Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down

by Kirk Byron Jones

A much-needed resource that debunks the "need for speed" mentality that so many people have embraced as a part of their everyday lives. This book goes beyond social and psychological analysis to include spiritual perspectives on the dangers of letting hurry become a chronic condition. Each chapter includes helpful questions that allow readers to identify their current pace of life and assist them in cultivating their own sacred, savoring pace.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[JJ Vancil · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book for school. I was certainly moved and convicted by some key thoughts in the book. For that, I'm thankful. However, the writing was poor and the analogies at times didn't make sense. It is short enough to read over the course of a few days and would recommend doing so, but I wouldn't write home about it. That said, I am making changes in my busy life due to some of the thoughts proposed.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for school. It had some good insights, but there wasn't really anything groundbreaking in it. My main takeaway was that we have to mentally combat our addiction to hurry if we are going to physically combat it.

[Sadie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book with my small group at church. Good premise but the book felt really repetitive.

[Karen Hunt · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice little book. Not remarkable or brilliant and not as relevant to me as Martha to the Max was, but still had some good suggestions. Had good exercises.

[Jonathan A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a deep respect for Dr. Jones, his legacy and his work. It is that respect that prodded me to take my time in reading what is a very brief, cursory book. I wanted more. I wanted more than just references to other books, more than just a listing of pithy sayings that I could find on a calendar. Jones is speaking to an important subject, clearly has done some research, but is not offering a depth that could be so valuable.
The book was written in 2003 and 20 years later it still speaks to a deep and real need in our lives. I only wish it spoke to those need more slowly, deliberately, and with more depth.

[Shanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that makes you think about the way you're living your life and the speed you live it at. The author makes you consider what we gain by slowing down and savoring more. There is moment when the author says he was moved by a painting of birds on a tree, trying to figure out if they'd just finished flying or were preparing to fly. Birds cannot fly continuously, ever creature needs rest. We cannot soar if we don't sit. It challenged me to slow down, appreciate, and listen. I'm usually more defined by what I do than who I am.

[Kelsey Grissom · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s not that this is a bad book, there are just much better ones on the same subject. Soul Keeping (Ortberg) and Sabbath (Muller) come to mind. However, having read widely on this subject, I think it’s worth pointing out that this book comes from the African American Baptist tradition, and so lends a slightly different perspective to what would otherwise be a pretty uniformly white and/or Jewish reading list.

[Mike Steinsdoerfer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good thoughts on the why we need to slow down, but not very much application or “how to”. Also found it difficult to follow his writing style in most places. Illustrations often didn’t connect to the point he was trying to make, but rather something else that was general.

[CJ Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ... compelling

[Rick Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jones provides great insight and tips on how to slow down in life.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really make you mindful of how much we rush through life instead of enjoying it and using our spirituality.