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Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire: The Guide to Being Glorious You
New York Times bestselling author Jen Hatmaker, with cheeky candor and fearlessness, guides readers to a deep dive into how they are wired and provides them with the tools to walk in that identity with freedom and guts.
Stuck in people-pleasing or fear, many women hide and pretend, then end up sidelined in their own lives. But what they want is to be brave, to claim every gift, dream, quirk, and emotion inside, to stop performing and start living.
Beloved New York Times bestselling author Jen Hatmaker understands the struggle to find firm footing in a culture that operates from stereotypes and often unreachable expectations. In this new book, she offers women encouragement, challenge, and humor as she helps them identify everything that makes them tick and gain the confidence to live it all out. She leads them through five self-reflective categories—who I am, what I need, what I want, what I believe, and how I connect—and helps them:
identify the exact ways they pretend, and learn instead how to be genuine at all times, in all ways, in all contexts; be empowered to say yes and no without guilt; learn to voice both their spiritual questions and convictions; and opt out of drama and into healthy adult relationships.With wry humor, earnest passion, and been-there insight, Jen calls women to the life-giving freedom of leaning into the identity, convictions, and community they've been given.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2020
1307 people are currently reading
12180 people want to read
About the author
Jen Hatmaker
49 books3,212 followersJEN HATMAKER is the New York Times bestselling author of For the Love and Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire, along with twelve other books. She hosts the award-winning For the Love podcast, is the delighted curator of the Jen Hatmaker Book Club, and leader of a tightly knit online community where she reaches millions of people each week. Jen is a co-founder of Legacy Collective, a giving organization that grants millions of dollars toward sustainable projects around the world. She is a mom to five kids and lives happily just outside Austin, Texas.
To learn more about Jen, visit www.jenhatmaker.com.
To learn more about Jen, visit www.jenhatmaker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,614 reviews
February 6, 2020
I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this fabulous book, provided to me by the publisher.
The title of this book epitomizes how I felt when I'd finished reading it. In a deviation from the more cathartic, meditative tone of For the Love, Jen Hatmaker's newest novel is an inspirational tour de force, boldly proclaiming to every reader that she is worthy, stronger than she believes, and capable of tackling any challenge, ambition, or opportunity she faces.
Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire guides readers to this place of self-actualization by exploring the who, what, and how behind each of these three words. Hatmaker explores the way each women's wants, needs, and predispositions can (and should) be honored in a way that is less trite self-help book and more personal, meaningful encouragement and advice from a friend.
In promoting the book, she's said "I [finally] wrote the book I needed five years ago," and how very lucky we readers are that she did. This was the book I needed TODAY—this year, this new decade. And, I believe, it's the book many others will need and resonate with as well. I've already preordered a copy to gift to my mom, and I can't wait to witness her reaction as she gobbles her way through these tender words, presented in the pithiest, gentlest, most familiar way imaginable.
This was a true gift to read (and proofread) and a meaningful reminder of how lucky I am to do the work I do and to be the me I am.
The title of this book epitomizes how I felt when I'd finished reading it. In a deviation from the more cathartic, meditative tone of For the Love, Jen Hatmaker's newest novel is an inspirational tour de force, boldly proclaiming to every reader that she is worthy, stronger than she believes, and capable of tackling any challenge, ambition, or opportunity she faces.
Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire guides readers to this place of self-actualization by exploring the who, what, and how behind each of these three words. Hatmaker explores the way each women's wants, needs, and predispositions can (and should) be honored in a way that is less trite self-help book and more personal, meaningful encouragement and advice from a friend.
In promoting the book, she's said "I [finally] wrote the book I needed five years ago," and how very lucky we readers are that she did. This was the book I needed TODAY—this year, this new decade. And, I believe, it's the book many others will need and resonate with as well. I've already preordered a copy to gift to my mom, and I can't wait to witness her reaction as she gobbles her way through these tender words, presented in the pithiest, gentlest, most familiar way imaginable.
This was a true gift to read (and proofread) and a meaningful reminder of how lucky I am to do the work I do and to be the me I am.
March 9, 2020
There's something almost uncommonly courageous about Jen Hatmaker's new book "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire: The Guide to Being Glorious You" that dwells underneath the foundation of Hatmaker's usual weaving together of wry humor, heartfelt storytelling, and encouraging, almost cheerleader-like affirmations for herself and for her readers.
"Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" brings us a feistier Jen Hatmaker who manages to bring on the feisty without compromising many of the qualities that have made her one of America's most beloved Christian writers for women.
Hatmaker is one of a growing number of Christian writers writing from a place of what I refer to as a "wider net" theology, not so much progressive though that's a term often used, but simply a theology that allows for inclusion of diverse voices, including persons who are LGBT, into the Christian community. The difference with Hatmaker, or so it would seem, unlike a good number of these writers Hatmaker's feet were planted squarely within the evangelical community when, in 2016, she made a couple of statements based upon a significant period of prayer, searching, researching, and exploring theological discussion points before she and her husband reached their unified decisions.
These statements led to a former publisher ending their relationship with her and reportedly led Christian retailer LifeWay to remove her books from their shelves.
