I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of humor, hard truths and encouragement wrapped together within the beautiful cover of this book! Sophie is an incredible author who knows how to ideally integrate these three things that can be difficult to do otherwise. Recommend this read!

I was gifted an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book, but all views and opinions are my own.

Great read and would recommend it to any of my friends. The chapters were very real and allowed me to reflect on my own life. The author included passages that made the book much more applicable and I was able to go back and to read certain books of the Bible to get a better understanding of the book.

Sophie has a calm, direct way of speaking that is nurturing to me. She tells stories that are lessons, but you would never know it. I read her book shortly after my brother died and the portion on her grief and losing her mama got me. Her humor always lifts my soul. The comical lens she shares her common stories through help me see the humor in my own life. Read it. I wanted to applaud her humility and grief over racism in Alabama and frustration with church. I feel like a she a book to us today over a year ago. Kudos, Southern Diva. You make us all proud.

I love Sophie Hudson and I loved Stand All the Way Up!! Sophie writes just like she talks, and if you've ever heard her speak you know she is hilarious!! This life is filled with many difficulties. Difficulties that sometimes would just be easier to ignore. With her unique, humorous voice, Hudson encourages us to instead stand up for ourselves, for the ones we love, for those who can't stand up for themselves and for the Kingdom. Stand All the Way Up is such a timely read for the current circumstances of our world. Highly recommend!!

Stand All The Way Up • Sophie Hudson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

———————————————————
“I really don’t want to burn it all down. I want holy fire to fall.”
——————————————————
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thumbs Up:
Witty and funny writing! Great examples in her stories, and good, gospel centered reflections.
•
👎🏻Thumbs Down:
I have nothing bad to say. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It made me laugh and think and it really hit home.
•
🤓For readers WHO:
-enjoy essay style writing
-like Christian memoir/personal growth
•
👉🏼This is what’s WHAT:
Sophie tells funny stories about her life in essay format, while discussing how she’s learning from it and leaning on Jesus when things are hard/confusing/frustrating.
•
⏳WHEN I read this book:
It gave me so many giggles but also pointed me to reflect on how I respond to hard things in my own life.
•
🚨WHERE you should watch out:
No triggers here!
•
📍WHY you should read this one:
A great book to give you lighthearted reflection on life, especially when there are hard things going on in the world.
•
📚HOW I read it:
Ebook via netgalley

From the first line, the book was very .. white.
Reductive and disrespectful of African countries and with lines like "For the record, there is nothing that encourages some deep reflection regarding your personal relationship with Jesus Christ like flying on a very tiny airplane", 'lovely, lilting Kenyan accents', the book wafted strong hints of white Christian privilege. I do not appreciate when authors use humor to guise and normalize their privilege as universal givens.
This was obviously not the book for me. I was intrigued by the description of the book and despite my efforts, I couldn't get far past the introduction.

As a big fan of Sophie Hudson I knew I would enjoy this book, but I have to say this is her best one yet. Her stories are so relatable and she has such a quick wit that even the seemingly mundane becomes entertaining. I appreciated her honesty in sharing her recent struggles with her health, her relationships and her faith. The last chapter in particular is so timely and is some of the best writing Hudson has ever done. I highly recommend!

As someone in their twenties, I am not the target audience but I still really enjoyed this book! I have listened to some of Sophie’s podcast with my mom and we enjoyed reading this book together. Her style is a more life story based with a scripture connection, which is different from my go-to Christian nonfiction. It’s a similar style to Bob Goff or Annie Downs. For me, it is the perfect kind of book for in between some more weighty reads. It’s the kind of book you can read in one sitting if you desired and will have you laughing and tearing up.

Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for my review!

I loved this book from Sophie Hudson! It is so relevant to the current state of our world - with so much division, tumultousness and uncertainty. Sophie is hilarious and uses that humor to draw in the reader and also make important points about the way we should live. This book reads like sitting down for coffee with a wiser (and much funnier) friend a little further down the road of life. Highly, highly recommend!

This was my first Sophie Hudson book and probably one of my favorite books this year so far. It was humorous, heartfelt, and vulnerable. A much needed message for the culture we live in today. My only critique would be that I felt like not all of the stories fit the theme of standing all the way up. The first stories were more humorous and a bit random. The later stories were where I felt she got to what she really wanted to say. Still, I always looked forward to reading the next few chapters each night, which is something I haven't found in a book in a long time. I will definitely be reading her other books!

Before I finished this book, I had only listened to Sophie Hudson's books. I must say that her style of writing is enjoyable either way. (I do think I will have to listen to this one eventually though because I LOVE her accent and voice!) While I still have 3 1/2 years until I turn 50, I can so relate to the different situations that Sophie wrote about.. (Okay, fine, we are in the same stage of life!) While this book has been finished for a few months in anticipation of its release, to me based on the current headlines, it felt like she just finished it yesterday.

