Reviews

Close to Home: One Orthodox Mother's Quest for Patience, Peace, and Perseverance by Molly Sabourin

rthola's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

Close to Home is a book that I only bought because I was able to read the first several pages online before I bought it. The title and cover didn't really sway me too much, but those first few pages man, they got me. It's really just so well written! Molly Sabourin has such a great way of writing that makes it so relatable and yet beautiful. Each chapter in the book covers chapters in her life, starting with marriage and then her journey into Orthodoxy and motherhood. There were honestly parts where I teared up reading through her struggles. They are so relatable and are different trials that many moms encounter. Yet the book is always about hope. As she says in her book: "Usually it's the process, rather than the end result, that proves to define our values and our character." This book is about her process and all mothers' processes but her stories are not rambling or circular. They are beautifully driven and focused on that process and I know I will reread this book several times and recommend it to many. One wish: I would love for Sabourin to write another book that talks just as beautifully about life's chapters for later in life (thinking aging parents, adult children, etc.). And maybe she will when she gets there. It's not a self-help book, but it's definitely a "you're not alone" book and full of patience, peace and perseverance. 

kristikerr's review against another edition

5.0

Loved this book. It’s been on my shelf for a few years now, but, just like Molly, life can be overwhelming. I’m so glad I did, though! It was encouraging, inspiring, and just so real for an Orthodox or Eastern Catholic mom-in-the-trenches. Really, for any mom. I plan on buying my daughter a copy of this when she gets married.

sstallryan's review

5.0

I loved this book! As a Christian mom (not Orthodox but with a clear understanding of liturgy and sacrament) I struggle with weaving faith into the nooks and crannies of everyday life. Sabourin's writing gives the courage to continue trying and the grace needed at the inevitable failures along the way. Rather than coming up with cutesy ideas about what to do, this "faith in the home" book is about changing one's mindset.