Hatmaker spends a very brief few moments in "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" addressing this period in her life yet, I'd dare say, these few moments are among the best writing moments of Hatmaker's writing life. They are easily what take "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" from a strong 4-star reading experience to a 5-star reading experience and turn this collection into my favorite of Hatmaker's works yet. There's hurt. There's anger. There's clarity. There's conviction. There's sadness.
There's simply so much in what amounts to probably being less than two pages of an over 200-page book. Yet, in these two pages Hatmaker claims her theological space and beliefs and declares them holy and good. She briefly explains her journey of research and study and exploring both the history and context of Scripture, things we're all called to do but so many of us like to simply plop our butts down in the pew and let someone tell us what to believe. Hatmaker fiercely claims her faith, a reclaiming that frees her and adds fire to everything else that unfolds in this passionate, fun to read, relational, spirited, encouraging, and genuinely entertaining book that also feels like a book of transformation for Hatmaker.
Quite honestly, if you've ever received one of Hatmaker's mom hugs you'll likely read these words and tearfully realize "She meant it. She really, really meant it."
95% of "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" is far more typical Hatmaker. Freed of the burden of theological expectations and firmly planted in her own well formulated, well expressed beliefs, Hatmaker's walk through the fires of judgment, at times equally from both evangelical and progressive "sides," seemingly fuels a sort of faith-based manifesto that is fearless and uncompromised. In one brief paragraph of "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire," Hatmaker does what can only be described as a monologue of self-worth that reminded me an awful lot of Edward Norton's mirror-fronting monologue from the Spike Lee film "25th Hour."
"Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" explores five self-reflective categories:
1) Who I am;
2) What I need;
3) What I want;
4) What I believe; and,
5) How I connect.
Using this basic framework, Hatmaker encourages women to explore the ways they pretend and offers up encouragement and strategies for becoming more consistently genuine. She encourages women to learn how to say both yes and no without guilt and, of course, again utilizes personal examples and tools to practice this often difficult skill. She passionately encourages women to learn how to verbalize their theological questions and convictions and, as well, to opt out of drama-based relationships in favor of healthier relationships.
Hatmaker works hard to write as inclusively as possible, though she's certainly a writer whose primary target audience is women. There are times she seems to write from a place of privilege, something I get the sense she intentionally tries to avoid but she always comes back to relating well because she remembers those years of financial struggle, literary rejection, and struggle before she broke through in 2004 with "7" and grew into one of the nation's most recognized Christian writers, speakers, podcasters, and all-around good folks.
There are a couple times in "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" when I felt like Hatmaker could have broadened her perspective a bit more - so much of what she writes, especially in this book, is powerfully applicable to the disability community but there are really only two minor references to disability in the book and one involves a personal friend of Hatmaker's who dances. It just felt like a missed opportunity to lift up a community.
Admittedly, as a paraplegic/double amputee with spina bifida who was literally sitting at home healing from a leg amputation I'm extraordinarily sensitive to this right now. However, even in some of the writing about the issue of need I found myself questioning how she'd address someone whose needs were chronic or for whom friendship might inherently be imbalanced (at least physically).
However, these are truly minor quibbles for what is easily my favorite of Hatmaker's books. "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" is, indeed, a fierce piece of literature that brings to wondrous life a freer and more fiery and feisty Jen Hatmaker who has discovered a more glorious life for herself, her husband, her family, and her circle of life and she's applied those often difficult life lessons to this book in a way that is rich, honest, natural, and accessible. She brings forth mountains of encouragement, passionate enthusiasm, an abundance of research, and an approach that is far less prescriptive and far more communal in presentation.
I still remember the first time I read a Hatmaker book, "Interrupted" was my first, and feeling like she wrote with such a clear voice that I instantly looked up her podcast and looked up Youtube videos to see what she sounded like. I just laughed and laughed because that voice comes alive in her writing. Indeed, I could hear Jen Hatmaker's voice coming to life in "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire: The Guide to Being Glorious You" and it brought an already wonderful book to life in an even more wonderful way.
Hatmaker gives her readers and her book club members and her "community" the room to grow, to question, to show up "as is," the room to doubt, the room to simply not believe and, in turn, she creates a wonderful safe space for exploring spirituality, belief, Christ, and the journey of faith that never really ends. She brings this safe space, or maybe more appropriately it should be called a brave space, into the pages of "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" and inspires, empowers, and educates with both arms held wide open.
"Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" brings us a feistier Jen Hatmaker who manages to bring on the feisty without compromising many of the qualities that have made her one of America's most beloved Christian writers for women.
Hatmaker is one of a growing number of Christian writers writing from a place of what I refer to as a "wider net" theology, not so much progressive though that's a term often used, but simply a theology that allows for inclusion of diverse voices, including persons who are LGBT, into the Christian community. The difference with Hatmaker, or so it would seem, unlike a good number of these writers Hatmaker's feet were planted squarely within the evangelical community when, in 2016, she made a couple of statements based upon a significant period of prayer, searching, researching, and exploring theological discussion points before she and her husband reached their unified decisions.
These statements led to a former publisher ending their relationship with her and reportedly led Christian retailer LifeWay to remove her books from their shelves.
