It’s Called a Spade: A Collection of Hard-To-Tell True Stories

by J.J. Barrows

“it’s called a spade” is a reference to calling life like it is instead of hiding the tough stuff and pretending like everything is fine. It’s a collection of stories about life, about people and God, recovery and relapse, heartache and brokenness, and the reality that life is hard, even if you believe in God, even if you don’t. But there is also hope and humor and healing that comes without answers. This is a collection of stories from a human who almost disappeared in her efforts to be seen, a girl who called spades hearts and smiled while bluffing.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2019

Reviews

[Rose]

Vary rarely do I find a voice that feels so close to my own narrative and thought process. Though JJ Barrows and I do diverge in a few conclusions that we come to, I found her love for people and narrative to be inspiring. I also appreciated her sometimes very uncomfortable introspection as she honestly tried to wrestle through what it really means to love God and people. I recognize her emotional intensity and am excited to hear that approach to the world being represented and present.
In short, I felt a little less alone and a little bit more hopeful that I could be understood.
This was an intimate look at a slice of her journey and worth a read. Not everyone can be this honest. It's a gift.

[Amy Elrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! Her hard-to-tell life stories we can all relate to. “love is hard and life is good, and love is good and life is hard”. Looking forward to hearing JJ speak at Women of Joy in October.

[Dani Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

JJ tells her stories in a way that makes you want to keep reading and reading. Even the ones that are hard to read you don't want to stop. This book will definitely make you feel all of the feelings, but it's so worth it. Seeing how she found God through the hard stuff and the happy stuff has definitely helped me. I picked this book up and read it in a day and honestly I already plan to read it again soon. I actually got the book from JJ and so it is autographed. I heard her do comedy at a conference and I knew I was going to be hooked on anything she wrote. I definitely recommend this book because she just has a way with words.

[Bansley]

Black and White

My first heard about JJ Barrows on a dry bar comedy stunt. I liked her humor and she seemed like somebody I would like to hang out with. I got excited when I discovered she had written a book. Of course, once I learned she was from Pawleys Island, I had to hear her story - I've lived in SC for the past 40 years. I had to read this. It's a nice little it's a nice journey

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author shares some of her personal experiences in a very open and honest way. JJ's life has consisted of highs and lows, recovery and relapse and the real truth that life is hard. But there is always hope and humor that carries us through the difficult times. We just have to hold on to the truth that each of us is valuable and truly loved. This truth can help us realize that we are free to be who we are and not for who we think we should be.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful read

This read is a wonderful witty but sometimes serious look at how real life happens and how JJ not only survives but thrives in the peace of her Savior. What an inspiration to many and lots of moments to smile and laugh with.

[Larla Bogle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strongly recommend this book. Jj honestly shares her journey and the insights she's gained along the way. The perfect read for anyone who is having a tough time or some one who wants to be reminded what loving people really looks likes. Thank you Jj for writing this book. It wasn't just for you!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

I love the raw and vulnerable way in which JJ writes, and am so grateful she shared her stories with us! She has a special gift for keeping it real and encouraging us all to do this same.