Awake
by Jen Hatmaker

Awake: A Memoir by Jen Hatmaker

Note: Links in this post go to Bookshop.org where I earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Bookshop.com supports local independent books store across the United States.

Book Description:

At 2:30 a.m. on July 11, 2020, Jen Hatmaker woke up to her husband of twenty-six years whispering in his phone to another woman from their bed. It was the end of life as she knew it. In the months that followed, she went from being a shiny, funny, popular leader to a divorced wreck on antidepressants and antianxiety meds, parenting five kids alone with no clue about the functioning of her own bank accounts. Having led millions of women for over a decade—urging them to embrace authenticity, find radical agency, and create healthy relationship—she felt like a catastrophic failure.

In Awake, Jen shares for the first time what happened when she found herself completely lost at sea—and how she made it to shore. In candid, surprisingly funny vignettes spanning forty years of girlhood, marriage, and parenting, Jen lays bare the disorienting upheaval of midlife—the implosion of a marriage, the unraveling of religious and cultural systems, and the grief that accompanies change you didn’t ask for. And, drawing on all resources—from without and within—Jen dares to question the systems beneath the whole house of cards, and to reckon with the myths, half-truths, and lies that brought her to this point.

More than one woman’s story, Awake is a critical analysis of the story given to all of us: the story of gender limitations, religious subservience, body shame, self-erasure. With refreshing candor, Jen explores a midlife renaissance—grieving what’s lost, cherishing possibility, and entering the second half of life wide awake.

My Take:

Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Avid Reader Press
in exchange for my honest review.

Full of stories, gossip, life-lessons, and wise-words from your big sister. Pacing and writing is amazing, as always.

I am a fan of Jen Hatmaker’s writing – as evidenced here, here, here, and here. 

This latest release of hers continues to be a winner for me. I listened to this book on audiobook and concurrently read it. There are extra audio tidbits throughout the book, making the audio so much fun. Read/narrated by Jen, herself, it was truly like sitting down with a friend over coffee or wine and catching up on each other’s lives. The stories were so good. The advice was so timely. The experience was so refreshing and fulfilling.

I laughed out loud, cried, yelled, and agreed SO MANY times while reading/listening to this book. My heart needed it all.

This book was filled with ALL the emotions. I cried so many times while listening to this book – happy tears, sad tears, and “oh, that hits a little close to home!” tears. I also laughed out loud like you would with friends remembering those stories and times that live in infamy.

The Final Verdict

My rating: 5 stars

Would I recommend? Yes

This book was SO GOOD! An amazing read for ANYONE!

You Might Like These Posts, too

Book Review – Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire

Book Review of Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire by Jen Hatmaker

Keep reading

Book Review – I’ve Got Questions

I’ve Got Questions: The Spiritual Practice of Having It Out with God by Erin Hicks Moon is a wonderful read for any reader at all. It is especially welcome for a reader who may have internal questions they aren’t sure if they can ask.

Keep reading

Book Review – Now What?

Book Review of Now What?: How to Move Forward When We’re Divided (about Basically Everything) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, which provides pages and pages of wonderful stories, advice, and supportive guidance when you need to be the adultier adult.

Keep reading

Book Review: Of Mess and Moxie

Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker This is the third book by Jen Hatmaker I’ve purchased, but the first one I’ve finished. I also own Seven and For the Love (also on the dreaded TBR pile). The others are not unread because lack of interest, only lack of time and focus. I have enjoyed…

Keep reading

Subscribe

Recent Posts

• Book Review – Awake
• Book Review – Christmas People
• Book Review – The Joker Is Wild
• Book Review – Semi Sweet
• Book Review – The Spellshop