Hatmaker spends a very brief few moments in "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" addressing this period in her life yet, I'd dare say, these few moments are among the best writing moments of Hatmaker's writing life. They are easily what take "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" from a strong 4-star reading experience to a 5-star reading experience and turn this collection into my favorite of Hatmaker's works yet. There's hurt. There's anger. There's clarity. There's conviction. There's sadness.
There's simply so much in what amounts to probably being less than two pages of an over 200-page book. Yet, in these two pages Hatmaker claims her theological space and beliefs and declares them holy and good. She briefly explains her journey of research and study and exploring both the history and context of Scripture, things we're all called to do but so many of us like to simply plop our butts down in the pew and let someone tell us what to believe. Hatmaker fiercely claims her faith, a reclaiming that frees her and adds fire to everything else that unfolds in this passionate, fun to read, relational, spirited, encouraging, and genuinely entertaining book that also feels like a book of transformation for Hatmaker.
Quite honestly, if you've ever received one of Hatmaker's mom hugs you'll likely read these words and tearfully realize "She meant it. She really, really meant it."
95% of "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" is far more typical Hatmaker. Freed of the burden of theological expectations and firmly planted in her own well formulated, well expressed beliefs, Hatmaker's walk through the fires of judgment, at times equally from both evangelical and progressive "sides," seemingly fuels a sort of faith-based manifesto that is fearless and uncompromised. In one brief paragraph of "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire," Hatmaker does what can only be described as a monologue of self-worth that reminded me an awful lot of Edward Norton's mirror-fronting monologue from the Spike Lee film "25th Hour."
"Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" explores five self-reflective categories:
1) Who I am;
2) What I need;
3) What I want;
4) What I believe; and,
5) How I connect.
Using this basic framework, Hatmaker encourages women to explore the ways they pretend and offers up encouragement and strategies for becoming more consistently genuine. She encourages women to learn how to say both yes and no without guilt and, of course, again utilizes personal examples and tools to practice this often difficult skill. She passionately encourages women to learn how to verbalize their theological questions and convictions and, as well, to opt out of drama-based relationships in favor of healthier relationships.
Hatmaker works hard to write as inclusively as possible, though she's certainly a writer whose primary target audience is women. There are times she seems to write from a place of privilege, something I get the sense she intentionally tries to avoid but she always comes back to relating well because she remembers those years of financial struggle, literary rejection, and struggle before she broke through in 2004 with "7" and grew into one of the nation's most recognized Christian writers, speakers, podcasters, and all-around good folks.
There are a couple times in "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" when I felt like Hatmaker could have broadened her perspective a bit more - so much of what she writes, especially in this book, is powerfully applicable to the disability community but there are really only two minor references to disability in the book and one involves a personal friend of Hatmaker's who dances. It just felt like a missed opportunity to lift up a community.
Admittedly, as a paraplegic/double amputee with spina bifida who was literally sitting at home healing from a leg amputation I'm extraordinarily sensitive to this right now. However, even in some of the writing about the issue of need I found myself questioning how she'd address someone whose needs were chronic or for whom friendship might inherently be imbalanced (at least physically).
However, these are truly minor quibbles for what is easily my favorite of Hatmaker's books. "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" is, indeed, a fierce piece of literature that brings to wondrous life a freer and more fiery and feisty Jen Hatmaker who has discovered a more glorious life for herself, her husband, her family, and her circle of life and she's applied those often difficult life lessons to this book in a way that is rich, honest, natural, and accessible. She brings forth mountains of encouragement, passionate enthusiasm, an abundance of research, and an approach that is far less prescriptive and far more communal in presentation.
I still remember the first time I read a Hatmaker book, "Interrupted" was my first, and feeling like she wrote with such a clear voice that I instantly looked up her podcast and looked up Youtube videos to see what she sounded like. I just laughed and laughed because that voice comes alive in her writing. Indeed, I could hear Jen Hatmaker's voice coming to life in "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire: The Guide to Being Glorious You" and it brought an already wonderful book to life in an even more wonderful way.
Hatmaker gives her readers and her book club members and her "community" the room to grow, to question, to show up "as is," the room to doubt, the room to simply not believe and, in turn, she creates a wonderful safe space for exploring spirituality, belief, Christ, and the journey of faith that never really ends. She brings this safe space, or maybe more appropriately it should be called a brave space, into the pages of "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" and inspires, empowers, and educates with both arms held wide open.
March 7, 2020
Jen Hatmaker knocks it out of the park again. This is a quick read but packs a punch. This is for all the women. All. The. Women. And men - pick it up, too. Jen works out her passions on paper. She lays out her advice, beliefs, struggles, victories, and urges all of us to do the same in our own lives to move toward wholeness and freedom and enthusiasm and authenticity through embracing what is true. True about us collectively and as individuals. Her words almost literally reach out of the book to push us to better love of self and others. I'll read it again, for sure.
May 10, 2022
"We are free to exist on this planet in the ways we flourish, because there is an abundance of everything: joy, talent, love, dreams, hope, goodness, triumph, creativity, delight... Someone else's space does not diminish yours."
Jen is the friend and pastor so many of us are aching for. I could have read this in one sitting, but instead I savored each chapter, letting Jen's ministry wash over me. I cried the whole way through and would have had to highlight every page to emphasize the parts I found convicting.
Jen has a way with pushing her readers out of our comfort zone while also making us laugh and cry. Her ministry is a gift from God and I am so grateful she chooses to share it with the world.
Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire is a rallying cry for women to love themselves and love others, and to be exactly who God created us to be. To push back against the world's expectations placed on women to be more, and also less. To be sexy, and also chaste. To be meek, and also bold. To be everything for everyone, but also to be quiet and stay out of the way.
By sharing her own experiences, struggles and victories with parenting, body image, self-worth, career roadblocks, toxic relationships, church, and growth in her faith among other things, Jen opens a door for the rest of us to be free. Free to love our bodies and ourselves. Free to speak out and stand up. Free to say no. Free to say yes. Free to ask for help. Free to always choose love. Free to be an ally and an advocate. Free to let go of anger and bitterness and fear and self-loathing. Free to be exactly as God created us.
I recommend everything Jen writes, but if you only ever read one of Jen's books, choose this one. I am completely undone. This is the most important ministry she's ever given us.
Jen is the friend and pastor so many of us are aching for. I could have read this in one sitting, but instead I savored each chapter, letting Jen's ministry wash over me. I cried the whole way through and would have had to highlight every page to emphasize the parts I found convicting.
Jen has a way with pushing her readers out of our comfort zone while also making us laugh and cry. Her ministry is a gift from God and I am so grateful she chooses to share it with the world.
Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire is a rallying cry for women to love themselves and love others, and to be exactly who God created us to be. To push back against the world's expectations placed on women to be more, and also less. To be sexy, and also chaste. To be meek, and also bold. To be everything for everyone, but also to be quiet and stay out of the way.
By sharing her own experiences, struggles and victories with parenting, body image, self-worth, career roadblocks, toxic relationships, church, and growth in her faith among other things, Jen opens a door for the rest of us to be free. Free to love our bodies and ourselves. Free to speak out and stand up. Free to say no. Free to say yes. Free to ask for help. Free to always choose love. Free to be an ally and an advocate. Free to let go of anger and bitterness and fear and self-loathing. Free to be exactly as God created us.
I recommend everything Jen writes, but if you only ever read one of Jen's books, choose this one. I am completely undone. This is the most important ministry she's ever given us.
March 7, 2020
I literally WHOOPED out loud when I got this ARC. I ditched my other books, filled the bathtub to the brim with hot water and lost myself in Jen Hatmaker's most recent thoughts.
At the conclusion of the book, she tells the reader that "some of these chapters hit you squarely between the eyes and others didn't apply at all." In some ways, I felt this but....its Jen Hatmaker.....so all of it was thought provoking, hilarious and a contemporary love letter to the modern woman.
She essentially writes us permission slips for all the times and places we may have not been fully ourselves.. She wants us to be FIERCE, FREE and FULL of FIRE in ALL the important areas of our lives. For this alone, it is worth a few good hours reflecting and musing along with her. I loved the big stories of love, family, and boundaries. I too want to be a champagne runner - Don't you?!?!
#NetGalley #FierceFreeandFullofFire
At the conclusion of the book, she tells the reader that "some of these chapters hit you squarely between the eyes and others didn't apply at all." In some ways, I felt this but....its Jen Hatmaker.....so all of it was thought provoking, hilarious and a contemporary love letter to the modern woman.
She essentially writes us permission slips for all the times and places we may have not been fully ourselves.. She wants us to be FIERCE, FREE and FULL of FIRE in ALL the important areas of our lives. For this alone, it is worth a few good hours reflecting and musing along with her. I loved the big stories of love, family, and boundaries. I too want to be a champagne runner - Don't you?!?!
#NetGalley #FierceFreeandFullofFire
March 24, 2020
Jen is gifted when it comes to words. She has captured my heart with previous books of hers and I was excited to read her latest, Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire. She describes and empathizes with situations that everyone in America can relate to. She has had difficult situations to overcome. As she worked to overcome these issues, she learned a lot about herself . She is taking that learning and paying it forward to her readers. I highly recommend this book to anyone.
March 24, 2020
This is Jen Hatmaker's best book yet. And it's the best book I've ever read that deals with empowering women to be themselves and make their lives what they want. Not a fan of Rachel Hollis but want to be empowered to be your best you? Look no further than "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire" (Oxford Comma included).
My TLDR is that this book is now one of my all-time favorites, and I'm going to be recommending it to everyone that I meet, so look out, world. In all seriousness though, I felt like Jen captured every message she wanted to communicate perfectly. She made me feel seen multiple times in multiple ways, and she told the readers exactly how to get more out of your life simply by embracing who you are and what matters to you. It was a life-changing book, and I'm grateful for her leadership in the world.
This book has five sections: who I am, what I need, what I want, what I believe, and how I connect. I really appreciate an organized framework for nonfiction like this -- it makes it a lot easier to digest and easier to implement in my opinion. While the whole book resonated with me, I was particularly moved by the "who I am" chapters. Jen explores personality, authenticity, body image, and being enough, all things that I personally have either wrestled with or been interested in for my whole life. (As an Enneagram 4, of course I love the "who I am" chapters... We're the ones in endless discovery of who we are.)
