Reviewed by: Megan Alms, a Professional Writing Major at Taylor University

Introduction

Title: Pizza with Jesus (No Black Olives): Finding Hope and Grace Amid Hardship & Grief

Author: P.J. Frick

Publisher: Ingram Spark/Lighting Source LLC

Publication Date: 2017

Format: Print book

Length: 137 pages

OVERVIEW

              P.J. Frick has experienced immeasurable tragedy and heartache. Through breast cancer, financial crisis, loss of pets, dissolving relationships, job changes, and the passing of her husband, she struggled to keep her eyes on God. But in Pizza with Jesus, Frick reflects upon her struggles with grace and the knowledge that God never abandons His children.

Though this book was likely therapeutic for the author, there are aspects of it that struggle to touch her audience as deeply as they touch her. For example, Frick lost several beloved pets throughout the timeline of the book. Though she undoubtedly treasured them all, readers lack the personal connection needed to mourn their passing. Other events involved individuals Frick did not want to mention by name or describe too extensively. These gaps in information took away the power of the events. It often read like a personal journal rather than a book meant for a wider audience.

Nevertheless, Frick’s memoir observes that grief is experienced universally; no matter how much a loss “should” hurt, the pain of it is always immeasurable. Though everyone’s reaction to sorrow varies, no amount of mourning is “worse” than another. In this way, Frick is able to touch the heart of anyone who has reached despair.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

3 stars

Suggested Audience

Christians who have suffered loss

Christian Impact

Pizza with Jesus offers readers hope through grief and the knowledge that God remains beside us, even when we can’t see Him.

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