Anyone who’s struggled with an addiction of some sort would agree that finding lasting contentment from the actual addiction is much like a dog chasing its tail—only a lot less adorable. Let Me Fall is the love story between God and His dimwitted daughter. I’m the dimwit in case you were wondering. As a grown woman, it pains me to admit that the catalyst for this story was my obsession with Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga, and the despair immediately following my reading it. If my despair were merely of the lighthearted, “oh darn I chipped a nail” variety, you wouldn’t be reading this book description. But it wasn’t, and you are. As in most tales of woe, I hit rock-bottom, which meant all my nails got chipped. Fearing the savage state of my cuticles as well as my heart, I finally called out to Father God for help. Spoiler Alert: He showed up with a spiritual defibrillator. Let Me Fall is where my literal world figuratively collides with God as He shows me more of who I am and who He is. My story isn’t a formula for falling in love with God. But I would be thrilled if it is a catalyst for others to do the same.
Beth Pensinger is an awkward, semi-colon abusing nobody who smiles too much. She is the author of four—make that four and a half—journals and untold scores of napkin-notes. Her first book, 'Let Me Fall: The Love Story Between God and His Dimwitted Daughter' was released on April Fool's Day 2013. She lives near Myrtle Beach, SC with her husband, dog, and human-hating chameleon. Purchase her book through Amazon or directly through her website, www.bethpensinger.com. Visit with her there, where she blogs about dirty microwaves, infertility, and the fine qualities of Faramir of Gondor.
I have to hand it to her, Beth Pensinger knows how to put a reader at ease.
No judge-i-ness. No pronouncements of self-importance. No sneaky reminders of unworthiness. Just... an honest, no-holds-barred glimpse into her own journey from an addiction to love stories to investing herself fully in her own love story with Christ.
There is a certain ridiculousness to Let Me Fall: The Love Story Between God and His Dimwitted Daughter; Pensinger exposes herself with the same welcoming grimace, giving way to acceptance that one could reasonably expect to share when on a Saturday morning, mountains of laundry are piled up on the couch and the sink is filled with breakfast dishes AND you're still in your pajamas and because you lounged all morning in bed, you haven't brushed your teeth yet... and there's a knock at your door. We've all experienced the panicky need for escape; if only to preserve the illusion of SuperMom/ WorshipGirl that makes us feel all shiny when we are at church.
I have to admit, I giggled.
With an uncanny ability to balance the sacred and the realism of trying to make good without personal risk, Let Me Fall is written for any of us who've ever been guilty of making "worship arm" poses in front of the mirror before church, to see how our sleeves fall. Its written for those of us who make our throats sore, screaming at our kids from the front seat of the car on the way to church, only to adopt a saccharine-sweet tone as soon as we enter the sanctuary, directing menacing glares to our poor, sweet cherubs as they run for the relative safety and cover of the youth program.
I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd walked into a Twilight Zone episode, in which I start out reading Rick Renner's, The Quest, only in this vision, he's a mom with mismatched socks looking for meaning in Edward Cullen and Bella Swan's romance. But it works Don't ask me how, but it works.
A physical copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author for purposes of review.
Awesome book. Written generally for women, but worth a read by men as well. Cool mix of memoir and fiction novel. A dash of "Pilgrim's Progress" with a sprinkle of "The Shack" and a slice of Beth's life creates a heaping helping of awesome. I am the author's husband, obviously biased. But I do believe the recipe she's created here is one worthy of you trying.
I received this book as a first reads win. Pensinger uses a very likable voice. She uses both Biblical and non-Biblical references throughout that readers can really relate to. This read gave me the chance to really reflect on my own journey with God.
“Anyone who’s struggled with an addiction of some sort would agree that finding lasting contentment from the actual addiction is much like a dog chasing its tail – only a lot less adorable.”
“Let Me Fall is the love story between God and His dimwitted daughter. I’m the dimwit in case you were wondering.”
“Let Me Fall is where my literal world figuratively collides with God as He shows me once more of who I am and who He is. My story isn’t a formula for falling in love with God. But I would be thrilled if it is a catalyst for others to do the same.”
I won this book through a Goodreads.com giveaway. I was so excited for it to arrive, as I was intrigued just from the title alone. I have to say, I was not disappointed!! I loved this book. Though the author states that this book is her story through her addiction… this book spoke to me in a very different tone. It spoke to me in the words that God knew I needed to hear. What a blessing this book was to me. It is not a book that I will read one time and put up on the shelf.
Thank you Mrs. Pensinger for being dutiful to that heavenly nudge and putting pen to paper.
*Disclaimer: I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
I won this book on the Goodreads giveaway and anxiously awaited it's arrival. What a delightful surprise when it arrived with a hand written, personalized note from Mrs. Pensinger herself. It was very thoughful of her to take the time to address me personally. I immediatly liked her.
I am currently on page 79. I am not a highly spiritual person so I am not completely sold on the book at this point, yet I find myself relating to Beth and her journey to find spirituality. I am enjoying the book. It is very warm and heartfelt and I love her sense of humor.
Will update when I finish the book.
11-19-2013. I finished this book today and I must say that I found it delighful and easy to read. I'm a bit of a skeptic when it comes to religion but Mrs. Pensinger's writing captured my attention and intrigued me. I will be recommending this book to my friends.
I was excited to win this book, as it was one of the first books I won through Goodreads First-reads. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a hand-written note by the author along with the book in the mail. I found the book to be quite engaging and easy to read. I like that she used both Biblical and non-Biblical references, which made it easy to relate. It was like having a friend share her personal journey with God. It's an inspiring read and encourages you to embrace that real relationship with God and not letting anything hold you back from completely loving Him. I like that Beth showed us that God can be right there with you, especially when we are going through life's struggles and that we just need to trust in Him. I highly recommend this book.
I won a copy of this book, and I'm so glad I did! I almost finished it in one sitting, because Beth's writing had such a conversational and casual tone. I loved the format of each chapter: first hearing about her struggles (and humorous stories), followed by her spiritual journey narrative (which made me stop and think every time). Her words really put a visual to something you cannot see, and I really appreciated that perspective. Beth's stories make me feel like a normal human being who stumbles every now and then and gets hooked on silly things in today's society. Thanks for your honesty and hopeful messages, Beth!
I was very fortunate to get my hands on an advance copy of this debut novel through a GoodReads giveaway, and it did not disappoint! I was so surprised that it arrived with a handwritten note from the author - so thoughtful. This book was so raw and honest, and Beth's story truly touched me. She has such an accessible voice, and uses plenty of Biblical and non-Biblical references throughout the book that readers can really relate to. I really appreciated the opportunity Beth gave me to reflect on my own spiritual journey while reading about hers. I hope she continues to write more!
Some books just tug on your heart in the coolest way--and that's Beth Pensinger's Let Me Fall. Beth has a fabulously fun voice and her writing style invites you to linger over her words. But most of all, I loved how she let us into her heart in this book. In between (and even in the mist of) LOL moments, her honesty and heart for God shine through. This is one I know I'll be re-reading.
Beth Pensinger tells such an amazing love story of falling in love with her Savior! It keeps me there, never wanting to put it down and always wanting to dive deeper into the love relationship I have with my Savior! Keep them coming, Beth!!
I loved this book. The author was funny and real. I really enjoyed her writing style. Reading her book gave me a new perspective of my faith. I would recommend this book to others,