Jen's chapter on body image is remarkable. It is so rare for a leader/author in her realm (self-improvement, Christianity, women's empowerment) to maintain a position like hers, and it was refreshing, and I can't wait for other women to read it. I've already been learning about this for years, so I didn't feel that I "learned" anything necessarily, but her gentle words of encouragement and love for yourself and for your body were a healing balm to my soul. If God ever spoke through any human, it happened on pages 37-54 of this book.
I love that every chapter of this book has really tangible recommendations for how to apply it to your life. A lot of "self-help" books like this really lack that. Jen gives plenty of questions that help spark thought, and as a lover of self-reflection, I was really appreciative of those! I imagine someone who sucks at self-reflection will really appreciate the guidance too. She also references other thought leaders in almost every chapter, if not every single one, to back up her own anecdotal experience and stories with either research or commentary from people who do that particular topic professionally.
My *only* complaint is that Jen's book had multiple opportunities to either avoid saying something that harms fat women ("tan fat is better than white fat" -- I know I know I know it's a joke) OR to intentionally and specifically expand statements to include fat people, and she didn't. I know from being an avid fan of her books, emails, podcasts, online accounts, etc. that she is in progress in this area, AND she did not do significant harm - she just left it out...so for those reasons, it doesn't affect my review or overall feelings towards the book, and I'm choosing to hope for her future growth in this area. The body image chapter mentions "obesity," "weight-related health problems," and "the obesity epidemic" multiple times. At the end of a really meaningful section that left me in tears (in a good way), she says of the reader's body, "You may hate her, but no one else does," which is just profoundly untrue for fat women. Society explicitly and vocally and universally hates fat bodies. That line fell super flat for me, and I know for other thinner white women on the launch team, it made them feel really good, hitting right at the core of their pain, but it just does not resonate with women who face systemic oppression for their body size. In the discussion on embodiment, Jen mentions "social power" and "social disempowerment" multiple times as necessary pieces of healthy embodiment --- does not once mention how those are connected to fatphobia and systemic oppression of fat people. "And the greater our dehumanization, the harder the fight to love our bodies." This is a perfect spot to talk about the dehumanization of fat folks. In the antidotes section that give specific steps for implementation, there is nothing about calling out fatphobic remarks or jokes, though it does mention calling out other exclusionary words or shame. Yet, at the end of the chapter, Jen says, "...we know that social power is partially connected to appearance." Again...nothing about fat folks. She DOES mention disabled people, and I really appreciated that. Many folks use the "look what your body can do" "look at how it takes care of you" as an alternative to pressure for the ideal body in modern mainstream media, which doesn't always translate in a way that helps disabled people or people with chronic illnesses, however, Jen takes the time to explain this and helps those folks feel seen. I just wish she did that for fat people. And she's had Health at Every Size proponents on her podcast before, so I believe it's not for lack of knowing or lack of being exposed to it. I am hoping that in the future, she is able to extend this beauty of this chapter specifically to all sizes, and I'm hoping she becomes an active part of the fat liberation movement. Women (and men!) could really use her as an advocate. If you are reading my review and are curious what I'm talking about, please check out Body Respect or Health at Every Size by Lindo Bacon or spend a few hours on Google looking up fat liberation. Please do not come into the comments to tell me why I'm wrong -- do your own research.
Full disclosure: I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the publisher as a member of the book's launch team.
My TLDR is that this book is now one of my all-time favorites, and I'm going to be recommending it to everyone that I meet, so look out, world. In all seriousness though, I felt like Jen captured every message she wanted to communicate perfectly. She made me feel seen multiple times in multiple ways, and she told the readers exactly how to get more out of your life simply by embracing who you are and what matters to you. It was a life-changing book, and I'm grateful for her leadership in the world.
This book has five sections: who I am, what I need, what I want, what I believe, and how I connect. I really appreciate an organized framework for nonfiction like this -- it makes it a lot easier to digest and easier to implement in my opinion. While the whole book resonated with me, I was particularly moved by the "who I am" chapters. Jen explores personality, authenticity, body image, and being enough, all things that I personally have either wrestled with or been interested in for my whole life. (As an Enneagram 4, of course I love the "who I am" chapters... We're the ones in endless discovery of who we are.)
Jen's chapter on body image is remarkable. It is so rare for a leader/author in her realm (self-improvement, Christianity, women's empowerment) to maintain a position like hers, and it was refreshing, and I can't wait for other women to read it. I've already been learning about this for years, so I didn't feel that I "learned" anything necessarily, but her gentle words of encouragement and love for yourself and for your body were a healing balm to my soul. If God ever spoke through any human, it happened on pages 37-54 of this book.
I love that every chapter of this book has really tangible recommendations for how to apply it to your life. A lot of "self-help" books like this really lack that. Jen gives plenty of questions that help spark thought, and as a lover of self-reflection, I was really appreciative of those! I imagine someone who sucks at self-reflection will really appreciate the guidance too. She also references other thought leaders in almost every chapter, if not every single one, to back up her own anecdotal experience and stories with either research or commentary from people who do that particular topic professionally.
