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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Do You Dare to Trust and Hope Again?, July 19, 2002
This review is from: Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again: Living With Losses of the Heart (Hardcover)
I opened Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again with high expectations-and I was not disappointed. The subtitle intrigued me, "Living with Losses of the Heart." Released in September 2001, this book by Kari West helps fill the void in our hearts after the events of 9-11 and puts loss in perspective. It is a must read for anyone wanting to move out of dark despair and into the daylight of hope. Not all of us have been personally affected by catastrophic loss, yet if not us, we all know someone whose life has been touched by the dark side of loss and the out-of-control spiral that usually follows. West has written this book to focus on "... losses for which you were not responsible and over which you had little or no control." The book is assembled into 12 sections of seven chapters, each two to three page in length. Every chapter begins and ends with a thought provoking verse or quote and each ends with a personalized prayer pause. Woven into its 256 pages are stories of real people who have struggled with life's lessons. The focus in on moments in our lives when we have the opportunity to reflect on pivotal, emotional, soul-searching, unavoidable, spirited, decisive, daring, elastic, courageous, glorious, nurturing, and mind-boggling moments that challenge us. Although we cannot change the challenges life throws at us, we can choose our direction and our response. By reading how others have dealt with loss, the reader is invited to reflect on how they would respond. My only criticism of this book is it's labeled as a "women's" book on grief. Many men will overlook it and so most men will miss its healing power. I read the book and was touched by how it applied to me. I want to wave it in front of men and shout, "Read this! We deal with loss too." Whether you buy Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again for yourself or for a friend, this book will inspire us with hope. If you or someone you know has been touched by loss or your heart is heavy with the pangs of despair or loneliness, the question becomes, "Do you dare to trust and hope again?
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An incredibly helpful book, March 22, 2002
This review is from: Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again: Living With Losses of the Heart (Hardcover)
When my identical twin sister found herself facing an unwanted divorce after 20 years of marriage, it devastated both of us. For hours I sat and listened to her talk about her fears of the future, the struggle of just getting through a single day, the deep sadness surrounding herself and her teenaged daughter, knowing that what had always symbolized "home" to them would soon be only a memory. We cried together, praying for a miracle. One of the miracles came in the form of Kari West's book, "Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again." As a writer, I had a casual acquaintance with Kari and she was kind enough to send me a copy of both of her books to share with my sister the next time we visited. It so happened that I picked up "Dare to Trust" one morning, just to thumb through it. What I discovered was a treasure chest of HOPE. I couldn't put the book down. It was as if Kari had been a silent listener to all of my sister's conversations, understanding her every fear and concern. She had been in my sister's shoes and reading this book was almost like a glimpse into the future. It offered much-needed relief. Yes, life would be good again. In a word, "Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again" is wonderful. It addresses every issue that the divorced woman faces. Written from personal experiences, not only does Kari's writing shine, she did a masterful job of putting together a book that is actually useful. There are short chapters, relevant quotes, inspirational Scripture, along with the experiences and advice of others. The book's format is perfect for the woman who has little time to read, yet needs a major pick-me-up. I cannot recommend this book enough. No matter what your loss is, you will find solace in "Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again."
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Insightful, Empathetic Counsel for Those Experiencing Grief, September 26, 2001
This review is from: Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again: Living With Losses of the Heart (Hardcover)
Kari West writes as though she's been through the deep valleys. This book is good counsel for anyone grieving over the loss of a loved one, the failure of a marriage, or struggling with the horrific events of September 11, 2001. West espouses no easy answers. Anger is often tangible, depression suffocating, and hope elusive. While this book is firmly based on Christian teachings, the author acknowledges wisdom from many cultures and disciplines, rejects easy formulas, and guides the reader through a complex maze of shock, anger, depression, to realistic hope. Recovery is a process, sometimes a long one. West does not point directions but walks hand-in-hand with the reader, as one who has been there and understands. This book is well-organized, artistically written, and in its depths are many nuggets of truth. For many, it will be exactly what they need for their journey through the valley.
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