What do you think?
Rate this book
Soul Care to Save Your Life
"Manda invites you in and tells the whole truth, and you feel welcomed, seen, and changed. Soul Care to Save Your Life lives up to everything it promises and more."-- Annie F. Downs , New York Times bestselling author of That Sounds Fun
***
In our image-conscious culture, life can become a never-ending performance. The perfection we feel pressured to project to those in our social sphere comes at the expense of our emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. In the end, we are left exhausted and unfulfilled. How do we flip the script and feed ourselves rather than simply adding to our feeds?
In Soul Care to Save Your Life , author, speaker, and recovering performer Manda Carpenter offers an invitation to shift your focus from performing to purposeful living from the inside out. In this book she guides you on a three-part journey to
- identify the habits that are holding you back
- take ownership of your path to growth
- embrace practices of soul care for your well-being
It's time to drop the façade of the picture-perfect life and instead get radically honest in order to heal and embrace the confidence that comes from knowing and loving your whole self, no filter needed.
"This book is a breath of fresh air. Freedom lives within these pages."-- Nona Jones , business executive, international speaker, and bestselling author of Success from the Inside Out
"Raw and practical. Anyone who is ready for a future that looks different from your past will find this book catalytic and relevant."-- Tim Stevens , executive pastor, Willow Creek Community Church
***
In our image-conscious culture, life can become a never-ending performance. The perfection we feel pressured to project to those in our social sphere comes at the expense of our emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. In the end, we are left exhausted and unfulfilled. How do we flip the script and feed ourselves rather than simply adding to our feeds?
In Soul Care to Save Your Life , author, speaker, and recovering performer Manda Carpenter offers an invitation to shift your focus from performing to purposeful living from the inside out. In this book she guides you on a three-part journey to
- identify the habits that are holding you back
- take ownership of your path to growth
- embrace practices of soul care for your well-being
It's time to drop the façade of the picture-perfect life and instead get radically honest in order to heal and embrace the confidence that comes from knowing and loving your whole self, no filter needed.
"This book is a breath of fresh air. Freedom lives within these pages."-- Nona Jones , business executive, international speaker, and bestselling author of Success from the Inside Out
"Raw and practical. Anyone who is ready for a future that looks different from your past will find this book catalytic and relevant."-- Tim Stevens , executive pastor, Willow Creek Community Church
224 pages, Paperback
Published August 9, 2022
41 people are currently reading
1899 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 25, 2022
I really wanted to like this book. I love following Manda on Instagram and have liked listening to her podcast in the past. Unfortunately, the book read like one long Instagram post, feeling both disorganized and confusing. For me, the book tried to be everything and give advice on everything, which meant I came away with almost nothing.
Pros - Manda's vulnerability really shines, and her story is beautiful. She has some good nuggets of wisdom. Maybe would have been better as a memoir with one key focus or lesson?
Neutral - stream of consciousness writing - not my preference, especially for what is supposed to be a soul care guide
Cons - disorganized, no one thread throughout the book. Her writing could use some improvement. She also made some comments that I found to be strange throughout the book- for example, calling "overeating" a sin/mentioning unhealthy food a lot, and discussing stories from her former foster children's therapy sessions and family visitations. While I'm sure she asked these children if she could share their stories, I'm a firm believer that children can't consent to their personal information being shared like this. Earlier in the book, Manda said, "wisdom withholds," when it came to her own personal life, yet she did not withhold personal information about her former foster kids.
Would have been 3/5 for me, but the issues with sharing children's stories knocked it down to 2/5.
Pros - Manda's vulnerability really shines, and her story is beautiful. She has some good nuggets of wisdom. Maybe would have been better as a memoir with one key focus or lesson?
Neutral - stream of consciousness writing - not my preference, especially for what is supposed to be a soul care guide
Cons - disorganized, no one thread throughout the book. Her writing could use some improvement. She also made some comments that I found to be strange throughout the book- for example, calling "overeating" a sin/mentioning unhealthy food a lot, and discussing stories from her former foster children's therapy sessions and family visitations. While I'm sure she asked these children if she could share their stories, I'm a firm believer that children can't consent to their personal information being shared like this. Earlier in the book, Manda said, "wisdom withholds," when it came to her own personal life, yet she did not withhold personal information about her former foster kids.
Would have been 3/5 for me, but the issues with sharing children's stories knocked it down to 2/5.
October 28, 2022
I’ve followed Manda on Instagram for a while now and have always enjoyed her honesty and bold personality. She reminds me of myself in a lot of ways, personality wise and we have a son around the same age. I enjoy her writing style and was excited to read her book.