My *only* complaint is that Jen's book had multiple opportunities to either avoid saying something that harms fat women ("tan fat is better than white fat" -- I know I know I know it's a joke) OR to intentionally and specifically expand statements to include fat people, and she didn't. I know from being an avid fan of her books, emails, podcasts, online accounts, etc. that she is in progress in this area, AND she did not do significant harm - she just left it out...so for those reasons, it doesn't affect my review or overall feelings towards the book, and I'm choosing to hope for her future growth in this area. The body image chapter mentions "obesity," "weight-related health problems," and "the obesity epidemic" multiple times. At the end of a really meaningful section that left me in tears (in a good way), she says of the reader's body, "You may hate her, but no one else does," which is just profoundly untrue for fat women. Society explicitly and vocally and universally hates fat bodies. That line fell super flat for me, and I know for other thinner white women on the launch team, it made them feel really good, hitting right at the core of their pain, but it just does not resonate with women who face systemic oppression for their body size. In the discussion on embodiment, Jen mentions "social power" and "social disempowerment" multiple times as necessary pieces of healthy embodiment --- does not once mention how those are connected to fatphobia and systemic oppression of fat people. "And the greater our dehumanization, the harder the fight to love our bodies." This is a perfect spot to talk about the dehumanization of fat folks. In the antidotes section that give specific steps for implementation, there is nothing about calling out fatphobic remarks or jokes, though it does mention calling out other exclusionary words or shame. Yet, at the end of the chapter, Jen says, "...we know that social power is partially connected to appearance." Again...nothing about fat folks. She DOES mention disabled people, and I really appreciated that. Many folks use the "look what your body can do" "look at how it takes care of you" as an alternative to pressure for the ideal body in modern mainstream media, which doesn't always translate in a way that helps disabled people or people with chronic illnesses, however, Jen takes the time to explain this and helps those folks feel seen. I just wish she did that for fat people. And she's had Health at Every Size proponents on her podcast before, so I believe it's not for lack of knowing or lack of being exposed to it. I am hoping that in the future, she is able to extend this beauty of this chapter specifically to all sizes, and I'm hoping she becomes an active part of the fat liberation movement. Women (and men!) could really use her as an advocate. If you are reading my review and are curious what I'm talking about, please check out Body Respect or Health at Every Size by Lindo Bacon or spend a few hours on Google looking up fat liberation. Please do not come into the comments to tell me why I'm wrong -- do your own research.
Full disclosure: I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the publisher as a member of the book's launch team.
March 17, 2020
Advanced Reader's Copy
"We do not need you to be like your neighbor; we already have her. We need you, not for what you do but who you are. Please be her. Please do not shrink or twist or lie or buckle."
I loved Jen's new book. She herself says that she doesn't think every chapter will be for every person and that was true for me as well. But the chapters that hit you hard? Good gracious, they will hit hard. Thankful for her courage in a space that doesn't always reward it.
"We do not need you to be like your neighbor; we already have her. We need you, not for what you do but who you are. Please be her. Please do not shrink or twist or lie or buckle."
I loved Jen's new book. She herself says that she doesn't think every chapter will be for every person and that was true for me as well. But the chapters that hit you hard? Good gracious, they will hit hard. Thankful for her courage in a space that doesn't always reward it.
April 20, 2020
This book is an amazing read! So many points and explanations are through out the chapters and sections. Jen uses quotes and helps the reader to really dig in to the subject matter
First review: So far, I have underlined 10 amazing statements that will definitely be going on my vision board and I'm only 3 chapters in. I love how the book is broken down into sections. I am currently reading through "Who I Am" & I cannot put it down.
I am now halfway through the book having just finished the 'What I Need' section. I enjoyed the chapter on connection and belonging as I am currently in a different place in life than many of my friends. I always felt like finding a new set of people was not possible due to many of the reasons Jen listed but now I see it's possible and quite frankly, very necessary!
First review: So far, I have underlined 10 amazing statements that will definitely be going on my vision board and I'm only 3 chapters in. I love how the book is broken down into sections. I am currently reading through "Who I Am" & I cannot put it down.
I am now halfway through the book having just finished the 'What I Need' section. I enjoyed the chapter on connection and belonging as I am currently in a different place in life than many of my friends. I always felt like finding a new set of people was not possible due to many of the reasons Jen listed but now I see it's possible and quite frankly, very necessary!
April 21, 2020
ALL. THE. STARS. This is the book we need right now, to erase all the BS of what it “means to be a Christian woman” and to start living into our true purpose and wholeness with which we were created. I love Jen’s humor and honesty, but she also nails us with some good truth here.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review, but I had also already preordered it before I applied to be on the launch team. It was everything I expected from Jen and more. I loved it!!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review, but I had also already preordered it before I applied to be on the launch team. It was everything I expected from Jen and more. I loved it!!
April 18, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. I feel like it pulls all the things that I have been working on together, and based on the reviews from other readers, I'm not alone in this. Jen does a great job of bringing in quotes from experts all throughout the book, which gives the book some added depth as other voices are heard. She pulls from "IDEO's Culture of Helping" that many minds make bright work, and Jen makes that clear as the expertise she employs along with her voice allow us to gain the best there is on all these topics. It is like she condensed a whole bunch of really important stuff into one book, that is direct, truthful, and also fun to read. Her voice in it is clear and the truth that comes through is important. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to carry out their true voice, their true connection, and their true passion into this world. As Jen says " Do the work and show up for your life, because you are the only one who can live it, and the rest of us need you."
I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this fabulous book, provided to me by the publisher.
