Customer Reviews

Espresso for Your Spirit: Hope and Humor for Pooped-Out Parents

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really enjoyed this book and have bought several copies for my parenting friends. She writes so honestly, you can really relate. You feel like you know her and that you are sitting in her living room with a cup of coffee talking. Her incredibly encouriging stories of what God has done with her family is so great to hear about. Also, stories of her friends that you take the parenting journey with. I found it sad to be done and have since read several more of her books and have also been greatly encouraged and refreshed.

A simple little book. Like Espresso, it's supposed to be a daily shot of encouragement for your weary soul.

Problem: it didn't, and I didn't like it. I think this is probably the first book where I say, I didn't like it.

I know, how could I not like a humor book. Maybe I have no sense of humor, maybe I just don't like the author's writing style. I just did not like it.

I received this to review from Multnomah Publishing.

Pam Vredevelt's collection of stories, vignettes and quotes in Espresso for your Spirit are honest and relatable. As a fairly new parent, I feel rather bombarded by guide books, manuals, and various other experts telling me why laying down with my daughter to get her to fall asleep last night was the worst thing I could have done as a parent.

It's also refreshing to have someone with a religious perspective be honest about the shortcomings and frustrations that accompany any parenting experience. In the beginning of the book, she sums up her view on parenting when she says, "I used to think raising children was more or less a task of shaping and guiding a future generation. I still do. But I also think God uses children to shape parents. And the trials that come into our family circle aren't necessarily to make us "better." They are to "empty us out" so that God can fill us up with more of Himself."

Her vulnerability with her own struggles mixes well with her quotes of inspiration or humor at the end of each chapter. This may not be suitable for a daily read, but is a worthy addition to any parents casual book reading list. I received a copy of this book to review from Multnomah Publishing Blogging for Books program.

Espresso for Your Spirit by Pam Vredevelt was an incredibly encouraging book for parents. This was not your typical "do this" or "do that" to be a good parent type of book. In fact, it contained none of that. Instead, this book took a very transparent look at parenthood, with an honest approach from the author. Being a psychiatrist, she shared parenting experiences, both good and bad, from her family as well as the experiences of some of her patients and friends. At the end of each chapter, I felt uplifted and encouraged in this incredibly difficult journey of parenthood. Which is a nice change, considering that most parenting books leave you feeling like a failure after pointing out everything that you should be doing or not doing.

Vredevelt has three children, one of which has down syndrome. I would recommend this book to anyone with children, especially children with down syndrome. She was so honest about all of her feelings when she found out that her Nathan had down syndrome and worked up to the feelings that she has now. One of the main themes in this book is acceptance of circumstances, which she knows a lot about. She has learned a great deal from Nathan and it is refreshing to read her story. I wouldn't recommend reading this book like a novel, the way that I did. It is intended to be read a chapter a day or read a chapter here and there when you need some encouragement.

One of my favorite things about this book was that at the end of each chapter she included quotes and anecdotes, sometimes funny and sometimes thought provoking. My favorite of these is one that she included by James Baldwin, "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." That is such a good reminder to me as I attempt to teach my children daily; however, sometimes paying little attention to the way that I act or respond. Overall, I would recommend this book to other parents in need of some encouraging.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

I received a free review copy of Espresso for your Spirit from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing for the purpose of this review.

The author, Pam Vredevelt, is a mother and clinical therapist who has written this book with the clear understanding that most parents will pick up the book and read in 5 minute intervals. This is not a book that tells you how to be a good parent or gives you all the answers. Rather it is simply a reflection of her life as a Mom of 3 children (one of which is special needs). She gives you scripture based answers and actual experiences where she has grown. Sometimes they are funny situtations, other times you feel yourself relating to poignant moments, triumphs and tragedies of real parents.

You can order Espresso for Your Spirit: Hope and Humor for Pooped-Out Parents from Amazon or request it at your local library.

How do you begin your day? Mine begins with a daily dose of Max Lucado, more recently Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling" and the occasional Holley Gerth! If you are a tired parent in need of an "espresso for your spirit"- a jolt of Scripture and encouragement to begin your day, this book is for you! If you are trying to love your kids, "drink in" these pages- which chapter-by chapter includes Bible verses, words of encouragement, stories from other parents in the trenches, culminating in a "cup" of hope and humor in alternating chapters. It's a wonderful way to jumpstart your day, provide a 15 minute break to reconnect with your Creator, or just encourage you in your parenting journey! And...an added "perk"- at the end of the book are "Koffee Klatch Questions" so you can gather round the coffee pot with other parents for discussion and interaction!

I loved Pam's openness and honesty in her joys and challenges of parenting. Being a quote lover, I enjoyed her compilation of quotes, stories and Bible verses that open and close each chapter. So grab a cup of coffee-or tea, and this book and enjoy a great start or end of your day!

