Christian-themed first-person accounts on loss and redemption.
One man was grievously injured in an auto accident. A married man with two children lost his 10,000-square-foot restaurant and beautiful beachside home in Hurricane Katrina. A young woman’s father died of brain cancer. Their tragedies, which were recorded by debut author Smith, are slightly softened by their unshakeable faith in God’s “ultimate plan.” This faith, and the refusal to let tragedy reign, informs the entire collection. The title refers to how people share the same set of steppingstones through a difficult situation, primarily by placing their faith in God and the notion that it will all work out somehow (although hard work, persistence, and a lack of fear of government agencies play big roles, too). Quotes by historical figures, including Ralph Waldo Emerson (“God enters by a private door into every individual”), and chapter-by-chapter review questions offer readers the chance to get outside perspective as well as write down their “steps.” These steps include “notice the mistakes,” “honor your responsibilities,” and “live up to your word.” Although the book’s tone is serious, there are flashes of humor: the man who lost his restaurant and struggled to collect insurance on his decimated properties ends up inventing the “FEMA martini—’cause it takes a while to hit’cha!” The essays themselves are tightly paced and engaging. Death, loss, betrayal, illness—nothing can keep these people from embracing forgiveness and the will to keep going. Whether stranded along the Gulf Coast or facing difficulties in the plains, in early adulthood or much later along in life, the subjects in this collection offer their own reflections on how to transform a disaster into a personal triumph.
Inspirational without being patronizing; a well-organized collection.
A tragic car accident. A life controlled by addiction. Total devastation. Loss of a loved one. Making the possible out of what seems impossible. People all around the world from all walks of life face obstacles and adversity every day. However, life is not only about the struggle but how one faces it and hopefully prevails. Common Stones, by Alicia M. Smith, invites readers to take a look at the lives several people, as well as her own, who have faced struggles and shares how they managed to find their way through to the other side. Common Stones is a perfect title for this book as readers will find that as different as the people in the book are to each other and to the readers themselves there is a “common stone” to be found.
Common Stones is a very well-written inspirational book that offers not only experiences but times for self-reflection as well. Full of theme appropriate and poignant quotes, as well as Bible verses from scripture, Smith allows readers to not simply read another person’s story but rather to see that through another’s struggles they may be able to find something that can help them through their own difficult time. Some may shy away from this book due to the heavy presence of Christianity through Bible verses and each person’s strong belief and reliance upon their faith through their struggles. However, that would be unfortunate because while these particular people turned to their God and Lord Jesus to find their way, author Alicia M. Smith has written a book that is about more than just religion. She has written a book about finding a way to heal what is broken, find hope when it seems all is lost and to have faith whether it be in something greater or simply in yourself. In a world that seems to focus on how different people are this inspirational book full of life-changing quotes and stories shows us that in the end surviving it all comes down to one common stone.
Common Stones is a work of Christian non-fiction exploring different themes around faith and experience, penned by author Alicia M. Smith. Self-described as ‘a glimpse into several different worlds, in an effort to become more acquainted with our own’, the book sets out to explain the differing but equally difficult life experiences of a series of people who have overcome their problems, with a view to how we can all learn from those moments. Written as a series of essays which profile each case, the stories offer inspiring examples of fighting on, using faith and self-help techniques in order to reach a higher ground beyond the struggles.Author Alicia M. Smith uses a gentle helping touch in dealing with the topic of survival in this collection of anecdotes, biographical tales and teachable, advisory moments. The book is very well organized to ease you into the concept before the stories begin in earnest, approaching the topic in a wide, more relatable way before it gets into specific detail. Some of the scenarios are harrowing in nature, but not graphically depicted, making it all the more incredible to see how the people Smith writes about have overcome their personal hardships. Further to this, the narrative style is never too invasive, almost like a counseling voice that sits back and allows the reader their own reflections, but also presents a bigger picture view of each case. Overall, Common Stones is an excellent message and a piece of essential reading for those who may be losing their faith or joy in life at the moment.
Common Stones is an inspiring collection that will forever have a lure on readers worldwide. In Common Stones, readers will be able to easily connect with each story and relate it to their own life’s struggles. Every day, we all face some kind of obstacles. Some of us face more than others. But, by reading each page in this well-written book, we can find hope and a sense of calm for our own future and the present moment in which we’re at.
The organization of this valuable reading material is amazing. Common Stones is set up into three main sections that introduces readers to what’s at hand, then sets them on to testimonials, as well as an area of reflection. Each section sends readers into deep, thought-provoking sessions. Anyone can read this collection anytime and anywhere. It’s easy to read and follow along. Each story gives readers a tiny gift that they can take with them and carry with them for a lifetime. Not many nonfiction books can offer that to readers everywhere. I loved how each story was unique and had a different scenario. The variety gives readers a bigger grasp on what happens to others and how we can overcome such feats. Struggles are hard, however, Alicia M. Smith not only tells but shows readers how to overcome these harsh barriers in life that pop up. Many of these stories have lessons that we can learn, no matter how young or old we are. I loved reading this powerful book and it’s a handy tool to keep around for when life does pull the rug from under our feet we can come back to Common Stones and remember that we are not alone and that we can survive. Overall, I highly recommend this brilliant read to readers worldwide.