I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this fabulous book, provided to me by the publisher.
March 14, 2020
Another Hatmaker home run! Jen dives deep into some topics that can be incredibly difficult for women today, and explores the dichotomy between who we're told we should be, and who we feel we really are or want to be. But she does it in her typical homey, big-sister/best friend kind of voice, never making us feel wrong or lesser, pushing just enough to inspire, and baring her own hard truths in the process. This is the book we women, all women, need, right now.
March 18, 2020
I am a forever fan girl of Jen Hatmaker but I was truly skeptical of the long title. I always wonder why books have to over sell with a lengthy title. Nonetheless, of course I was going to read my girl's newest book! I was wrong as the title isn't long enough because there are not enough words to express how empowered I am by these words. It is so smart with actual research and testimony. This book makes me question things I ignorantly accepted, made me uncomfortable at times and validated what I know is true in my heart about faith, Jesus and the power of a confident woman.
Jen Hatmaker, please do not stop creating these opportunities for people to find faith on their own terms in this confusing world.
Jen Hatmaker, please do not stop creating these opportunities for people to find faith on their own terms in this confusing world.
March 7, 2020
This book has challenged me and given me new perspectives on so many different things, but the biggest impact it has had on me is making me realize just how much of my identity I’ve tried to hide or change over the years for fear of being rejected by others. Life changing read and as usual, Jen nailed it!
March 14, 2020
If you’ve followed Jen for awhile like I have and wished she would come give you a pep talk- this is it. She delivers hard truths with a firm yet gentle approach. She is authentic and approachable, vulnerable and loving. She pulls back the curtain and allows the reader to see her heart. This is well written and every woman will find an aspect that speaks to her. My thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
March 13, 2020
Jen Hatmaker has hit the nail on the head with this book. I am only a few chapters in and I can see that this book is life changing. It is a book that will be on my "Changed my Life" shelf. Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire successfully explores the following areas: who I am, what I need, what I want, what I believe, and how I connect.
March 27, 2020
Love this book so far. It is full of questions to ask yourself to discover yourself. Jen provides great insights through the lens of her experiences.
March 9, 2020
Jen Hatmaker brings the fire in this one- it is laugh out loud funny, inspiring, brutally honest, and full of real, helpful advice on being authentic.
May 21, 2020
I was privileged to receive a digital advanced reader copy of Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire by Jen Hatmker. From the moment I opened the book, I was hooked. Once again Jen Hatmaker nails it! She puts out there words that every woman needs to read. Unlike similar others, Jen cleverly sprinkles humor into tough conversations and draws connections to the daily life of women around the globe. Her chapter on body image was life changing for me! I have taken her advice and incorporated it how I perceive myself, both inwardly and outwardly. As I reached the end I found myself wanting more. Her words have transformed my thinking and pushed me to be more vulnerable with those I interact with each day. Do yourself a favor and get a copy in your hands!
April 22, 2020
This book is classic Jen, with much needed gut punches along the way! I appreciate her honesty, her wit and her ability to make us really examine who we are and how our understanding or acceptance of that affects how we live. Being in my mid 40s, I found several moments where I was thinking, "This is so me! But why do I hide it?" But I'm not sure I would have been ready to hear it any sooner. Highly recommend!!!!!
April 22, 2020
For the last 16 years, I have been in love with Jesus, but I have entirely struggled with what the people of the church say I’m to say and be. I have been too loud, too sarcastic, too feeling, and too much for the people in authority over me. For the first time in my life, I feel…well, I feel free. I feel like someone (Jen Hatmaker) sees me and who I am and that she says to me what I’ve longed to hear; God created you, He loves you and you are NEVER too much for Him. I don’t have ample words to describe the thankfulness I feel toward her for this life-altering book.
My most favorite quote from 'Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire' is the very last paragraph in the book. (Yes, it’s in the acknowledgment pages.) It reads, “Finally, I want to thank Jesus. (…) When I think about everything that has ever meant anything to me, all roads lead back to you. You are the one clear thing that makes sense in a world gone mad. You have always felt safe to me, even when your church and some of your people didn’t. Thank you for entrusting me with this message. Thank you for setting me free and for being entirely, eternally trustworthy. I know you are good. I know you love us. I know you’re with us. I know you’re for us. That’s enough for me for the rest of this life. I love you so much.” And that, friends, is why I trust and cling to this message given through Jen. She’s for you and for me and, most importantly, for our Jesus.
My most favorite quote from 'Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire' is the very last paragraph in the book. (Yes, it’s in the acknowledgment pages.) It reads, “Finally, I want to thank Jesus. (…) When I think about everything that has ever meant anything to me, all roads lead back to you. You are the one clear thing that makes sense in a world gone mad. You have always felt safe to me, even when your church and some of your people didn’t. Thank you for entrusting me with this message. Thank you for setting me free and for being entirely, eternally trustworthy. I know you are good. I know you love us. I know you’re with us. I know you’re for us. That’s enough for me for the rest of this life. I love you so much.” And that, friends, is why I trust and cling to this message given through Jen. She’s for you and for me and, most importantly, for our Jesus.