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Espresso for Your Spirit: Hope and Humor for Pooped-Out Parents by Pam Vredevelt is a book that really peaked my interest. I can relate because I sometimes almost daily find myself just completely worn out and drained. Having two kids under the age of three can do that more often than not.

Please note this is not a self help book or a how to guide. It's basically a book written to lift the spirit of parents in those moments when we find we need a little encouragement to make it through the rest of the day.

In this title you'll find 28 mini chapters that can be read in about 10-15 minutes tops. Through out the chapters you'll be whisked away into a personal stories from the author whom is a mother of three children of her own. She also features stories from others that she 'encountered in her life. I really enjoyed her story telling skills as they really keep you captured delivering story after story of hope and humor.

This book is written for individual reading and also for group discussion. I for one really enjoyed the question prompts near the end of the book! The questions really make you think about issues and goals! This book is full of great stories, encouraging scripture from the Bible, and quotes from well known figures. It's just the pick me up that I personally needed and I'm sure other parents will enjoy as well.

Espresso for Your Spirit: Hope and Humor for Pooped-Out Parents would make a wonderful gift to pass along to a friend or keep for yourself! It's available on multiple e-reader formats and in hardcover making it the perfect little coffee table book. It's size also allows for it to easily slip into your bag or glove box for those times when you need it the most.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The above opinions are my own.

When I first ordered this book, I was excited to read it. It sounded intriguing. When I received it and started reading, I was disappointed. It seemed very hard to get into and just wasn't interesting at all. I only kept reading it as I was obligated to write a review after reading it. So, I sat down and started reading some more. The further along I got in it, the book got somewhat more interesting.

Pam Vredevelt has written an inspirational book geared towards parents who are tired out and needs some "espresso" in print form. She has shared stories that will make you laugh, some will make you cry, and yet others will allow you to marvel at God's faithfulness and provision. She shares some of her struggle with having a child with Down Syndrome, ways God has used the precious little boy in the life of her family, and other miracles that God has done in her life and others.

While it has been an interesting read, it is not a book I am overly excited about. Somewhat inspiring, yes, but something about it just made it hard for me to read. It's not the kind of book that "sucks you in". I did enjoy a lot of the stories and humor, but I don't think it's a book I will read again.

I received this for free from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for a review. I am not obligated to write a positive review.

Espresso For Your Spirit by: Pam Vredevelt is a book for "Pooped Out Parents". It was a book filled with stories by the author. Some of them were very heart-warming and some were very funny. It was a break from the normal parenting book. Not really an advice book as much as it was a "coffee break" from your everyday life. I received this book as an e-book. Actually, this was my first time ever reading an e-book. I have to say that I do NOT like reading books on my computer. I do not own an e-reader, nor do I EVER plan on it. I love the feel of a book in my hand. I like to feel the pages between my fingers and the smell the paper. I know it sounds silly, but I guess I am old fashioned. I do not think I will be reading many books on my computer unless it is an extra good one.

Espresso For Your Spirit was a joy to read. The stories and dialogue in the book were very sweet and funny. At the beginning of each chapter is a scripture to go along with the story. The author also includes some quotes from Christian leaders and counselors. There are also some questions at end of the book for each chapter to challenge you as a parent. I found them very helpful in my own walk as a mommy to my two boys. It helped me to think about how my children see me as a parent and to possibly tweak a few things along the way. I would recommend this book to any parent who just needs a break from "the norm" and wants to read some silly, fun stories from one parent to another.

"Espresso for Your Spirit: Hope and Humor for Pooped-Out Parents" by Pam Vredevelt is a devotional of sorts written for parents who need a little pick me up. The author hopes that the book will bring refreshment for the soul the way that espresso brings energy to the body.

Each chapter starts with a Bible verse. Then a story surrounding the mundane adventures of parenting is told. The chapter concludes with a "Power Perk," which could be anything from a humorous anecdote, inspirational quotes, or a favorite Bible verse. At the end of the book, you will find "Koffee Klatch Questions," intended to be discussed with a friend or two - over a delicious cup of coffee, of course.

This may seem silly, but my favorite part of the book was the "Espresso Lingo." Now I never again have to wonder the difference between a latte vs. a macchiato vs. a cappuccino! Thank you, Ms. Vredevelt!

I must admit that I didn't exactly love this book like I love my Mocha Lattes. Though it was a cute, fun read, my soul didn't exactly perk up after reading it. The one thing I did particularly enjoy, though, was the reminder that we as parents won't ever be perfect. We aren't alone in the mistakes we sometimes make. There will be days when we're disheveled. There will be others when we simply don't have the energy to get out of bed. But despite all of that, God is right there with us. If we keep our eyes and hearts focused on Him, He will give us all the respite and hope we need to keep on going.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.