie preto aby som niekomu pomohla, ale pretože to chce Boh. Je jasné, že Boh chce, aby sme konali dobré skutky a tak sa snažíme, ale keď chcem niekomu pomôcť predsa viem, že to Boha poteší. Ibaže celá tá konštelácia tejto časti na mňa pôsobila skôr negatívne než pozitívne.
Na druhej strane, ma zaujalo, ako hovorila o dievčatách, ktoré nepovažujú mamu za svoju priateľku alebo nechcú tráviť žiaden čas doma. Myslím, že v tomto ohľade mala pravdu. Kamarátok budeme mať na každom mieste, kde prídeme, ale mama je len jedna. Podobne to platí na sestry a zvyšok rodiny.
V konečnom dôsledku je najlepšie povedať, že v mnohých veciach som s ňou nesúhlasila. Pôsobila príliš no.. nie umelo... ale tak prehnane a ja som z nej mala pocit, že príliš tlačí na čitateľa. Neberiem jej jej presvedčenie a netvrdím, že je zlé či nesprávne, no vôbec mi nesadol spôsob podania. (Uf. Pozerám, že som to s dĺžkou dneska natiahla. Dúfam, že ste to zvládli. :))
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