I started reading "Every Bitter Thing is Sweet" by Sara Hagerty just a few days ago and I've already devoured pretty much all of it. Take a look at my thoughts on it....and then go buy yourself a copy! :)
What it's about: Sara Hagerty simply relates her life story, pointing to the truth that we can all "taste the goodness of God in all things." She begins by describing the hardship of infertility and later works backward to walk the reader through her journey of trying to build up a perfect life and then realizing brokenness is actually a means through which we can meet God and be loved by Him. Her struggles, discussed honestly and candidly, include marriage problems, financial woes, and eventually the beauty and pain of adoption.
Writing style: As a writer, I love to consider what kind of "voice" each author has. Sara Hagerty's writing is artistic, yet not too wordy. It seems to shape her story just right.
Effect on me: Sara's story is intimate enough to draw in the reader, yet applicable to anyone who has experienced loss and disappointment (and I think that's everyone). A few parts of the book have especially spoken to me. When the author shares how she built her life around ministry and spent "less time getting lost in story, more time zeroing in on what [she] might produce"...that struck a chord with me. Gradually she turns from focusing on her output to what God might be doing inside of her, slowly, subtly. She talks about her desire to have children and how she thought that desire would soon materialize into a homogeneous family. Instead, God had a different plan, entirely. Without doubt, adoption is near and dear to my heart and I love how she describes the process of loving her adopted children into love. These children, brought all the way from Africa into their family, fight against the Hagertys' compassion which is so foreign and unnatural to them. And in this, I see a picture of myself fighting against God's love, trying to fend for myself. But He never gives up. Her story has inspired me to fall more in love with a God who sees me, knows me, and loves me through it all.
Well, without giving too much away, I hope I've piqued your curiosity to go experience the book for yourself!