Bread

I just finished the book Bread by Glenn Meyers in one day. Like everyone else in the human race, I am in the midst of an existential awakening. Through the fears, doubts, pain, and damaging health implications of these times, I find the author's experiences and ultimate wisdom helpful. What I liked most is his ability to face his circumstances without fear but with reality that leads to humility, wisdom, and strength. I especially liked the questions he includes to evaluate one's life. The answers help put everything in proper perspective. One day at a time, one step at a time, even through pain, we move to who and what we were always meant to be.

I read this book as a Christian, and someone who has had to come to terms with chronic illness changing their ability to be “successful” and “productive” in the traditional sense.

Initially, it wasn’t the book I expected. I didn’t realise that it is the second in a series and I was expecting to read more about the author’s personal experience and faith during his recovery after his coma. Whilst it does mention this, the book focuses in a more objective way on key elements that we lose or rediscover in a different form when we experience a life change. I have to admit to wondering for a while where this book was taking me.

I am immensely glad I kept going, because from the fourth chapter, Making, this book really sings for me. It opens up the scope of the term “vocation” in a way that is both exciting and affirming, and exhorts us not to “die with your music inside you.” I highlighted almost that entire chapter!

Although many years a Christian, I came found new and thought-provoking ideas in the following chapter, Believing (don’t panic, no heresy!). This is where the author really brings all the previous chapters together. The loose link to the experiences of convalescence and dealing with a significant change in life becomes much more concrete.

I’m excited to read more of Glenn Myer’s books and have already bought one. Although it took me a while to get into this book, I feel he has wise and important things to say on life in general and the combination of life, faith and vocation in particular.

I didn’t realise at first this was second in a series but it didn’t stop my enjoyment of the read. It was very interesting and thought provoking! Upon finishing, I found myself with some questions to reflect on & a list of good questions/thoughts to journal about! It’s good to take the time to sit with this book and to take it all in - it’s similar to going for a cuppa with a friend and having a good deep chat. Very cathartic and helpful to look further & deeper. Would recommend as I think everyone can get even a wee something from this read. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early!

The author introduces us to his work with these words:
"Six years before Covid, I spent four weeks in a medically induced coma. It wasn’t Covid, but the treatment was similar. It took about two years to recover.A crisis or illness like this can make us focus."
So, I see in the introduction it was written after a crisis. The book is a great piece of knowledge, mixed up with humanity and subtle advice. From someone who's been working hard to make a difference, after going through a very rough path. And finding the way to invite others into his conclusions, as a way of do good, be good.
I loved book piece. It's a balm to the soul, on these terrible days when humanity founds itself in front of one of the most complicated moments of all times.
Focusing my mind and heart on this book has been wonderful. I highly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance of reading this book in exchange for an honest review.