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Middling: What Jesus Said About Perspective, Being Between Things and Not Yet Knowing stuff
224 pages, Paperback
Published June 23, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Emma Ineson's Middling takes a unique and insightful look at the "in-between" spaces of life, faith, and ministry—those moments where we find ourselves caught between what was and what is yet to come. Drawing on biblical wisdom, personal reflection, and real-world examples, Ineson explores how we can learn to embrace uncertainty, tension, and ambiguity as part of God’s refining process.
One of the book's strengths is its ability to speak to both people in ministry and those outside of it. While rooted in Christian theology, its messages about navigating tension, uncertainty, and the call to live with integrity in a divided world are accessible to anyone facing life’s challenges and transitions. Ineson encourages readers to pause in their journeys, asking deep questions about growth, failure, and how to live faithfully when life feels uncertain or incomplete.
I particularly appreciated the chapter on midlife, which resonated deeply with me. It was enlightening to read about the shift from being the "young one" to becoming the one who listens and encourages others. It also prompted me to think about how we handle failure and regret, not as stumbling blocks, but as raw material for growth and redemption in Christ.
The book isn’t necessarily a quick read, as it touches on many themes and weaves together personal reflection, scripture, and stories from the Church. It’s a book that invites you to sit with its ideas and ponder them—so it’s probably best suited for someone who wants to engage deeply with these themes, rather than someone looking for quick answers.
While Ineson’s writing is full of wisdom, I did feel some parts could have been a bit more concise or focused, but overall, I found it to be a thought-provoking and enriching journey through life’s "middle" ground.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from SPCK Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
One of the book's strengths is its ability to speak to both people in ministry and those outside of it. While rooted in Christian theology, its messages about navigating tension, uncertainty, and the call to live with integrity in a divided world are accessible to anyone facing life’s challenges and transitions. Ineson encourages readers to pause in their journeys, asking deep questions about growth, failure, and how to live faithfully when life feels uncertain or incomplete.
I particularly appreciated the chapter on midlife, which resonated deeply with me. It was enlightening to read about the shift from being the "young one" to becoming the one who listens and encourages others. It also prompted me to think about how we handle failure and regret, not as stumbling blocks, but as raw material for growth and redemption in Christ.
The book isn’t necessarily a quick read, as it touches on many themes and weaves together personal reflection, scripture, and stories from the Church. It’s a book that invites you to sit with its ideas and ponder them—so it’s probably best suited for someone who wants to engage deeply with these themes, rather than someone looking for quick answers.
While Ineson’s writing is full of wisdom, I did feel some parts could have been a bit more concise or focused, but overall, I found it to be a thought-provoking and enriching journey through life’s "middle" ground.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from SPCK Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 of 1 review