I felt like this book had some really great parts, but I struggled to get into it. I honestly almost stopped reading at a few points because it felt like several blog or Instagram posts on a similar topic that were shoved together to make a chapter of a book. There wasn’t a natural flow, and I struggled to follow where she was going at times. However, I do think there were some very important discussions and takeaways from this book overall.
Besides the overall lack of flow in this book, the only other thing I didn’t enjoy was a few of her stories she used for examples. I know that names were likely changed, but a few of the stories almost seemed a bit judgmental on her part. She came across as judging others for their choices and then used it to make a point or teach a lesson. I felt that she could have found a story from her own experience instead of using someone else’s sin or poor choice as an example or teaching point. That didn’t sit well with me and almost caused me to put the book down.
But overall, I’m glad I read the book. I appreciated her insight and her practical applications, and I know that this book could really lead to life change.
I felt like this book had some really great parts, but I struggled to get into it. I honestly almost stopped reading at a few points because it felt like several blog or Instagram posts on a similar topic that were shoved together to make a chapter of a book. There wasn’t a natural flow, and I struggled to follow where she was going at times. However, I do think there were some very important discussions and takeaways from this book overall.
Besides the overall lack of flow in this book, the only other thing I didn’t enjoy was a few of her stories she used for examples. I know that names were likely changed, but a few of the stories almost seemed a bit judgmental on her part. She came across as judging others for their choices and then used it to make a point or teach a lesson. I felt that she could have found a story from her own experience instead of using someone else’s sin or poor choice as an example or teaching point. That didn’t sit well with me and almost caused me to put the book down.
But overall, I’m glad I read the book. I appreciated her insight and her practical applications, and I know that this book could really lead to life change.
October 31, 2024
I thought this book was disorganized, very scattered, and poorly written. I also found the author’s personality slightly difficult. That being said, she did have some good things to say… I was challenged by her call to radical honesty (with yourself and others), generosity, introspection/self awareness.
May 18, 2022
I LOVED this book! Manda is brutally honest and shares personal insight into what she’s writing about. I love that she has done the work to back up her writing. This book is so good!
December 16, 2024
I’m sad to give this book such a low rating. The author has a good heart and genuinely wants to help others. But the book feels pretentious in that it comes across like she thinks she has earth shatteringly profound things to say, when it may be mildly wise. She was bravely honest in how she tells her own story, but a little too comfortable in giving others’ stories as bad examples. It’s a mixed bag, but overall nothing to call home about.
August 22, 2022
This book is truly nourishment for your soul. It’s a must read, and feels like findings from a life lived on purpose with a LOT of therapy. My fave kinds of findings!!!
I will be pondering the questions in this book for some time.
I will be pondering the questions in this book for some time.
September 13, 2022
This beautiful book is full of wisdom and transparency. It will inspire you to show up authentically and live in freedom. Read this with a highlighter close by!
August 8, 2022
Manda makes her story relatable, because she tells it in a very raw and candid way. But this isn't just her story. It's everyone's story. We all have rethought our choices. We've all victimized ourselves over our decisions. We've held ourselves back because we're afraid to take that step forward. We've tried to be something or someone we see on social media.
In walking Manda's journey I found myself thinking about my journey. The book led me to look back and reflect on different experiences in my life, but this time with a new lens. Each chapter ends with a series of "Soul Care" questions that guide you to map your past, present and future.
Manda uses her story to illustrate how our past can control our present and our future if we hold onto it. She then shares the journey to bring Grace into our lives so we can live as ourselves and not behind a veil.
In walking Manda's journey I found myself thinking about my journey. The book led me to look back and reflect on different experiences in my life, but this time with a new lens. Each chapter ends with a series of "Soul Care" questions that guide you to map your past, present and future.
Manda uses her story to illustrate how our past can control our present and our future if we hold onto it. She then shares the journey to bring Grace into our lives so we can live as ourselves and not behind a veil.
July 20, 2022
Love the truth of Manda’s words. An honest heart with truth that convicts but helps in amazing ways
November 8, 2022
First Sentence: “My husband, Eric, & I are city people through & through.”
Pros: I loved all of it. Every chapter I read I felt like I wanted to sit down with my closest friends & clients & read it to them. Manda does such a good job of stepping into vulnerability for the purpose of connection & also being wise in what & how she shares. She is deeply honest, but this is not a spicy tell-all of what she’s been through. She walks you through her highs & lows & points to Jesus each step of the way. She’s incredibly approachable in her writing style & has reflection questions at the end of each chapter to practically think about how to care for your own soul. (Plus, I’ve met her, & she’s just a good freaking person. Same on the page as in real life.)
I would recommend this book to anyone who…wants to read a book that feels like a breath of fresh air, a friend sitting down with you for a cup of coffee & also who can give you the tough love you need & deserve.
