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Hope: A User's Manual
What hope is, what hope isn't, and how to find it in hopeless times.
How do we cultivate hope to face each day? How do we find the energy to persevere, knowing things don't always work out OK, no matter what the platitudes say? How do we pursue the work of justice, knowing that the task is too big for any of us?
This book addresses these questions. It's MaryAnn's attempt to write herself back into a sense of hope after a grueling few years of life and world events.
Though this is not a pandemic book, readers will see COVID-19's hulking presence from time to time, as well as the looming specter of climate change and the urgent work of confronting racial and economic injustice. Also braided in these pages is MaryAnn's experience walking with her daughter through a debilitating depression. The family found hope hiding in unexpected nooks and crannies in that journey; but hope also lurks in tattooed wisdom from a beloved children's book and in Marvel movies, on the running trail and in a sweater full of holes.
One thing is real hope demands that we do something with it. That we live it out. That we use hope to participate in a bigger story playing out behind the bleak world we see on the news or in our social media feeds every day.
Whether you're a person of faith, or someone disillusioned with faith, or someone who hardly ever thinks about if you're a human being who longs for a spiritual counternarrative to live by, this book points to one resilient enough to endure crises and crushing defeats. If you're tired of hearing about some heavenly hereafter amid the pressing need for justice here and now, this is a book about hope for this world.
Sections
What Hope Is Not
What Hope Is
Hope Lives in the Body
Hope Travels in Story
The Practice of Hope
Hope Beyond Hope
How do we cultivate hope to face each day? How do we find the energy to persevere, knowing things don't always work out OK, no matter what the platitudes say? How do we pursue the work of justice, knowing that the task is too big for any of us?
This book addresses these questions. It's MaryAnn's attempt to write herself back into a sense of hope after a grueling few years of life and world events.
Though this is not a pandemic book, readers will see COVID-19's hulking presence from time to time, as well as the looming specter of climate change and the urgent work of confronting racial and economic injustice. Also braided in these pages is MaryAnn's experience walking with her daughter through a debilitating depression. The family found hope hiding in unexpected nooks and crannies in that journey; but hope also lurks in tattooed wisdom from a beloved children's book and in Marvel movies, on the running trail and in a sweater full of holes.
One thing is real hope demands that we do something with it. That we live it out. That we use hope to participate in a bigger story playing out behind the bleak world we see on the news or in our social media feeds every day.
Whether you're a person of faith, or someone disillusioned with faith, or someone who hardly ever thinks about if you're a human being who longs for a spiritual counternarrative to live by, this book points to one resilient enough to endure crises and crushing defeats. If you're tired of hearing about some heavenly hereafter amid the pressing need for justice here and now, this is a book about hope for this world.
Sections
What Hope Is Not
What Hope Is
Hope Lives in the Body
Hope Travels in Story
The Practice of Hope
Hope Beyond Hope
189 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2022
73 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 5, 2022
Easily one of my top-five books of the year! I've loved MaryAnn McKibben Dana's other books, but this book came at just the right time. Each chapter is short (2-4 pages) with a few suggestions for practice and reflection. In a world that has experienced non-stop pain and suffering for the last two-and-a-half years for so many folks, her short chapters are the perfect to digest.
I deeply appreciate that the book is action-oriented. Hope is not a feeling; it is something we do.
There is very much a sense that we are to participate and co-labor with God to create change in the world.
Highly recommended.
I deeply appreciate that the book is action-oriented. Hope is not a feeling; it is something we do.
There is very much a sense that we are to participate and co-labor with God to create change in the world.
Highly recommended.
August 30, 2022
MaryAnn McKibben Dana is an amazing clergy and running couch, and this book opens up to anyone who needs some encouragement and guidance. Although she is writing from the Christian tradition, her use of pop culture references would make this appropriate for anyone open to the spiritual practice of hope.
This manual can be read in one sitting, but I imagine I will return to it again and again. It does not need to be read from beginning to end, instead a reader can choose from the table of contents what they most want to read about (just like any good user's manual). There are practical activities to do for each section, while also being philosophical and reflective.
MaryAnn also tells personal stories that are shaped by the COVID -19 pandemic, but the book does not fixate on that as the only thing we need hope in the midst of. One takeaway I have is the difference between hope and optimism, especially in communities of color.
