I attended a workshop this weekend on Memoir Writing. As I was listening to the panelists talk about telling an honest personal story, I couldn’t help but think of Mary DeMuth’s memoir, Thin Places. The book officially releases today, but I was provided an advance copy for review. I meant to finish it by now, but a few chapters in, I realize this is not a book to rush through.
Much like Annie Dilliard, Mary invites the reader in to sit a while, giving the rich, poetic imagery time to settle and weave and surround. Her voice is honest, redemptive and raw. And sometimes, because of the subject, difficult to get through. I admit I put it down more than once because it was simply heartbreaking. Sometimes overwhelmingly so. But each time I picked it up again, Mary’s words reminded me of the healing and redemption that come from brokenness.
In her own words: “The end result is story: mine. It’s the story of a little girl who faced sexual abuse, neglect, drug-using parents, fear, death of a parent, and a host of other malevolence.
And yet it’s a hope-filled story, where the bright light of God’s climactic redemption outshines the dark places. It’s a story of God’s nearness when I thought I’d nearly lose my mind and will to live. How grateful I am for the beautiful love of Jesus, how dearly He chose frail me to shame the wise. It’s really His story after all.”
Find out what others are saying about Thin Places.
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This sounds wonderful and hard. My blog’s title “theGoodlife” refers to the Redeemer and how He makes bad into Good.
Seems I’d like this book if I could get through it.
I’m reading Same Kind of Different As Me, and put it down recently cause I just saw which way the story was headed…and I needed to come to grips with that before I finished…maybe i’d do the same thing with this book.
You probably would do the same with this book, Dawn. I would find myself crying at times and would tell myself there was no way I could finish. But I was always encouraged to see how Mary wasn’t just telling her sad story, she was telling a story of hope. That was what helped me keep going.
This book sounds amazing.
Your panel was in my top 2 favorites…I felt at home listening to you (and Amber) talk. You inspire me.
Yes, it is a story of redemption and hope, and for that I’m so grateful to the God who heals!
Thanks so much for this poetic, beautiful review. It’s humbling.
Memoirs are one of my favorite genre’s. After this review you’ve definitely got me planning on reading it.
So beautiful, Emily. Your words are masterful…
I sit here in tears after watching that video and reading your post. Not because I have faced similar things, but because I know that Jesus is truly the Hope of the world…no matter what people face. I wish everyone could see that. It breaks my heart to know that people face things like this and try to heal themselves (or ignore it hoping it will just go away) when the only true healing comes from Him.
I’m reading Mary’s book right now and while the content is heartbreaking and redemptive, it is also beautiful and beautifully written.
Just watching the trailer for the book took a lot out of me. This is a book I’m not sure I can face.
Is this the book you were talking about during our Friday lunch that made me tear up as you were describing it? What a story!
It was so wonderful to meet you this weekend. You are truly an amazing gal!
I love reading. Sometimes I don’t know what to pick up next. Thanks for making my next choice easier.
This is definitely a hard book to read.
As I was reviewing it I went through all sorts of emotions.
I wanted so much to reach out and hug the author.
Thank you for your review.
Blessings
That sounds like a really great book. Thanks for sharing your insight
Did you see that Mary DeMuth put a video on SayitFacetoFace.com?
http://www.sayitfacetoface.com/conversations/what-difficult-time-did-you-sense-growth–gods-presence
You can respond with video or just text – but video is loads more fun!
I’m humbled by all your responses and so thankful that you took time to review the book. It’s my prayer that the book would be a healing place, even for readers like Pendy who are hesitant. I can honestly say God has brought me through many, many deep waters of healing.
Emily,
I am so glad I came to visit today…My soul needed to breathe today.
This book looks incredible! Also I read your other posts on Blissdom…I am so glad you keep blogging…It is a quiet place of refuge and reflection…that I look forward to visiting.
Tnank you