Customer Reviews

When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister?

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"Twister" is not only fun, over-the-top delightful, and an easy read, but it is Important. The term "Important" came to me like a voice from heaven. This is an important work. Mary Pierce's writing is an amazing blend of humor, vulnerability, insight, reality-check writing, and faith. All are communicated well in this book. I think it was Derek Prince who once said that if you get an audience laughing, you can sock them in the teeth and they'll keep smiling. Mary's laugh-a-minute stories turn corners and "pierce" the heart with their deep wisdom. We live in a tangled world. These pages help direct the reader through the process of untangling, smiling all the way.

Hey - I thought this was a humour title! The categorization provided on the back of the book is somewhat more accurate: Religion/Christian Life/Women's Issues. If I were providing categorization I would include Devotional as an apt description. Author Mary Pierce examines the many twists and turns that women experience throughout life, comparing them with a game of "Twister" where the players eventually find themselves wound into knots. When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister? is divided into 23 devotional-length chapters. Studies from Pierce's own life are cleverly tied together to illustrate a theme in each chapter; points to ponder (study questions) are provided at the end of the chapter to provide further delving and the devotional aspect of this title. While each chapter can be read rapidly, making this a quick read, the insights shared will benefit from a deeper, slower re-reading while working through the questions.

As I mentioned, much emphasis has been placed upon Pierce's comedic abilities. While I appreciated her brutal honesty and the insights she shared into her own life, I didn't laugh often. There was the odd chuckle and snicker, but humour is not the strength or lifeblood of this title. Perhaps if I were a more "typical" woman I would have been more amused. I couldn't commiserate with Pierce's nightly facial cleansing rituals and other elaborate personal care rituals -- makeup, manicures etc. -- because I don't participate in these sorts of activities. What I could relate to though were her struggles, her doubts and her fears, her feeling that some days she might lose it. Haven't we all been there? I could definitely relate to her needing a new "ati-toot" as then preschool aged daughter phrased it. I know I have moments when I need a new "ati-toot" as well, don't we all! It is her all too real and relevant issues that are shared from struggles that we can relate to. Many of her weaknesses and failings are those that I myself share and need to work through.

Through her own aggressive soul-baring we can see that in some cases Pierce has been too hasty to go her own way rather than listening to Jesus on the important decisions in life - a common human failing we are all guilty of at times. She is at times too quick to suggest decisions that the Bible does not support, such as divorce. When dispensing Christian advice I feel a more conservative, preventative approach would be better rather than simply recommending, "get out."

Pierce provides a valuable decision making process/life issues worksheet that I am hanging on to for future study and reference. She emphasizes the importance of turning to scripture and to Jesus to help us resolve our difficulties, to give us guidance and direction. I believe that this guideline for working through our "stuff" is worth the purchase price of the book alone, providing a clear and concrete method of examining our situation and seeking a way through it - untwisting us, as it were.

On first glance When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister appears light and fluffy with little substance, but don't let appearances fool you. While I was drawn in by the casual and carefree approach I soon find myself learning from a woman who has been there, and done that. I wonder if Pierce carefully planned this reverse mirage effect. It looks as though nothing is there, but when you get closer you find a wealth of rich insight carefully hidden within the pages.

When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister by Mary Pierce is a funny, brutally honest look at one woman's life and faith. Pierce is just like the rest of us: stressed out, running on empty, and wondering what happened to the life that she had planned. But she has hope for us all: a sense of humor and good relationship with God can get you through even the toughest spots. Again and again during the course of reading, I found her writing about just what was going on in my life or saying just what I needed to hear. She doesn't pull in punches with the reader or herself. Her story includes some pretty difficult stuff. One of the things I loved best about Pierce and this book is that she doesn't pretend that she's found a magic solution and will never struggle again. Sometimes having faith is hard, and it's easy to forget about leaning on the Lord in the hard times. Pierce comes across as real and open, definitely someone you'd love to sit down and have a cup of coffee with and never worry about having to censor your soul. I passed this book on to a friend; buy it for yourself and do the same, you'll both be blessed!

"When Did My Life Become A Game of Twister?" by Mary Pierce found me at the perfect time. The author seemed to know exactly what my life has been like - perhaps because our journeys have been similar. I found myself nodding in agreement as I read, acknowledging the fact that everyone is either approaching, in the midst of, or coming out of a crisis. I was able to see, in my mind's eye, how the game of Twister made a pretzel out of my body as a child - and how that can sometimes be the same for my mind and how I handle stress today.

The colorful cover grabbed me right away. The memories of my playing Twister as a child drew me to read as I wondered how the author would apply Biblical principles to this game of flexibility and endurance - and there was the key! This delightful book is easy to read and difficult to put down. Filled with truth, insight, humor and practical, Biblical advice, "When Did My Life Become A Game of Twister" belongs in every Christian library.

After reading Mary's latest book, I feel as though she walked around inside my head for a while before writing each chapter. I came away from the book with a sense that she is a kindred spirit who understands my struggles. She offers encouragement for anyone who feels tangled in real life--when the twisting and balancing of trials and crises threaten to knock us over. When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister?" brings a message of hope and inspiration as Mary comes alongside the reader with raw honesty and simple life lessons from solid biblical truth. How many of us wish we could go back and undo something from our past? Mary understands, and she teaches practical steps for healing from old hurts through connecting with the grace of God. She knows the difficulty of being a caregiver and the complexity of raising six children in a blended household. As I read, I could almost hear Mary whisper, "You can do it." Readers will laugh aloud, most likely cry, and ultimately finish the book with a sense of having been coached by someone who cares about them. The points to ponder at the end of each chapter are great questions for personal reflection as well as discussion questions for a book club.

If you are balancing a marriage, children, pets, career and caring for aging parents - this book is for you! When I first read "When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister", I thought that Mary Pierce had a hidden camera in my home. She truly understands the trials and tribulations that we all face on a daily basis.

As Mary describes the challenges in her life, she will make you laugh and then make you cry as you relate to her experiences. This book allows us to see the humor in our behavior (and those around us) and then keep the faith as we learn to deal with each new phase in our lives. At the end of each chapter are very thoughtful "Points to Ponder".

I keep this book with me in the car to re-read random sections while I'm waiting for my children outside school. It is amazing how reading just a few pages will put a smile on my face for the rest of the day.

If you ever have the chance to hear Mary Pierce in person, please do so! She is a very powerful keynote speaker. You will walk away with a smile and some very valuable thoughts to "ponder". I am so pleased that Mary's sense of humor and faith has transcended to her books!