Assessment:
Plot/Idea: This stirring memoir describes a woman in a troubled marriage who rediscovers herself—and her faith—as she puts her life back together after divorce and shattering loss.
Prose: The narrative effectively reflects the author's voice and emotion but lacks the more nuanced thematic undercurrents necessary to provide deep emotive response.
Originality: A Quest to Discover the Essence of Faith is a unique, touching story of pain, growth, and redemption.
Character/Execution: There is a tenderness to this book, as the narrative appears to have been an act of healing for the author. Readers who have experienced similar life events will find it relatable and comforting.
Date Submitted: October 02, 2024
VanPatten holds nothing back in this raw and honest account of her lifelong relationship with God. "Faith is trusting that no matter what happens in life for good or for bad, God will provide," she writes. Through such emotive storytelling, she delves into the ways her faith and belief in God pulled her through hard times, including the end of a marriage and the enduring of loss. She is passionate in her conviction that there is a purpose behind the many ups and downs one faces, even though that purpose may not be clear in the moment. That certainty, though, is hard-won, and VanPatten touchingly explores how even a believer can face doubts.
Through inspirational prose and a constant positive outlook even when frankly describing dark moments, VanPatten’s story shines a light in the darkness of doubt and despair and highlights how the struggle can aid in making believers stronger than they thought possible. Centering on familial relationships, life milestones, and spiritual connections, A Quest to Discover the Essence of Faith is a testament to finding blessings and hope in each new day and circumstance.
Takeaway: An inspirational memoir about exploring one's faith and understanding God's will
Comparable Titles: Becka L. Jones's Meant To Be, Anna Gazmarian’s Devout.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A
After reading “A Quest to Discover the Essence of Faith”, I found myself more interested in evaluating my own life events and their outcomes. Evangelia provides inspirational events in her life that helped her understand their purpose and meaning. This book is easy to absorb both the story content and the thoughtful lessons within. My emotions were evoked with several of her heart felt memory descriptions and her interpretive spiritual explanations. She references the quote “faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to” from the Miracle on 34th Street which I always thought was a good definition of faith. Evangelia helps us consider the possibility of a higher being providing us help and guidance toward the meaning of our lives. Her story about almost being in a head on highway collision brought back my memories of a similar situation and the feelings I had at that time. My emotions were stimulated when Evangelia describes her final visit with her father in the hospital before his passing as I was again taken back to my personal experiences of losing loved ones. She does finish her book with uplifting summaries of her life and renewed spiritual faith. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has experienced something that was hard to justify and wants to believe there is more to life than we currently know.
The author writes a very personal and inspiring memoir about some of very difficult obstacles that she encountered and how faith influenced how she met these challenges. It was well written and includes situations that are relatable.
The author opens up and shares about her journey of faith. Many of us have similar stories, however, this author's account, is well written and easy to relate to. I recommend this book to anyone who may be struggling with their own journey of faith, as it offers hope for a better future. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