Read this book on your own or with a community of readers so we can engage on this journey together and hold one another accountable to being people of hope. I'm convinced doing so will create depth and change in your life, not just surface improvements.
This manual can be read in one sitting, but I imagine I will return to it again and again. It does not need to be read from beginning to end, instead a reader can choose from the table of contents what they most want to read about (just like any good user's manual). There are practical activities to do for each section, while also being philosophical and reflective.
MaryAnn also tells personal stories that are shaped by the COVID -19 pandemic, but the book does not fixate on that as the only thing we need hope in the midst of. One takeaway I have is the difference between hope and optimism, especially in communities of color.
Read this book on your own or with a community of readers so we can engage on this journey together and hold one another accountable to being people of hope. I'm convinced doing so will create depth and change in your life, not just surface improvements.
May 11, 2024
Hope: A User’s Manual is a collection of essays about hope. It’s not overtly religious, but definitely written from a Christian perspective. I liked how author MaryAnn McKibben Dana organized the book, beginning with essays on “What Hope Is Not” and “What Hope Is.” Note that I read this book on my own and not with a study group.
September 9, 2022
We could all use a bit of hope in our lives. In recent years, life has become increasingly complicated and stressful, such that many folks, even Christians, worry about the future. The COVID-19 pandemic only made things worse, as people lost jobs, struggled with school, and endured loneliness and possible illness. Yes, hope seems to be in short supply. With that in mind, this particular resource, a user's manual of hope, might be of help.
MaryAnn McKibben Dana offers us "A User's Manual" that speaks to that needed "Hope." Dana is a writer, PCUSA pastor, speaker, and ministry coach. In speaking to this need for Hope, Dana doesn't offer a word of optimism. She doesn't downplay the realities of our time. After all, this book was written in the midst of the pandemic. She offers this book to "religious folk who" like her, "are weary of pat answers and scripty-font platitudes about hope" (p. 3). In other words, this isn't a book that offers easily reshared memes offering "be happy" sentiments.
She has organized the book around six themes. Each theme/section is divided into several brief chapters (usually 3-4 pages in length). The way she lays out the book, it could easily be used devotionally. The six sections include "What Hope Is Not;" "What Hope Is;" "Hope Lives in the Body;" "Hope Travels in Story;" "The Practice of Hope;" and "Hope Beyond Hope." As noted each section is broken down into six to nine brief chapters, each of which explores an element of that theme. The message we encounter in these chapters is often personal, as Dana reveals elements of her own life and that of her family. That includes revealing that her young daughter struggled with depression during the pandemic, something many children and youth experienced.
In the first section, under "What Hope Is Not," she makes it clear that hope is not prediction or optimism. As for what it is, she suggests that it has something to do with what we do. As for why it is what we do, she suggests that "hope is wrapped up in what we make real. Hope isn't what we think. Hope isn't what we feel. . . . "hope is what we do in the face of suffering, pain, and injustice" (p. 39). Ultimately, the message of the book is hope has to do with taking a long view and persevering through thick and thin.
This is a book that speaks clearly to the challenges of life in a complicated world, one that easily leads to depression and a lack of home. As she notes in her closing chapter, which picks up on the story of Jesus calming the storm out on the Sea of Galilee, hope is about enduring, of persevering, through the storm. So, keep riding out the storm.
May the book offer hope to all who read.
MaryAnn McKibben Dana offers us "A User's Manual" that speaks to that needed "Hope." Dana is a writer, PCUSA pastor, speaker, and ministry coach. In speaking to this need for Hope, Dana doesn't offer a word of optimism. She doesn't downplay the realities of our time. After all, this book was written in the midst of the pandemic. She offers this book to "religious folk who" like her, "are weary of pat answers and scripty-font platitudes about hope" (p. 3). In other words, this isn't a book that offers easily reshared memes offering "be happy" sentiments.
She has organized the book around six themes. Each theme/section is divided into several brief chapters (usually 3-4 pages in length). The way she lays out the book, it could easily be used devotionally. The six sections include "What Hope Is Not;" "What Hope Is;" "Hope Lives in the Body;" "Hope Travels in Story;" "The Practice of Hope;" and "Hope Beyond Hope." As noted each section is broken down into six to nine brief chapters, each of which explores an element of that theme. The message we encounter in these chapters is often personal, as Dana reveals elements of her own life and that of her family. That includes revealing that her young daughter struggled with depression during the pandemic, something many children and youth experienced.