Pros: I loved all of it. Every chapter I read I felt like I wanted to sit down with my closest friends & clients & read it to them. Manda does such a good job of stepping into vulnerability for the purpose of connection & also being wise in what & how she shares. She is deeply honest, but this is not a spicy tell-all of what she’s been through. She walks you through her highs & lows & points to Jesus each step of the way. She’s incredibly approachable in her writing style & has reflection questions at the end of each chapter to practically think about how to care for your own soul. (Plus, I’ve met her, & she’s just a good freaking person. Same on the page as in real life.)
I would recommend this book to anyone who…wants to read a book that feels like a breath of fresh air, a friend sitting down with you for a cup of coffee & also who can give you the tough love you need & deserve.
August 9, 2022
Before reading "Soul Care to Save Your Life," I only knew author Manda Carpenter as a foster care advocate. I now realize her advocacy doesn't stop there. She genuinely desires to see all people - young and old alike - live happy, healthy, truth-filled lives.
Throughout these pages, she beautifully demonstrates that the path towards such a life isn't easily carved. A path like this requires brutal honesty with oneself and the Creator.
Carpenter writes as if she is in conversation with her reader. She bares her soul in this book, reliving the triumphant, as well as the difficult pieces of her life, in hopes that her authenticity will spread.
There is so much to be gleaned from her words. Grab a pen and a coffee and dive in. Your soul will reap great benefits.
Throughout these pages, she beautifully demonstrates that the path towards such a life isn't easily carved. A path like this requires brutal honesty with oneself and the Creator.
Carpenter writes as if she is in conversation with her reader. She bares her soul in this book, reliving the triumphant, as well as the difficult pieces of her life, in hopes that her authenticity will spread.
There is so much to be gleaned from her words. Grab a pen and a coffee and dive in. Your soul will reap great benefits.
August 22, 2022
12/10
Wow. I have the privilege of
knowing and loving Manda in real life and
I've been reading her writing for
years. I expected this book to be
pretty good. Lol but it actually blew
me away. The honesty, authenticity,
and truth she brings to literally
EVERY PAGE was incredible. Her
wise counsel is fruit fresh from her
lived experience. Hard fought
lessons learned through loss and
failure and disappointments. I
underlined half the book. I don't
know if I can adequately describe
how accurately she nails it in this
one. From the first page to the very
last, this book is a GIFT for anyone
(man or woman) who has the
courage to read it. The treasures are
bountiful in this one. It's truly a
feast.
Wow. I have the privilege of
knowing and loving Manda in real life and
I've been reading her writing for
years. I expected this book to be
pretty good. Lol but it actually blew
me away. The honesty, authenticity,
and truth she brings to literally
EVERY PAGE was incredible. Her
wise counsel is fruit fresh from her
lived experience. Hard fought
lessons learned through loss and
failure and disappointments. I
underlined half the book. I don't
know if I can adequately describe
how accurately she nails it in this
one. From the first page to the very
last, this book is a GIFT for anyone
(man or woman) who has the
courage to read it. The treasures are
bountiful in this one. It's truly a
feast.
November 25, 2022
This book tackles breaking bad habits and helps you take back your life. In a world of social media, there are unrealistic expectations of being perfect. This book helps break apart those expectations to reveal the best true self you can be.
The thing that I enjoyed the most about this book was the soul care practice sections at the end of each chapter focusing on a coinciding theme. The book has practicality but by no means is boring. A lot of the topics tackled are things that I had never thought about before and would be working on after reading.
I would recommend this book for people who are overacheivers or struggle with imperfection. This would make a great gift for the holidays or birthdays. Come join the soul-searching journey of your life!
The thing that I enjoyed the most about this book was the soul care practice sections at the end of each chapter focusing on a coinciding theme. The book has practicality but by no means is boring. A lot of the topics tackled are things that I had never thought about before and would be working on after reading.
I would recommend this book for people who are overacheivers or struggle with imperfection. This would make a great gift for the holidays or birthdays. Come join the soul-searching journey of your life!
September 27, 2023
It takes courage to admit to the world not only that you’ve had an extramarital affair but also the specific brokenness that led to that moral failure. But I don’t think that’s the most radical confession of this book. The everyday honesty Manda Carpenter details is the harder example to follow for me. At the same time, some of these chapters seemed filled with Instagram-esque quotes and some humble bragging. As a self-employed dude with a daughter in college, I’m able to incorporate most of the suggestions of this book; but I’m not sure how many moms of littles—particularly those with limited incomes—could implement some of these recommendations. And the writing seems to indicate that demographic as her target audience.
