I really enjoy David Hayward's commentary and artwork and find his perspective refreshing and condition, but this book was a disappointment. He explains in the beginning of the book that the book is essentially a bound collection of his Instagram captions and blog posts, and it reads as exactly that. I'm disappointed that he didn't put in more effort to turn it into an actual book. The entries become extremely repetitive, and there are many points he made in stories he referred to that I really wish he would have taken the time to flesh out and explore. I'm still a fan of the nakedpastor, I just wish he'd tried harder for this book.
Please, do read this book if you are deconstructing in a serious relationship. Just don’t expect this book to wow you.
I really wanted to love this. I just can’t. I thought it would be a cohesive book that would help me walk through doubt in relationship, but it was just a bunch of blogs put to paper. Now, I’m not saying they weren’t helpful—they were. There is some good stuff in here, but it was lack lustre.
Even not being married, very applicable to anyone. Doesn't have to be realtions withba spouse. Great insight to relationships and personal spiritual journeys, and how to traverse with others - partners, friendships, family. It is a collection of blog posts from a few years ago, so many have read already. But was all new to me. Due to the nature of the collection, it can be a tiny bit repetitive. But the result is a very short, and insightful read. (And some great cartoons!)
Recommended to me and although I’m not religious or married, a lot of it resonated with me. Raising kids and how to encourage them to be honest and not conform, and think for themselves. I’m glad he also brought up Gottman as well as recommended Melody Beattie’s book. Lastly, glad he said “if you’re say you’re good, you have to walk the talk”.
This book is a collection of blogposts by the author which were eventually compiled. As such, it makes for light, easy reading although there are some sentences/paragraphs that are oft repeated. I appreciate the tenderness and sensitivity with which Dave Hayward addresses the subject of deconstruction affecting marriages, drawing from his own experience with his wife. I love how he recognises that while a faith shift does reveal unhealthy marriages that needed to end anyway, this is not necessarily the fate for all marriages of deconstructing persons. Althought the main aim of this book is to help couples navigating deconstruction, it gives good advice for deconstructing in general as an individual. The thoughtful exercises and resource recommendations make it easier to implement the advice that is within the book, and of course, you get to enjoy all the Naked Pastor cartoons in between the pages!
Helpful, for learning that your religious beliefs do not have to be the same to have a loving respect filled marriage. (Contrary to evangelical philosophy)Even or especially because I am learning this after 20 years of marriage and ministry. My husband has always loved me for who I was, even though we believed the same — we thought our religious beliefs were the most important thing, and now I am aware that who he was and continues to be even while I grow and change, is my greatest gift. We read this book together, aloud and there is a small conversation starting question for homework after each chapter. The writing could use some polishing but the content and heart is 100%.
Honestly this might be the laziest book I’ve ever come across. There’s no connective thread through the chapters or a flowing narrative. Each chapter is a stand alone blog post you could read for free on the authors blog. I was hoping to learn more of his story and have a more fleshed out engaging narrative. The content of each chapter is shallow enough to be an instagram post. This felt more like a cash grab than a novel.
I’m a big fan of David Hayward’s “Naked Pastor” Instagram account. I enjoyed the cartoons in this book, but the accompanying writing was pretty redundant. Still, it is a fun book to flip through, and can inspire good conversations about changing relationships and changing perspectives on faith.