icz's review
4.0
We were lucky enough to have been members of First Unitarian in Portland for a few years of Dr. Sewell's time there, so I read this book out of deep appreciation for both her and that church. I think it is difficult to read such a personal and truthful memoir of someone you perhaps put on a pedestal, because you are bound to read things that may dissolve any illusions you may hold about them.
Something I always appreciated about Dr. Sewell was her authenticity and the profound humanity that showed through in her sermons, which always called upon her congregants to be better people. However, Sewell struggled, like we all do, and I found myself feeling deeply at odds with a couple of the life choices that she made. . . life choices that inevitably led her to be the spiritual leader that she is and that I so admire, but yet that challenge my ideas of what I would find to be acceptable.
I can't say I would recommend this book to someone who isn't already a fan of hers, but for those who know her and love her work already, it is worth reading. So, 4 stars if you are a UU and interested in knowing more about Dr. Sewell, but perhaps more of a 3 star book if you are not.
Something I always appreciated about Dr. Sewell was her authenticity and the profound humanity that showed through in her sermons, which always called upon her congregants to be better people. However, Sewell struggled, like we all do, and I found myself feeling deeply at odds with a couple of the life choices that she made. . . life choices that inevitably led her to be the spiritual leader that she is and that I so admire, but yet that challenge my ideas of what I would find to be acceptable.
I can't say I would recommend this book to someone who isn't already a fan of hers, but for those who know her and love her work already, it is worth reading. So, 4 stars if you are a UU and interested in knowing more about Dr. Sewell, but perhaps more of a 3 star book if you are not.
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