Sadie Robertson's Book "Live" is 202 pages of pure encouragement. Every page is dripping with words that give life, joy, and empowerment to everyone who reads it.
This is Sadie's third book that was released February 25th of this year. Her other previous titles include Live Original (2015) and her best selling book, Live Fearless (2018).
This book is a road map of how to fulfill the scripture of John 10:10 - living life to the fullest.
It honestly feels like a sit down with a trusted friend that's giving you good Godly support and advice-speaking life straight into you.
The overall goal of the book is to encourage those that are struggling to celebrate life. Sadie gives this encouragement by not only telling stories from her own life, but from various stories of the Bible.
She fleshes out the stories of the prodigal son, King Solomon building the temple, Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, the three Hebrew boys that were thrown into the fire, Daniel and the Lion's Den, and many other uplifting scriptures.
Sadie reminds readers that they can be confident in themselves because they can be confident in who God is and who they are in relation to God. She shares wisdom on what to do with self-hate, hates of the world, and what to do with "waiting seasons" that sometimes arise.
Over and over again throughout her book, Sadie wants everyone to know their worth and value. She wants readers to know that this life is worth the living because Jesus is in our lives.
Book Make-Up
This book has 29 short chapters. It also has a forward, an introduction, and fun pictures throughout.
Her mom wrote the forward, and it's a good read. It's a great set-up for the message that Sadie shares throughout her book. So don't skip it!
And while you might be tempted to...don't skip the introduction either! It gives a good explanation of the title and sets the tone of the book. If you jump ahead to the first chapter, you'll be missing some good insight.
The texture of the book is worth noting too. It consists of thick- card stock type paper. Maybe it was printed this way because of the many pictures that are throughout the book. No matter the reason why, it's a pleasant feel.I also enjoyed the pink and blue subtitles. It made the reading feel more playful and upbeat.
Another fun aspect of the book is that Sadie likes to define words. She does this many times throughout her book with words that she deems impactful. I enjoy this special feature, it brings focus to those words, making the message more impactful.
Best Parts
Some of my favorite parts of her book is in the beginning when she does a retelling of the prodigal son with a modern prodigal daughter point of view. It's a refreshing insight that makes the story feel more applicable and relevant to today's reader. It evokes strong emotions, much like I suspect the original story from the Bible did.
Her chapter From Know to Realize is also very note worthy. Within this chapter she talks about the movie Princess Diaries, in particularly the character of Princess Mia. She makes a great illustration that it is not what Mia does or accomplishes that makes her royalty, but rather she‘s royalty because she‘a born that way. Much like how followers of Christ are not special because of what we accomplish, but because we simply are a daughter or son of the King. Sadie continues to implore her readers to claim their confidence from within by resting in who they are in Christ.
She also has two chapters dedicated to discussing how to handle waiting seasons. Those chapters are called Don't Waste the Waiting Part 1 and Part 2. I appreciate these chapters because it is worth discussing that waiting seasons are sometimes a part of life. They can be frustrating times, but as she points out they don't have to be wasted. She not allow addresses the fact this season can happen to anyone but gives practical guidance on how to NOT waste a waiting season.
Last, but not least, is Sadie's chapter Comebacks to Haters. In it she lists strategies that haters often use to bring people down and how to not let them stop you.
Mini-Critique
My only mini-critique is that the language used throughout the book is clearly geared toward Generation Z and Millennials. There are many social media/pop-culture references. However, to be fair, Sadie did identify her audience as being for ages 13-16. In which, she hits the mark.
However, I still believe this book is relevant to everyone at any age. I also don't believe that just because a person is older that they are necessarily closer to God. Sadie may be young, but that doesn't mean her insights and experiences should be dismissed.
1 Timothy 4:12 Â "Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. "
Sadie is nearly 10 years my junior, but her words spoke wisdom and inspiration into my heart.
Her heart beats strong for the Lord and for the encouragement of others. Her sincerity should compel all ears a chance to hear.
Last Words
Sadie's book reads with authenticity. You can feel the overwhelming amount of care she has for all her readers. She genuinely loves people and wants them to love life too.
If you ever need a pick-me-up...this is the book to pick-up.
It will empower you. It will give you a vision for your purpose, and it will help you realize your worth in the Kingdom of God time and time again. It will make you want to LIVE!
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