March 14, 2020
I was fortunate to have received an advanced reader copy of this book via the publisher. And what a great read it was! It dug in and finished it in a little over 24 hours. Jen’s mix of her amazing humor on paper, authentic self that shared her wisdom and reality as well as her love of people is so great! I highly recommend for anyone, especially women, working on creating their most fierce, free and full of fire self. Jen shows how being 100% authentically and fully ourselves is not only needed in this world, but will lead us to living a life FULL of all of the things that are important to use, and without the things we’ve allowed to hold us back! Great read, friends who are reaching for the best version of yourselves. You won’t be disappointed!!
March 7, 2020
Like a manifesto, declaration, a best friend love letter, a letter I wrote to myself all in one, every woman will find the words and a piece of her courage in Jen's words. This letter to every woman will change everything.
May 1, 2020
I am blown away. Jen is leading us on this journey in only a way that she can. Jen's books are always rereads for me, meaning I need to read them multiple times because there are just so many good nuggets in them. I grew up in a moderately Christian home, maybe. We went to church every Sunday and I went to a Christian school 3rd grade-12th. I was pretty active in my church growing up, you know on the church board in high school, regular stuff. In college I was active in christian groups and went to church most Sundays. But, I was told by multiple, better christians that my United Methodist Church wasn't good enough because it wasn't strict. I was told by better christians that going to the sunday evening young adult church, bible study, and a weekly praise/workship session wasn't actually going to church. So, once I had a full-time job, I stopped. I stopped doing things like go to church because I didn't want to get up another morning because I should or was supposed to. In the last 20 years we've gone as a family on Christmas, had our kids baptized, and were married in a church, but going to church is not part of our weekly routine. Guess what. Our kids have faith, they believe that God sent his son to die on the cross, so that they can go to heaven. They know about Noah, they believe that God created the heavens and the earth, even if they might also describe it like the big bang, because maybe that's how he created it, we don't know how he did, we just know that he did. All this to say, I am eager to go on this journey with Jen and to learn how she has paved the way for me to be myself and to be a Christian without the shoulds, without the judgement, and without the this is the way it's always been done mentalities.
March 9, 2020
This book blew me away. As someone who has struggled with authenticity in the last few years, Jen’s words were the exact thing I needed! She equipped me with the tools to look at where I am, and accept the perfect mess that I am. Everything from spirituality to body imagine to marriage and parenting is covered in this book. This is one I will read over and over. I suggest buying this one and having a highlighter handy! You’ll need it.
March 10, 2020
I absolutely loved this book!! The section on body image needs to be read and re-read and told to our little girls from an early age to combat the wrong and negative messages they are being bombarded with by our culture and media. That part alone is worth the price of the book!!! Life-changing. I feel freer and lighter and happier after reading this book. I also have a lot more hope. Get this book!
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March 14, 2020I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the publisher.
Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire is written for the woman who is looking for the push she needs to be able to finally stand proudly in her own being. Through personal anecdotes and revelations, Jen walks the reader through the process of knowing who she is, what she believes, and how to live in community in full awareness and acceptance of herself. This book is fierce!
Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire is written for the woman who is looking for the push she needs to be able to finally stand proudly in her own being. Through personal anecdotes and revelations, Jen walks the reader through the process of knowing who she is, what she believes, and how to live in community in full awareness and acceptance of herself. This book is fierce!
April 22, 2020
Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire is like a beautiful love letter, written to you from your best friend. A friend who has experienced much, and has the best advice to give. She validates you by telling you that if you say yes, mean it, but it is also totally ok to say no. If you have spiritual curiosity, more power to you to go find your answers. No judgement in this book! I personally have never been one to have body image problems, but the way Jen writes about what you should call your body, and reminds you of what your body has done for you, brings me to tears every time I read that chapter, and every time I hear her talk about it through podcasts she's been on. I have a whole new perspective and respect for myself after reading this beautifully written book, and is what I need during this quarantine.
April 21, 2020
Jen’s latest book is one which I will return to many times. Get your highlighters, journals, and hearts ready. I marked something important on almost every page of this book. There wasn’t one chapter that left me unmoved. Jen drops truth bombs left and right, she weaves in humorous personal stories, and includes research to drive her points home. I will be rereading this book again shortly. I think you could read this in one sitting or sit with each chapter for a day or two and let it sink in. This book is a good yes. Do it. Read the book.
March 23, 2020
I have enjoyed other books by Jen Hatmaker, but this may be my favorite. She pulls no punches in these pages, & has done her research. She puts forth what she has learned, & encourages us to be better.
“You may be your sisters keeper, but you are not her copy. Don’t look sideways.”
I read several pages out loud to my husband, because I knew it would speak to him too. Another favorite quote:
“There is no other way, no shortcut. Intimacy requires vulnerability to manifest anything beyond shallow connection. You have to show up like the real person you are.”
#FierceFreeFire
Receiving an advanced copy of this book was a privilege. I appreciate the opportunity to review and share my thoughts with others.
“You may be your sisters keeper, but you are not her copy. Don’t look sideways.”
I read several pages out loud to my husband, because I knew it would speak to him too. Another favorite quote:
“There is no other way, no shortcut. Intimacy requires vulnerability to manifest anything beyond shallow connection. You have to show up like the real person you are.”
#FierceFreeFire
Receiving an advanced copy of this book was a privilege. I appreciate the opportunity to review and share my thoughts with others.
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