A Bounty of Books

Defiant Joy: Taking Hold of Hope, Beauty, and Life in a Hurting World
by Stasi Eldredge is a call to fulfill the biblical command of living a life of joy. Using primarily personal anecdotes, Eldredge illustrates how Christians can, and should, live a life full of joy not just in spite of hardship and adversity, but in the face of it. Though her message applies to both men and women, Eldredge writes for a primarily female audience.

Anyone familiar with the primary message of Ransomed Heart ministries or John or Stasi Eldredge will find familiar material in this book. That is my primary problem with Defiant Joy. It has good content and a great message, but it feels a bit too familiar. Having read almost everything the Eldredges have written, I expected a familiar message, but I did not expect one that was the exact same, which is what I felt Defiant Joy was.

Putting aside the above complaint, Defiant Joy is a great resource for those who are either completely unfamiliar with the concept of living a joyful life in Christ, or those for whom that is a particular struggle. As in her other works, Eldredge invites the reader into parts of her own story, which helps to better communicate and cement her message.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookLook book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255