A Million Little Ways Review

A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman
Visit the author's website HERE
Goodreads Summary:

The majority of us would not necessarily define ourselves as artists. We're parents, students, business people, friends. We're working hard, trying to make ends meet, and often longing for a little more--more time, more love, more security, more of a sense that there" is" more out there. The truth? We need not look around so much. God is within us and he wants to shine through us in a million little ways. 
"A Million Little Ways" uncovers the creative, personal imprint of God on every individual. It invites the discouraged parent, the bored Christian, the exhausted executive to look at their lives differently by approaching their critics, their jobs, and the kids around their table the same way an artist approaches the canvas--with wonder, bravery, and hope. In her gentle, compelling style, Emily Freeman encourages readers to turn down the volume on their inner critic and move into the world with the courage to be who they most deeply are. She invites regular people to see the artistic potential in words, gestures, attitudes, and relationships. Readers will discover the art in a quiet word, a hot dinner, a made bed, a grace-filled glance, and a million other ways of showing God to the world through the simple human acts of listening, waiting, creating, and showing up

I received this ebook from the publisher via Netgalley. Buy the ebook on Amazon today for $8.99 (1/6/14)

My Thoughts:
When I first heard of "A Million Little Ways" I thought for sure it was not the type of book for me. The tagline is "Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live" and I am not an artist by any means. When one typically thinks of an artist they think of musicians, painters, singers, dancers, and the like and as much as I would like to pretend, I am none of the above. Still, when I saw the book on Netgalley I couldn't pass it up. I had heard much about Freeman's previous novels and even saw that this work was the choice for a book club from one of my favorite blogs. And my goodness, I am so glad I grabbed this one when I had the chance.

Freeman explains that any one can make art. The cashier who enjoys her job and does it well can be making art or the mother playing on the floor with her child can be making art. It's more about the state of our hearts than our physical actions. Along with understanding this concept, which can be hard to grasp for a non-traditionalist artist, Freeman brings up a variety of wonderful topics that are rich in truth and honesty. Learning how to deal with our critics and how to step out and create while terrified can be heavy subjects, Freeman does it with what seems like ease making this novel a true work of art in itself.

I was learning so much while reading that it took me quite some time to finish this work; it is a book that you have to put down and contemplate frequently, but still, completely worth your time. Before finishing I knew that this book would be placed on my Lifechanger book shelf on my Goodreads profile.

Although I highly recommend this novel to all readers ready to tackle life and their purpose, I had one small hang up. The writing sometimes felt disjointed and I often found myself re-reading passages to connect things. It felt too poetic sometimes in a way that words and phrases seemed to be set up like a stumbling block.

I easily gave this novel 5 Stars. Read this novel with the warning that there is a lot to take in, so be prepared with a hard copy and a highlighter!