August 7, 2022
I’ve learned so much more about how to intentionally practice soul care as I read this book. Not only has it renewed my dedication to build space in my life, but it has also taught me innumerable other lessons. It has guided me to reflect on how to live more intentionally rather than feeling like life is happening to me. I’ve been able to differentiate between the routines and rhythms that are beneficial in my life. I absolutely recommend this book as a tool for how to live emotionally and spiritually filled. Manda is raw and honest. She truly wants the best for you - and she generously shares her personal experiences in order to best guide her reader to live out of an abundance mindset.
August 12, 2022
I had been looking forward to holding this book in my hands after hearing about it and all of the changes it had went through since Manda had first decided to write it a few years ago. In just the opening and first few chapters, I felt like I was having a conversation with a dead friend. Manda invites you in and treats you with great care while also challenging you to then care for yourself even more deeply. Thinking through the questions at the end of each chapter has been a great challenge that I look forward continuing to process through ❤️☺️
September 13, 2023
This was a really solid book with great insight and practical advice and questions to ask yourself. I would say it is probably my favorite “self help” book I’ve read. This book made me look inward and question parts of myself that needed to be evaluated. I will say, some of the writing style and things the author would say bothered me. She could come across a bit judgmental, and had that altrd state Christian energy. Regardless, what I took away from the book was worth everything else. Would recommend.
August 10, 2022
Manda creates space for us to look into our souls and identify areas where we need to change. Her honesty and raw vulnerability is a breath of fresh air. In a world that is all about appearances, Manda encourages us to take off our masks and be authentic with those we meet. The questions are the end of each chapter are so helpful to reflect on my own life! I can’t wait to start a book study with some girlfriends to dive in even deeper. Buy this book, NOW!
August 12, 2022
Soul Care to Save Your Life is the kind of book that makes you feel held. The stories and practices within the pages are invitations to radical honesty and holistic healing rather than the temptations of trying to impress our way to healing. This book is for people that are tired and yearning for real authenticity and connection with the divine. Manda's honesty and challenges have been a balm to my weary soul and I pray they are to you as well.
October 23, 2022
I’ve always admired Manda Carpenter, and after reading this book I appreciate her authenticity even more. As an author, she could choose to only write about things that portray her in positive light, but instead she shares it all and points us all back to Jesus. Whether you’re a foster parent, someone who has struggled with mental health, or someone who just wants to love others better
there are things in this book that will change your heart and your thinking. Loved this book!
there are things in this book that will change your heart and your thinking. Loved this book!
August 9, 2022
Reading Soul Care to Save Your Life filled me with so much joy but challenged me to dig deeper into my daily thoughts and practices. It’s truly a guide to being a better human - for yourself, for the ones you love and for strangers. As Manda says, “nothing matters more than the condition of our souls…” and I now have a better understanding of what that looks like for me.
December 19, 2022
3.5, but rounded up to 4 because I really appreciate her vulnerability and honesty. Most of the book had me cheering YES! THIS! LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK! but some parts had me rolling my eyes. It felt preachy at times, and there were a few examples used that I felt were in bad taste - however there truly was more good than bad, and I'm glad I listened to it.
January 24, 2023
I appreciated the brutal honesty and the clear growth she went through as she shared her story. I enjoyed the different ways to look at issues and the challenging questions. I found myself wanting to share pieces with husband and this book encouraged me to reflect. I could have done without the Jesus/god/religious pieces.
January 21, 2024
Loved this book! I will be adding it to my “read again” and “come back when you need it” list. This book was filled with so many takeaways, I wanted to highlight all the words and write them down to come back and read later. It’s raw, beautiful and a testament of what can happen in our lives when we are unapologetically honest and willing to do the hard work of soul care.
August 5, 2022
This book is so refreshing and so relevant. Manda goes first by sharing some of her past mistakes, and in doing so graciously invites you to do the same. This book is a must for everyone, as it walks you through how we transform when we own our mistakes. LOVED this one!
October 8, 2022
I will be revisiting the reflective practices in this book moving forward! This was a simple yet life giving read that kept me meditating on ownership of my own life and surrender to God’s work! Read if you want to slow down and take stock of your life!
October 14, 2022
I wanted to love this book and I did love so much of it. The pretty regular diet talk, fixation on the body and triggering words such as gluttony, shame etc was disappointing. It took away from the goodness and richness that is here.
April 30, 2023
i love books like these - practical tips and tools for living a more authentic, real, and honest life. i will revisit this book often to remind myself how to take care of myself - not just for me, but for all the people around me!!
September 11, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. Love the honesty in it. It is one of the best I have read this year in gate Christian nonfiction world
October 6, 2022
Listed on Hoopla. Loved Manda’s vulnerability and radical honesty. I felt so convicted and challenged by this book. I admire her bravery so much to share her story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews