Outlaw Christian - book review

When I choose a (free in exchange for an honest review) book from Booklook Bloggers, I often make my choice based on the brief description provided and the fact that it's available as a print book. These two criteria typically result in an enjoyable read, however there are occasions when I'm disappointed in my choice. This was the case with my most recent selection, Outlaw Christian by Jacqueline A. Bussie.

Here's the book description:

Jacqueline Bussie knows that too many Christians live according to unspoken “laws” that govern the Christian life: #1: Never get angry at God; #2: Never doubt; #3: Never question; #4: Never tell your real story; #5: Always speak in clichés about evil and suffering; and #6: Always believe hope comes easy for those who truly love God.

Living according to these rules is killing real Christian life; Outlaw Christian proposes a rebellious, life-giving, authentic alternative. Through captivating stories and with disarming honesty, Bussie gives concrete, practical strategies to help readers cultivate hope, seek joy, practice accompaniment, compost their pain, and rediscover the spiritual practice of lament. Tackling difficult questions without political divisiveness, Bussie speaks to both progressive and conservative Christians in ways that unite rather than divide. And in doing so, she provides a new way to handle the most difficult and troubling questions of life in a broken world that God will never abandon.

Honestly, I did not resonate with the book, maybe because I mostly feel like I can be my real self with the Lord and don't believe those "laws" that were mentioned in the book description. The author discussed anger and doubt and questioning and fear in chapters that seemed to go on forever. She shared honestly about her own life and her struggles as she cared for her mom (who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's) for 18 years. However, I got the feeling that she's still resentful toward God for those difficult years.

I have to give the author credit for honesty and speaking her mind. I would also say that some of the information in the book made me stop and think about my own beliefs. I also enjoyed some of the stories she shared about hope near the end of the book, so there were a few positives for this rather slow read.

Have you read or heard of this book? Please share your thoughts in the comments.