While the author won't work a miracle or offer a solution to your problem, this book offers reassurance that allows you to rekindle hope for a better tomorrow. She pulls from a variety of sources to show that we are not alone when we are going through a period of change, and that change can be positive. By the end of the book, you will feel like you just had a cup of coffee with a dear friend, that she put a warm hand upon your shoulder, looked you in the eye, and said "yes, you can. It's OK. Be still and listen."

I love Kidd's writing! This book is full of gems. At times she perfectly describes feelings I have or have had in the past. She is talking about the dark times of waiting that we each have and compares it to the cocoon before a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. We often feel at these times that nothing is happening and we grow weary of waiting. But she points out that during these times, we can be growing and changing the most on the inside if we can remain patient and put forth a little effort. I find that an important truth that is often overlooked. I love this perspective. Her writings are pretty personal here and frankly I didn't identify with them all but I appreciate the sharing of her journey. We may not share an exact religion but we do share a common faith.

Author of "The Secret Life of Bees" Sue Monk Kidd writes both contemporary literature and spiritually-themed nonfiction. This falls in the latter category. Written in 1990 when Ms. Kidd was in her 40s, it definitely has a bit of a 1990s feels to it. While it is peppered throughout with Biblical references, this actually seems like more of a feminist role questioning book, particularly one for mothers, unfulfilled artists, and even disillusioned church members. She wouldn't write her great novel for another 12 years, but at this time she was making beds, picking up kids from school, and living a rather traditional homemaker's lifestyle. She uses the metaphor of a cocoon transforming to a butterfly to imitate her own struggle with claiming her own life as she wanted to live it. Friendly, thoughtful and easy to read, this may appeal to those who are at a transition point in their life and are seeking a more meaningful existence.

4.5

Perfect book for the journey I am currently on in my life. Such emotions & profound descriptive analogies to enable the reader to feel as though one was actually having a conversation with the author. Absolutely loved it.

Excellent book by a mature woman, writing beautifully about how we grow through difficult seasons. This is by far my favorite book by this author.

In order to change, I have to be still and face both the dark and light within myself. Only when I am honest with myself can I grow. The primary thing that I learned is that being still and thinking is actually "doing" something. That is hard for this "doer".

Ahhhh, I feel like a heel giving this 2 stars but this one was just okay for me. I like this author's fictional writing. Her books are a treat, but this one was very sermon-y. It was her thoughts and discoveries regarding Christianity.

While this book is a good reminder of gospel principles, it wasn't new news. I kept listening for the that, but it didn't happen. I'm glad the author has come to this knowledge and feels passionate about it.

I have a heart connection of experiences with this author. I have devoured her every word as she tells about her mid-life soul search and finding her true self. Her description of "waiting in the darkness" for God struck a chord in me that relates to my experience.

I highly suggest this book. It’s deep, hearty with spirituality in midlife.

A little tedious to read

It took me over a year to get done with this book as I wasn't as committed as I should've been, but it was a good one with lots of inspiring thoughts in it. Unfortunately it was a bit corny in places, so I almost felt a bit embarrassed to be reading it. I sure hope her fiction is better!