Unexpected: Five Inspirational Short Stories of Encouragement

by Jozua van Otterloo

Improve the way you live and interact with others around you as you are inspired by this book using the ancient art of storytelling. Through intriguing parables, real-life examples and poetry, Jozua van Otterloo presents and inspires how to become the best encourager you can be.

Unexpected. Encouragement is like a river flowing under a bridge, like those you would see in most cities around the world. - J. van Otterloo in the story Food for Thought.

Encouragement can take different forms and show itself in the exchange between different people. One thing characterizes encouragement. It is the force that exists in the exchange between people, where one comes alongside the other and for a period of time shares their journey, to help, support and strengthen the other.

Unexpected: Five Inspirational Short Stories of Encouragement is a collection of modern-day parables, stories that help us see things differently, and reflections and poems. Each shows different ways encouragement flows and impacts others. Each of these is written with the aim to spur us on, to encourage us to become people of encouragement ourselves.

Be inspired. Be encouraged. Become an encourager, yourself, and leave a legacy of encouragement.

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2020

Reviews

[John]

Great I won the giveaway, will start reading soon

[Aradhana Thakor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has done an excellent job of writing five inspirational stories. These are short stories with a beautiful moral. This book talks about the power and value of being encouragers in this world. Whoever reads this book will be truly blessed by the wonderful insights the author has spoken and will definitely strive towards being an encouragement to others.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stories and a quick read

This is a quick read filled with uplifting stories. I enjoyed all the stories but skimmed the definition sections because I really just wanted to get to the next story.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed reading this book. The lessons it can teach you, about kindness, giving, listening and searching for what you should do with your life. A great book to teach from.

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the theme of each story was worthwhile of exploration and pondering, execution of that discussion and format were disappointing for me. The dialogue of the parables/ short stories felt forced and unnatural to drive a specific narrative. Then each story was followed by a long winded and "overly Christian" reflection from the author. Considering the synopsis did not indicate this was a heavily leaning Christianity book, I was caught unaware. IMHO the synopsis should indicate if it is a Christian leaning book or not. I am the type that needs to be in the mood for a religious book. Overall I appreciated the themes and discussion found in the book, but it fell very flat for me at this time.