In the first section, under "What Hope Is Not," she makes it clear that hope is not prediction or optimism. As for what it is, she suggests that it has something to do with what we do. As for why it is what we do, she suggests that "hope is wrapped up in what we make real. Hope isn't what we think. Hope isn't what we feel. . . . "hope is what we do in the face of suffering, pain, and injustice" (p. 39). Ultimately, the message of the book is hope has to do with taking a long view and persevering through thick and thin.
This is a book that speaks clearly to the challenges of life in a complicated world, one that easily leads to depression and a lack of home. As she notes in her closing chapter, which picks up on the story of Jesus calming the storm out on the Sea of Galilee, hope is about enduring, of persevering, through the storm. So, keep riding out the storm.
May the book offer hope to all who read.
September 2, 2022
OK, full disclosure. I'm MaryAnn McKibben Dana's mother. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'm putting on my book reader hat and telling you that I think this is my favorite of MaryAnn's books so far. I'm not trying to discount her other works, but this one comes at the perfect time. After more than 2 years of social distancing, and many people in the world having died or dealing with the effects of long covid, and many more years of discord in our country and the world, I find myself feeling hope-less at times. I worry about climate change and if my 10 grandchildren will have a future that is bright. For the most part, I'm an optimist, but for those time when all hope fails me, this book is just what I need to get back on track, or rather, find a new track to get on. It is a user's manual after all.
I love that the chapters are short and each has a suggestion for reflection and practice. I’m doing just that on my own blog. MaryAnn offers personal stories that are interesting and relevant, even though I'm in a different generation and time in my life than she is. I'm certain that this book can give anyone who reads it and "works" it a new way to look at and find hope.
I love that the chapters are short and each has a suggestion for reflection and practice. I’m doing just that on my own blog. MaryAnn offers personal stories that are interesting and relevant, even though I'm in a different generation and time in my life than she is. I'm certain that this book can give anyone who reads it and "works" it a new way to look at and find hope.
March 24, 2025
"Riding out the storm together is why we are here"
I have always been a sucker for hope: a noun, a verb and even as an adjective it was a word I grew up with all the time. It's even the symbology on my home state flag: HOPE sits under an anchor on RI's state flag.
I'm a Substack writer, and have run across Rev MaryAnn McKibbon Dana's work in passing on that media and was intrigued by the title which I purchased last summer. Not sure what to expect I carried it around for a while until I settled into a new apartment, putting it on my TBR list until finally beginning to read it.
This book is not for the faint hearted. It gives you short reads, reflections and practices to recognize and recover hope in our increasingly hopeless world. Using her own struggle with family and ministry, the book embodies how hope works and why it reflects positivity in body mind and spirit. And even if it could be used as a textbook for theology students and pastors, it is a heartfelt look at our world. Highly Recommended 5/5
I have always been a sucker for hope: a noun, a verb and even as an adjective it was a word I grew up with all the time. It's even the symbology on my home state flag: HOPE sits under an anchor on RI's state flag.
I'm a Substack writer, and have run across Rev MaryAnn McKibbon Dana's work in passing on that media and was intrigued by the title which I purchased last summer. Not sure what to expect I carried it around for a while until I settled into a new apartment, putting it on my TBR list until finally beginning to read it.
This book is not for the faint hearted. It gives you short reads, reflections and practices to recognize and recover hope in our increasingly hopeless world. Using her own struggle with family and ministry, the book embodies how hope works and why it reflects positivity in body mind and spirit. And even if it could be used as a textbook for theology students and pastors, it is a heartfelt look at our world. Highly Recommended 5/5
September 8, 2022
I have been following MaryAnn McKibben Dana's writing since I first read her book, God, Improv and the Art of Living. Reading this book "Hope, A User's Manual was like the Lay's potato chip commercial, You Can't Eat Just One. I could not put it down long enough to do the Refect and Practice suggestions at the end of each section. I will be going back and re-reading it to pause and journal on the reflect sections this time. One specific chapter spoke to me just where I find myself: Hope is not Solice, has 2 wonderful life-giving quotes. One by Migual de la Torre, "I have chosen to stand in radical solidarity with the oppressed of the world who live in Holy Saturday, no knowing if there even is a resurrection Sunday." I think this speaks to many life situations too. The doctor says you have cancer - you find your husband dead in the back of his pickup truck. Everyone should read this book and find very comforting and reassuring words of hope.
