Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith

I admit that I have been putting off writing this review because I knew I would never be able to express how much this book means to me. It is essential reading for anyone who has ever felt lost in the faith world. If you need a guide through the scary questions and grief and "what now" of changes to your beliefs, this book is for you. Sarah Bessey is the queen of gentle, wise, kind paths forward through the hard, lonely, liberating, complicated spiritual wilderness. It was hard not to highlight the entire book because it was so full of truth and things I want to always remember. You are not alone in this. There are no quick fixes and easy answers, but you're not the only one, and you are welcome to pull up a seat at this table full of outcasts and wanderers. We are so blessed to have Sarah, leading from love, empathy, nuance, and generosity. Leave behind the heavy yokes, whether from the traditional religious institutions or deconstruction influencer culture. If you're ready for more than outrage bait and fear and hot takes, this is for you. If you want to know you're not crazy and there is more to life and faith than conformity and obedience to the morality tests, read this. Join us on this messy journey to a bigger and better and more sustainable way to live.

Easy, enjoyable read that I can relate to. Chapters are pretty short. Book club read and all are enjoying it!

I just finished this book and I cannot stop crying. This spoke straight to soul and I feel so seen, so healed, so uplifted. I bawled on and off throughout the whole book and underlined like a crazy person. Truly life-changing.Thanks, Sarah, for your beautiful insights and hope.

I've read all of her books multiple times, and will again. But this book really spoke to me. Such wisdom, in a calm, clear, soothing voice that doesn't flinch away from the painful truths and experiences of an evolving faith, but leads with hope. No one gives a benediction like Sarah Bessey. Wow.

I haven’t read this yet but it sounds good. I like to see the table of contents before I get a book so I’m adding that here if it helps anyone.

Sarah Bessey’s books are so good I can recommend before reading. But I HAVE read this one, and yes, I highly recommend it. Bessey’s writing is gorgeous and true. She writes with such care for her readers, and at the same time, leads and challenges us toward transformation. Field Notes is aimed at those whose faith is evolving. She speaks from her heart and her experience and her love for Jesus. I’ll leave you with a bit of her benediction.“And always, still, Jesus. God with us. I like being with You, out here, under the stars, where we can breathe a little in the companionable silence. You’re even better than I could have imagined. It turned out, You were good news all along, trustworthy One.” Sarah Bessey

Sarah’s words are always comforting and this latest batch is no exception. If you feel alone, this book will remind you that you are seen, you are valuable and you are still right where you need to be, no matter how far or alone you think you’ve wandered. Don’t just read this book, absorb the message.

I just finished this book and I very rarely write reviews but I just had to say that it was so good and so well done. It is very nice to have someone articulate so well the things you feel and can’t seem to put words to. I have read most of her books. This one is definitely a favorite. I want to read it again with a group of friends so I have someone to talk it through with! Thank you Sarah for pushing through and writing this so we can all enjoy it. I for one can’t wait for your next book!

This book is filled with real, raw human experience and offers up hope and companionship for the journey.

Sarah spins hope and love as a faithful and humble guide through faith when pat answers and certainty have fallen away. So much good here from this author who has read and gleaned wisdom from a multitude of wise teachers. This book is a gift. Buy it. You won’t be sorry.

I’ve been waiting for this book. I bought the audio book and I love that it’s Sarah Bessey’s own voice I’m hearing. It’s a brave book. A vulnerable book. I’ll be recommending this to lots of people. Know this, dear reader: you’re not the only one. And you are not alone. 💕

Sarah Bessey's book is a warm welcome into her story and in her humble honest way, I felt like she was sitting having tea with me. Her ability to share the good, the hard and the ugly but encased in hope makes this such a good read. Thank you Sarah.