Has life not gone the way you anticipated? Things not turn out the way you expected? This book is for you. Read it. I promise it you won't regret it.

This is a great format for a journal, but it isn't easy to review as I have an electronic copy. Overall this would be very useful for someone wanting to journal their life and journey.

This book is like talking to a friend and I found the style very engaging. It is definitely something I intend to re-read in an effort to focus on applying the information. For me, Choosing Real was a reminder to live where I'm planted and be in the moment, to choose what matters. I'm grateful that I have read it.

Pogue uses conversational language dipped in humor to reveal to her readers that Choosing Real is exactly where God is. In choosing to see that God is in every moment, including the passing of her father, the party that didn’t go as planned, the reality of friendships, the everyday marriage moments, and the ebbs and flows of motherhood, the reader is relieved to know… Oh! She gets it. I’m not the only one.

When the reader chooses to embrace the reality of our present moments, she is Choosing Real when she chooses to see God in that reality.

Choosing Real opens as an invitation, an RSVP if you will, to join Jesus in a faith walk whether the reader knows what that looks like or not. It is a faith invitation. Invitations to follow Jesus never cease and meet us right where we are. Will you choose to trust?

One of my favorite parts of the book was when she and her family threw a Thanksgiving in May. How amazing to give God a grand thanks on a day that is not reserved in November. It inclined me to explore the same for my family. It would also free us up to visit everyone else on Thanksgiving, and not have to worry about putting on a big production.

I was especially grateful when Pogue walked me through tasting, smelling, seeing, feeling God in the small things. Her book led up to this grand revelation. I was surprised to know that her father had passed and Choosing Real was birthed from that. How could anyone manage? Because God met Pogue in her off season to reveal to her how He was ever present as long as she was a willing participant.

Like Pogue, I too feel compelled to dream big. If there is a felt need, I immediately begin exploring avenues to put on earth-shaking conferences, writing workshops for my community, revival tents and barbecues in my backyard. What I need to see is that God is never more glorious than when I pick up the phone and call a friend I haven’t spoken to in ages to invite her and her family over for dinner.

I loved reading Choosing Real. The author's voice reminded me of another author I adore, Jen Hatmaker. This is one of those books that you read and feel like the author is speaking to you directly. More like a letter from a friend, as opposed to someone you've never met giving you advice. It's all about those unplanned events in life that make you question who you are and what your purpose is as you journey through life. I would definitely reread this book, and recommend it to friends who are in need of a spiritual recharge, or just a great book!

As the title suggests, it's about being real. Not everything in life goes as planned, there are thing you just can't plan. And we need to learn how to let go of the planning en controlling and let it be. God's got this. We need to enjoy the small things and be thankful for them. This is a great book with real stories. The good, the bad and the ugly. And unlimited faith.

I did not download this book and therefore cannot provide a review.