Who will enjoy this book ...
-Women who are in the middle stages of parenting with kids at home. Those of us raising teenagers need to someone to understand. Sophie is that person.
-Those who want to ponder issues like racism, work-life balance, spiritual growth, God's calling and how to cultivate community.
-Those who want to apply Scripture to everyday life.
-Those who need to laugh more because Sophie is stinkin' funny.

Who may not enjoy this book
-Anyone who hates any sort of reference to pop culture. They are sporadic. They are infrequent. But they are there. Personally I think her mentions are great.
-Anyone who strongly dislikes Mississippi State. She's a fan. (I promise - this is not a football book. It really is about personal growth. But I know that some people take their fandom seriously.)
-Any manly men who are not in touch with their feelings and who the idea of any sort of introspection might make them feel nauseous. Again - I am not sure that is the author's goal. But if you don't like to think about your emotions at all, this might not be the book for you.
-Anyone who is opposed to God doing a work in your heart or your life. If you read this book, you will be affected. If you want to stay stagnant, this is not the title for you.

Thank you, Sophie Hudson, for writing words that God uses to draw me closer to Him and for doing it in such a way that I am smiling all the way. Well, mostly smiling - perhaps I did share a tear or two of conviction.. This is a highly recommended book. Thank you to B & H Book and NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book. All opinions are my own.

Sophie Hudson has a sense of humor like a Erma Bombeck only with more butter and college football. In her book of short essays on life and its seasons of challenges and joys, Hudson treats the reader to her southern wit and charming view of her lot in life. Claiming that she is a people pleaser, Hudson has done much to work against that and has finally landed on acceptance of her roles as mother, wife, podcaster, author, and business woman. It's amazing that we're not related, and maybe your are, because just as many of you probably share her diehard need to arrive early for everything. Not only that, her perspective on airline luggage, phones in theaters, and generally being considerate will appeal to anyone who has every traveled, attended a huge event, or stood in a line.

Perhaps the best parts are the connections to Scripture and how it guides her during the deep waters and sweltering hot kitchens of life.Asking those questions about staying home or staying at work, fitting in or turning inward, Hudson reflects on her personal growth and resilience. From volunteering at the kitchen for summer camp, which isn't for sissies in the south, to reaching out and intentionally building a group of friends that she and her family can do life with, Hudson's eye for humor and irony really are 'lit'. This is an entertaining and thoughtful read. The only thing left unanswered is, what about that garlic spread?

Ultimately, I found this book hopeful and encouraging, especially during our difficult time of pandemic and racial tensions. Hudson’s (honestly, I feel like calling the author Sophie after finishing this book!) voice is warm and fun, like your favorite aunt, as she recounts her life stories and brings in what God taught her without being overly pedantic or didactic.

It did take me a sustained reading session to really get into the book, and I’m sure some is from being a generation younger than Hudson (I’m musing on turning 30, not 50). The first quarter feels a bit like a non-sequitur and some stories took a while to get to a really short point; the wallet story really did not pull me in, nor did discussions on always needing to be on time. However, Hudson really built up to the meaty stories and lessons, weaving familiar Bible verses and passages into her life experiences to create beautiful pictures of relying on God through life-changing loss and through silly embarrassing moments, of standing by your convictions and opinions unapologetically, of investing in friendships after children, and just the hopeful, all-embracing presence of God through all of life’s moments. I also really enjoyed the tirade against capsule closets (as well as suggestions for what one really needs to have on hand, fashion-wise) as well as the discussion of how to be a good mom and a full-time worker-- I’m also a teacher, with a new baby at home, and this section was really affirming and life-giving for me.

In all, I came to really love Hudson and her voice, her insight and her humor, through Stand All the Way Up. While the stories within were not as bombastic as the title suggested, the resonated with wisdom, kindness, and love. I’m going to grab Hudson’s earlier books now and settle in with a cup a tea for a good “chat” with a wonderful mentor a la Titus 2: 3-4 “Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children.” Hudson is the real deal. Thank you for this book!

Talk about timely! Even though Hudson shares her thoughts and experiences from the past 5 years, there are echoes of what’s happening today in 2020. I always feel like I could be best friends with her while I’m reading her words. She definitely hits some relevant topics. Her humor and storytelling make the tough subjects easier to swallow. I will always read a Sophie Hudson book!

