Reviewed by: Connor Salter, Professional Writing student at Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Introduction

Book Title: Thirsty for More: Discovering God’s Unexpected Blessings in a Desert Season

Author: Allison Allen

Publisher: Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Publication Date: September 2018

Format: Paperback

Length: 212 pages

OVERVIEW

Sometimes we go through spiritually dry seasons when we feel empty spiritually. What if there are particular things God is trying to teach us in those moments? Allison Allen looks at one of the more difficult desert seasons of her life and combines that with discussions about the medieval Desert Fathers movement and biblical stories about desert moments to show how God remakes us in the desert to serve him more fully.

Allen frequently quotes sayings by the Desert Fathers and Mothers, early medieval Christians who left Christian communities to try and get closer to God by living in deserts. There’s perhaps something inconsistent about that: the rest of the time Allen talks about desert moments as being seasons, times that come and eventually go, and yet she keeps using teachings from people who tried to perpetually live in desert moments. Fortunately, the insights she takes from the Desert Fathers’ and Mothers’ teachings are never heretical, so the connection doesn’t seriously damage the book’s main thesis.

This minor flaw aside, Allen’s book is excellent. She honestly describes the pain and isolation that comes with desert seasons, but then eloquently turns those moments around to show the strange and graceful ideas God reveals during these tough times. On top of that, her humorous writing style makes these explanations always entertaining and more readable than in most other theology books.

ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

4 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience:

Christians undergoing difficult seasons of life, Christians who feel like God isn’t currently talking to them.

Christian Impact:

This book will surprise and encourage many people who fear they’ve lost touch with God.

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