August 31, 2022
MaryAnn McKibben Dana is a fellow Presbyterian pastor, writer, and "hopemonger" as she calls herself. I'm delighted to recommend her newest book, "Hope: A User's Manual."
Brief, readable and relatable chapters are organized into six sections, beginning with"What Hope Is" and "What Hope is Not," and moving into living and practicing hope in our personal and community lives. It is a thought-provoking and practical guide, and just what the subtitle calls it: A User's Manual.
I bought a copy for myself, and gave another copy to my husband who pastors a church in southern California. Everyone should read this book, because hope feels in short supply in the world these days.
Brief, readable and relatable chapters are organized into six sections, beginning with"What Hope Is" and "What Hope is Not," and moving into living and practicing hope in our personal and community lives. It is a thought-provoking and practical guide, and just what the subtitle calls it: A User's Manual.
I bought a copy for myself, and gave another copy to my husband who pastors a church in southern California. Everyone should read this book, because hope feels in short supply in the world these days.
December 16, 2022
This is definitely the best book I have read this year. It offers short chapters on how to build and sustain hope that are practical and and some that really make you look at the world a little differently. Although there are notes about Christianity embedded in the text, I would not say this was a specifically Christian book as many of the concepts can be applied even if you don't believe this particular religion. It is not a book to rush through but one to take your time and savor and one that can be read multiple times and still get something new each time. Highly recommend.
September 17, 2023
I’ve had this book on my night stand for while and took me just under 4 months to finish. I was supposed to read it for a university book club but I wasn’t able to attend. This book has some thoughtful perspectives and touches lightly on Christianity. Author felt like she was trying to be a little too relatable in relation to her personal struggles at times, but it was balanced with quotes from other authors to tie in the connection. Overall a decent read.
April 22, 2023
I loved how this book broadened my mindset about hope and made me contemplate. I suggest you read it slowly. Each short chapter ends with a reflection and application. You may want to read one chapter a day and journal about those points that resonated or renewed your mind. Very insightful. Keep an open and prayerful mind. I will definitely read this one again.
April 29, 2025
One of the worst books I've ever read. Nothing but a political screed masquerading as a faith building book. The author's writing style and language is so bad as to be almost unable to be read. Don't waste your money. I would have given it no stars if possible. I tossed it after suffering through it all the way to the end.
August 30, 2022
MaryAnn McKibben Dana does it again. A thoughtful, well-researched book that invites readers to reflect and act in hope-full ways. First read, not the last. Many pages dog eared to mark quotes that encourage me to engage its content.
September 6, 2022
I finally sat down to do some reading today, and what a delight it was to read MaryAnn's book. I love the pacing and the balance between both comforting and challenging opportunities- it's an ideal post-pandemic text (are we post-pandemic?).
Thank you.
Thank you.
July 9, 2023
This is a lovely compilation of reflections on hope from a contemporary Christian perspective. Each is only 3-4 pages each, which is perfect for reading one a day. This was another surprise find at my local public library’s new nonfiction shelf and I’m super excited to share it with you!
June 14, 2023
I think this is a very good devotional on hope. I enjoyed the anecdotes, but found the chapters to be very short. I wish there was more of a flow in the sections themselves.
January 24, 2024
I loved this book from the very first to very last page. I dog eared many pages and questions for reflection that I want to come back to. Definitely worth reading. Perfect for a group read.
December 23, 2024
Organized into 6 thematic sections, this book of short essays on hope was provocative and grounding. I look forward to discussing it with a group during our All-Church Read in 2025.
December 28, 2025
Great stories, reflection questions, and daily practices for living with greater hope. Practical, relatable, and timely.
January 21, 2025
A delightful little book. Good perspectives and reminders. I'd recommend reading it as a devotional instead of blowing through it one day like I did, though.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews