The central principles of living a Christian life, like tithing, fasting, and prayer, might get short shrift from some people but not Hatmaker (A Modern Girl's Guide to Bible Study). The wife of a pastor at Austin (Texas) New Church aims for a more saintly life by cutting back on possessions, food, stress, and other excesses with funny and lively writing that can get overly self-deprecating. Her goal is to convince the reader that a simpler life is a godlier one, which lends a sanctimonious element to some of the writing. Other parts are earnest and moving, such as the final chapter, in which the book drops snarky humor to offer sincere appreciation for prayer, even if the subject matter is divided between prayer and the couple's adoption of two Ethiopian children. For Christians who desire to live out their New Year's resolutions year round, this is worth reading. (Jan.)

Jen Hatmaker is a model for her experiment in radical obedience to Christ. May we all be as committed to Jesus’ Gospel revolution.”
— Richard Stearns, president of World Vision US, author of The Hole in Our Gospel

A Texas community outreach minister describes how she initiated a life structure that, over seven months, guided her to shed many possessions, simplify her eating and spending habits, reduce media use, and help the least among us in various ways. It’s a candid account of the privileges she enjoyed and a chatty look at the mental process that led her to start her experiment to eradicate excess. The narrative is very personal, but what keeps the author from sounding self-absorbed is her generous spirit, good writing, and witty sensibilities. Rebecca Gallagher’s pacing seems slow and meticulous at first, but it eventually quickens. Her phrasing is impeccable. What feels disconnected about her performance is her formal-sounding control over her expression, which doesn’t seem the best way to render the author’s playful authenticity. T.W. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine