Surprised by Imperfection: Essays and Stories on Wonder

by Shari Brand Ray, Sarah Robin Coleman (Illustrator)

In a culture that encourages and applauds the search for perfection in all its exterior manifestations, Surprised by Imperfection is a collection of essays that reminds readers of the exquisite beauty in the dappled and imperfect aspects of the vast world, seeks out the sanctity of the ordinary in all its seasons, and invites us back to childhood’s grand sense of wonder.

In each story, Shari Brand Ray considers the sacredness of the small moments in life. With humor and inordinate love for the everyday, Ray connects readers to the glories of the natural world through a return to close observation. In the spring she finds meaning in watching two dogs run in the warm sunshine along the banks of the spring-swollen Mississippi River, and in autumn she experiences the terrifying beauty of leaving her seven-year-old daughter in a Belgian girls’ school where neither she nor her daughter yet speak the language. In winter Ray writes of personal wounding, the moments following a life-threatening head-on collision on a snowy night in Memphis as she waits for the ambulance and contemplates her own unknown future.

The lyrical essays in Surprised by Imperfection unfold in humor, wisdom, and love, and reawaken the unexpected glory that comprises our collective imperfection.

316 pages, Paperback

Published August 25, 2022

Reviews

[Allison Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely, lovely, lovely. This book is divided into seasons, not chapters, and I have been anxiously waiting until spring to get to finish this book! So absolutely wonderful. Thank you Fraser for recommending it, this for sure has a spot in my top 10 favorite books.

Your eyes can go from completely dry to a blurry mess within a page and a half. If you read it, you'll probably be able to pick out my favorite short story pretty easily. Ray beautifully displays the overflowing love of God in her life and narrates beauty, wonder, mystery, pain, suffering, confusion, and the rest of the myriad of the interworkings of the Christian life.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

a perfect start to the year 💌

[Catherine Smith Denman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful storytelling.

[Emilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by my dear, sweet friend and daughters' English teacher, this book is a gem. Her personal essays are touching and funny. The Lent and Advent reflections are insightful and remind us that God is both a magnificent being, worthy of our awe and also a loving savior very near to us. Shari's joyful voice and tender heart are displayed so beautiful in these essays.

[Mary Nease · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book is written by my high school teacher & is filled with timeless & powerful truths. She infuses wisdom with stories in the most gracious & winsome way! This book will make you feel all the emotions, all while teaching & refreshing your soul! It was just what I needed & I hope you will read it too!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

an ode to love, life, and faith. simple but ever-so-wise words that serve as a reminder to love actively and unconditionally, live with grace for your neighbors and yourself, and embrace imperfection. ❤️

[Mfj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised by Imperfection was written by my high school english teacher. Many of these stories I heard over lunch or before class. A beautiful collection of stories and reflection on the beauty in the mundane.

[Linda Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of essays were well-written, beautiful reflections on our world and our place in it. As I live in the same town as the author, I especially loved reading about familiar locals.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

profoundly beautiful

[Cranston Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated, Surprised by Imperfection will warm your heart and brighten your day. Ray's stories have been built over a lifetime and show us how to live our lives with faith and humor. As you read her memoirs you will find yourself reflecting on how you've lived your own life. She teaches us how to see the beauty all around us, how to laugh at ourselves and how to love.