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

Introduction

Title: Beauty in the Breakdown: Choosing to Overcome

Author: Julie Roberts with Ken Abraham

Publisher: W Publishing Group (Thomas Nelson)

Publication Date: 2018

Format: Paperback

Length: 290 pages

OVERVIEW

Julie Roberts went from a harsh childhood to struggling country singer to being poised for stardom. Then, just as everything seemed lined up, she contracted multiple sclerosis. This started a long difficult journey of recognizing her weakness, overcoming medical and other issues, and finding out who she really was.

This isn’t a groundbreaking artist’s memoir, but Roberts and Abraham do present something unusual. They tell a story about overcoming, which most artist biographies would make into a narrative about experiencing struggles and then getting everything back and more. Here, the writers don’t pretend Roberts’ career has completely resurged. Instead, they focus on the more difficult idea that it’s better to truly find one’s identity in Christ. It’s tempting to say that while thinking God will bring success eventually, but it’s hard to really mean it. Here, the writers honestly believe it, which makes the book at least worth checking out.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

3 stars

Suggested Audience

Readers who like country music or stories about surviving adversity.

Christian Impact

Roberts’ honest look at the struggles she’s faced and how she’s kept going will inspire readers to find new priorities and focus more on their identity in Christ.

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