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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Something Beautiful, November 6, 2009
This review is from: Found Art: Discovering Beauty in Foreign Places (Hardcover)
I loved this book.
Found Art is the story of writer and soon-to-be mother, Leeana Tankersley, who also is the wife of a Navy Seal who keeps her moving...literally.
Just when she and her husband get settled in a new area, it's then time to fold-up-the-tent and move again; a life many soldiers' wives are likely accustomed to. She writes of days living in Bahrain in a conversational, contemporary, and refreshing voice, spending her days molding a life for herself in a strange land amongst strangers. She ends up having life lead the way instead, absent of plans.
Although the desert world of the Middle East is as foreign as east is to west, the culture awakens her soul like never before. The call to prayer amongst the Muslim world hits her heart like no sermon has ever done deepening her love of Jesus.
Most of the book paints an interesting picture of modern day Bahrain, but the book is more a story of personal growth and the author is a likable figure throughout. You feel her disconnect upon arriving in the Middle East then slowly see her transformation from stranger to reluctant resident to familiar native.
I like, in particular, the parts of the book in which she speaks of frustration: with herself; the perfectionism in our culture; and the pains of war. The words were raw and sad, but as with faith, very powerful.
Page 191: "Maybe someday, as I continue to heal from the shame that still revisits me at times, I will be healed enough to walk out to the shoreline and create something beautiful for myself and God without the fear of what others might think."
I think she has.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
So Very Close..., February 19, 2010
This review is from: Found Art: Discovering Beauty in Foreign Places (Hardcover)
I had a mixed reaction to Found Art by Leeana Tankersley. On one hand I was drawn in by her beautiful and soulful descriptions of the "new" world around her. Her description of what Found Art is and why she could relate that to her ever changing life with her navy seal husband spoke volumes. The idea of Found Art...simply put...making something beautiful out of the things that have been discarded.
You could clearly see Leeana's love for her husband and her Lord as she continued her journey of self discovery. Every description, interaction and thought let you deeper into her soul and relationship with God. It was almost as if you were sneaking a peak into her very heart and soul. In Found Art she was not only finding the beauty of God around her but in herself. It was as if you were reading the journal of a very personal friend.
But it was that aspect that also led me to a different reaction. If you ever read the journal of a friend you know that there are times in life that seemrather mundane. At times in Found Art...I found myself glazing over the words she had written. While her descriptions were beautiful and sincere they were at times a bit too much. I wanted her to get to the point of her experience and not just the scenery around it.
I think the true beuaty of this book would be wholly appreciated by other wives and mothers of militray men. I applaud Leeana for her truth and desire to grow closer to God but did not feel completely moved or taken in by Found Art.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A beautiful and compelling journey - I love this book!, November 18, 2009
This review is from: Found Art: Discovering Beauty in Foreign Places (Hardcover)
I could not put this book down! It is beautifully written, a moving memoir of dealing with change, God, marriage and oneself. Leeana is adept at communicating about the hidden places of the heart in a way that is palpable and memorable.
You'll get an insiders view about life overseas (the author's deployment with her Navy Seal husband to Bahrain). Leeana paints such vivid pictures of the smells and sights of exotic Bahrain along with all that churned in her soul during that time. You'll be transported to a different place as you read. During times in the desert (literally in Leeana's case), people can hear God in an all together different way.
You don't have to be a military wife and/or living overseas to relate to this memoir (although those readers will definitely enjoy this book). All of us have experienced change, felt out of place, wanted to be nearer to God - and the book touches all these tender places.
I cannot recommend this beautiful book enough! A great gift for yourself or a loved one.
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