Sweet like jasmine: Finding identity in a culture of loneliness

Reviewed by:

Ceil Carey, retired public librarian and long time book discussion leader

REVIEW INTRODUCTION

Title:

Sweet like jasmine: Finding identity in a culture of loneliness

Author:

Bonnie Gray

Publisher:

Harvest House Publishers

https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/

Date:

2021

Format:

Paperback

Length:

254 pages

Overview:

Bonnie Gray has bared her soul to readers describing her dysfunctional childhood being raised by a narcissistic mother with no father present. Her struggles with emptiness extend into her adulthood, her only comfort her faith in Christ. The love of her husband Eric helps her as well but her journey to the old haunts of her childhood provide a breakthrough for her as she wrangles with her self esteem and at the same time give readers a glimpse into her life as the daughter of a young mail order bride.

Each chapter ends with a Letter to my younger self; a description of one cultural item from China, such as kintsugi (repairing broken pottery with gold) or the drinking of jasmine tea; and Reflect and Share, several questions for the readers to consider.

The author writes her story beautifully describing how the Lord treasures each of us. Readers will have their hearts touched by her moving story.

Rating:

5 out of 5

Suggested audience:

Fans of biography and/or Chinese culture

Christian impact:

Author Gray displays her trust in Christ in every chapter if not every page.