I’m a fan of Sophie Hudson and was excited to get the chance to read her new book. I have heard her speak and enjoy listening to her podcasts. I wasn’t prepared for all the emotions I would feel. I was crying big fat tears during the chapter about her mom (I’ve experienced the same loss). I laughed at her usual humor about every day things and then I sat in reflection about what my responsibilities are as a follower of Christ. Her book couldn’t have come out at a better time. Thank you for my advanced reader copy.

STANDING UP ISN’T FOR SISSIES!

In her latest book STAND ALL THE WAY UP: Stories of Staying In It When You Want to Burn It All Down author Sophie Hudson (no relation) brings it all to the table - the good, the bad and the ugly. In doing so, Hudson uses her signature wit, sass and wisdom to bring a beautiful blessing for readers. Hudson’s writing style is so remarkable. She has the ability to make readers feel as though they are one of her best friends and they have met at their favorite Coffee Shop just to catch up. Her writing also reminds me of reading a letter from a dear and treasured friend. In both situations, I feel blessed for the investment of her time.

She is facing fifty and with that comes time for some introspective and deep spiritual study to process where she has been, where she is and what the future looks like - all while dealing with the unique challenges in today’s society. The book is 13 Chapters long plus an Introduction and an Epilogue.

I am particularly challenged by Hudson’s take on this:

“In Luke 8:22, Jesus got in a boat with His disciples and uttered a simple command: ‘Let us go across to the other side of the lake’ (esv).

I realize that if any of us are trapped on a boat in the middle of a storm, we may have to use other gifts in that crisis because we won’t be able to command the waves to stop. But as we lead in our normal, everyday lives—as we steward whatever influence the Lord has given us in the places we live and work and love—what are we doing to calm the storms? To take care of people? To bring order to chaos and peace to confusion? To challenge people in loving ways (Jesus even asked the disciples ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’) and ultimately provide ‘great calm’? Because the One who does this? This is the Jesus of the Gospels.

Here is what we must ask ourselves: Am I willing to be an agent of calm in the chaos, or would I rather stir the waters? In short, am I willing to lead like Jesus? Am I willing to follow someone who leads like Jesus?”

Excellent points to ponder and a challenge for all! I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by B&H Books & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

Recently I was listening to the Big Boo Cast that Sophie Hudson hosts with Melanie Shankle and my sister overheard a small portion of it. She said, man, they are the good kind of southern! And that is how I would describe this book too. It praises the Lord, appreciates friends, celebrates family, uses a good dose of humor and charm, and stands up (see what I did there) for what is good and right and true. A good Southern lady lets even her spiciest opinions be known with grace, and that’s what Sophie does in this book. She comes after cold shoulder tops and white supremacy. She expounds on the need for a good clutch and being in the moment with your family. She discusses bathroom renovation, and heart renovation. And through it all she points you back to Jesus. This book was a rally cry for my heart to get in touch with how the Lord is moving and to jump on board.

Many years ago, I read Sophie's blog when blogging was all the rage. Most recently, I have listened to her on the BigBoo Podcast. Reading this book was like having a conversation with her, albeit one way since she could not hear my responses back!

Sophie writes just as she speaks and it was delightful! She has a talent for making the ordinary become insightful in such a way that we learn how to be better as a person and at life.

This book will speak to you deeply if you've ever had internal struggles that were allowed to get the best of you for a season and you're looking for a way to stand back up, as Soph would say. She digs deep into the issues surrounding her personal struggles and shares sweet details of intimate moments with family. I laughed out loud and cried real tears.

I highly recommend Stand All the Way Up by Sophie Hudson. If you are familiar with her voice, you'll hear it all the way through loving every minute!

I did receive an advanced copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Boy, was I happy to see Sophie Hudson back! I've been reading her blog since the beginning, and I love her folksy style of writing. She's the type of writer who makes me feel we could be best friends if we ever met in person. I've read all her books, and I think this one is my favorite. She writes with her usual grace and humor, and more than once I laughed out loud (and teared up - often while reading the same passage). This was a lovely combination of family stories (the one about her mother slayed me) and spiritual writing. The minute I finished this book, I scoured my bookshelves for her other ones, and I started rereading them. There are phrases she uses that I adore and will try to sprinkle in my conversations with my friends (even though I don't live anywhere near the south!)

I think Stand All the Way Up is Sophie's most personal book yet and life experiences make the reader think, 'I'm not alone." Sophie shares the trials of seeing 50 years old right around the bend and all the experiences that go with that. I am in this stage and I related to Sophie's stories of taking care of herself better as our bodies age, the grief of the loss of a parent, and that marriage is hard sometimes. In a way that only Sophie can do, she brings her trademark humor to these hard life situations and we laugh out loud with her. Buy this book for yourself and your BFF.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.