Customer Reviews

When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life's Sacred Questions (Plus)

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I may be writing this review a little prematurely, as I am only halfway through this book, however...I have already purchased additional copies for my friends. I have underlined, dog-earred and referred to various pages on several occassions. When the Heart Waits gives valuable insight into mid-life. It shares information as to the benefits gained in "being still". Waiting is not "doing nothing". It is both "passive and passionate". As many of us struggle with "what should I do next", often trying to make something happen. Sue Monk Kidd reminds us that everything is always taken care of, if we just stop pushing so hard. She talks about a caterpillar and her cocoon. If someone pokes a hole in the cocoon before it's time, the butterfly will emerge with un-developed wings, unable to fly. Take time with yourself and you WILL be able to fly!

Don't let the various reviews' comments about being for mid-life crises and/or traditional Christians only put you off as I & friends of very different ages & life stages & challenges all found this book incredibly helpful & powerful & so wonderfully soothing - the perfect balm for any wounding or challenges or scary developments that might occur in life. Although her writing does include some Christian references, I was very impressed by the depth of spirituality and understanding she brings to it i.e. part of what makes the book so special is her bringing much greater depth of understanding and authenticity to what it's all about. I am so glad that her exquisite writing style in "the secret life of bees" made me look for more books written by her as I found this book infinitely more powerful and even more of a joy to read in every way. Note that although I loved the writing style and hence journey that unfolded in the "... bees" novel so much that she's one of the few authors I went to look for more books by, I didn't think her tale-spinning abilities were quite as strong as some gifted story-tellers. So I personally think her writing strengths and power of insights and understanding are infinitely better conveyed in this book than in "... bees". However, I'm glad she is writing novels also as those can hopefully open up a greater audience for the incredible power and depth of all she can share with us. She is definitely somebody I'd want to hear more from and feel blessed to have discovered.

This book was a balm for my wounded forty-something soul, I have to tell y'all. I felt as if I've been stuck in a vortex since my youngest child graduated from college, got married and flew the coop a few years ago. All my life I thought I was looking forward to the day when my two daughters were grown so I could be 'free'. I'd heard of empty nest, of course, and poo-pooed it thinking it happened to women who had no lives but their children's....NOT! I still feel slightly lost, wounded and confused, but much better after reading this book. And the loss of your children is, indeed, a wound. They're alive and kicking, but gone nonetheless....and there's an emptiness there that you're not quite sure how to fill. This book gives you permission (and encourages you) to just sit and wait out this life passage. Thanks, Ms. Kidd, for your wonderful, beautifully written book. I encourge all of my mid-life age friends to read it.

I do not think one has to be a mid lifer to get the most out of this wonderful book! This book started me on my own personal spiritual journey, and I have not looked back. Sue Monk Kidd's honesty and her gift for stringing words together in a meaningful way moved me to buy the rest of her books. This one will always hold a special place in my heart however. I HIGHLY recommend this book and author.

While this book is written from a Christian perspective, I recommend it to any woman I know who's struggling with any midlife crisis issue. Both intelligent and comforting, the book has no equal in this type of literature. While it never trivializes the subject of feeling lost or suddenly uprooted "in the middle of life's path", Kidd's book is amazingly down to earth and honest. It speaks to the heart. I loved the book so much, I keep checking back to see if the author has written more. Would love to see more of her work!

I thought SECRET LIFE OF BEES was good, this one outdoes it ten fold. I cried, I laughed...I learned. This memoir is full of painful and emotional depth...and so hard to put down. This book, as I stated before ranks up there with "BEES" as well as NIGHTMARES ECHO and BEAUTY FOR ASHES.
I am a Sue Monk Kidd fan from now on.

Anyone who is beginning to awaken to the passage of time, in particular, one's own life, will find a kindred spirit among the pages of this book. It's a wonderful companion for quiet musings, meditation or prayer. Sue Monk Kidd's sensitive detail and vivid recounting of her own dilemma's make this book a must read for any woman encountering the huge questions of life. Why am I here? What is my purpose? Who am I after all the hats are off

This book is very good for alot of people who are wondering what to do with their lives and if their lives have meaning. Kidd wrote it as a 40-ish woman, but I am 70 and I found many insights that connected with me. I recommend it to anyone trying to figure out where they are and what life is for them.Jasmine S.

Sue Monk Kidd's book has been a confirmation to my own mid-life spiritual struggles. The past few years have been spent trying to determine what "church" means and how it differed from my own spiritual pilgrimage. This book affirmed in many ways my own experiences

Monk Kidd's reflective retelling of her journey from angry and distracted super-Mom and spouse to a place of peace and balance in her life has plenty of "ah ha" moments. A must read for every woman who has undergone those restless moments in life when they wonder where they best fit and make a difference. The more recently published "plus" edition has helpful study questions at the end which makes it ideal for a group discussion.