I have greatly enjoyed all of this author's books. But Garden City is by far my favorite. The amount of reminders and annotations and things I want to implement, SO MANY.

Its a refreshing way to look at where you're at and how to make the most of it, how to lean into rest and the best way to do that. It made me ask questions about sabbath and really define what does that look like for me (ex. I LOVE doing laundry and I find rest in that, although the lavender fabric softener could also be a contributing factor 🤣) and understanding that rest for others may or may need to look differently.

This is one book I love recommending, its been a book club choice multiple times because why not keep coming back to it. Its definitely one I'd potentially want to read read on a regular basis, its easy to get something new out of it each time, and challenges us to think about things in a way we may not have before.


Thank you Netgalley and Nelson Books | Thomas Nelson for the ARC in exchange for my review!

Ten years ago, pastor, podcaster, and author, John Mark Comer, released “Garden City”. Now, 10 years later, and with a lot more attention to his thoughts and writing, he is re-releasing this thought-provoking work.

John Mark starts this journey at the very beginning of Hebrew scriptures in the Garden of Eden. He explains to us what it means to be human in the context of the original writings. From there, he branches out to how everything we do in life is spiritual (debunking the secular vs spiritual argument), and our need for rhythm in our lives. Well, actually, a healthier rhythm that is shown to us by God.

This work is an essential read for today’s modern Christian. There is so much we are missing by wearing ourselves out trying to find out what we are supposed to be doing and how we can glorify God. It’s all right there in the text. We just need to see it through God’s eyes, not our westernized cultural eyes.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

🌿 Review: Garden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human by John Mark Comer
Garden City by John Mark Comer is a profoundly impactful and refreshing book that completely reframes the way we think about two of the most fundamental aspects of human existence: work and rest. For anyone who has felt the crushing pressure of modern hustle culture, or struggled to find meaning in their daily grind, this book is an absolute must-read. I didn't just enjoy this book; I felt it was a necessary reset for my entire perspective.

What I Absolutely Loved
The Radical Re-Vision of Work: Comer takes us straight back to Genesis to establish the concept of work as a divine mandate—not a curse, but a co-creative partnership with God. The idea that we are called to be "gardeners" and "city-builders" who take the raw materials of creation and carve out a world is incredibly empowering. It shattered the false "sacred vs. secular" divide, making every task—from being an accountant to an artist—a potentially spiritual act. This perspective is the book's greatest strength and a true paradigm shift.

The Essential Art of Rest (Sabbath): He provides a compelling, practical, and deeply compassionate case for Sabbath. Comer argues that true rest is not just a day off to recover from burnout, but a deliberate act of worship and trust. It reminds us we are not machines and that the world won't fall apart if we step away. This practical theology of rest feels like an antidote to modern anxiety.

Conversational & Accessible Tone: Despite tackling deep theological concepts, Comer’s writing is engaging, conversational, and often humorous. It reads less like an academic treatise and more like a great conversation with a wise friend. This accessibility makes complex ideas about our calling (vocation) easy to grasp and immediately applicable.

The "Garden City" Thesis: The book builds toward a wonderful vision of the future—not just a return to the primitive Garden, but an advancement to the glorious Garden City of the New Creation. This gives incredible eternal significance to the good, creative work we do now, making our daily labor feel like practice for the age to come. This future-focused hope is wonderfully motivating.

Final Verdict
Garden City is an essential book for anyone asking the ancient question: Why am I here and what should I do about it? It is a powerful, biblically-rooted challenge to the culture of productivity, offering a more balanced, joyful, and sustainable rhythm for life.

It's a book that doesn't just inform you, but re-aligns you, leaving you with a fresh sense of purpose, peace, and excitement for your work and your rest.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (A transformative and highly recommended read!)