Friday, September 11, 2015

I'm Happy for You (Sort Of...Not Really) by Kay Wills Wyma

How could you not want to read a book titled, I'm Happy For You (Sort Of...Not Really):  Finding Contentment in a Culture of Comparison?  Kay Wills Wyma wrote this tome, which is mostly made up of personal stories and anecdotes shared by others.  She sheds a light on her personal struggle with feeling envious of others in order to highlight how ridiculous constant comparison is and how pervasive this problem is in all of our lives.

First of all, readers need to know the tone of this book.  You won't be sitting down to a theology lesson or even a book filled with biblical discussion.  These are the very normal life experiences of a Christian woman struggling with being content.  The stories are funny, light, and completely relatable.  The advice is pragmatic and practical.  This woman clearly lives life as a Christian, but very little in the book discusses faith, scripture, or church.  Normally, this lack of Bible would bother me, but it works and comes across as genuine while avoiding being preachy or unrealistic.  This is definitely a Christian living book, relating how real followers struggle with real feelings of discontent.

Yes, there will be plenty of Christians that criticize this book for not talking more about Jesus or not relying more on scripture, but I don't think that is who this book is geared toward.  This book is for the average follower, who has the best intentions of following Jesus, but for whom the struggle is real.  The intended reader isn't huddled in a Christian bubble.  They are the people who are constantly fighting against society's drive for bigger and better at all costs.  For this type of reader, I believe this book will be an eye opening mirror in which they see themselves and their motivations.

I recommend this book to anyone who struggles with the comparison game.  Even though this style of book typically resonates more with women, it would be a great read for a man who struggles with comparison as well.

I was provided this book free of charge by Waterbrook Press in return for my honest review.

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