I received this nook from the October 2020 Early Reviewers batch. I seem to have lost my review. But I do recall how enthused I was about reading this Episcopal priest's book of Sunday sermons and other messages. If I found a church with as articulate a pastor as this one, I might well come home to the flock. The Reverend Barbara Brown Taylor writes in a conversational, non-judgmental style that inspires. It's an enjoyable book, without preachiness. Get yourself a copy. Enjoy.

"In this new collection of stories and sermons of faith, grace, and hope, Taylor finds that when you are the invited guest speaking of faith to people you don't know, you must seek common ground: exploring the central human experience"-- Amazon.com

I usually hate reading sermons, even Barbara Brown Taylor's sermons, but this book was a step up and I enjoyed it. It has taken me quite some time to review this book after receiving it because it is not the sort of book that one reads straight through. Rather, a chapter at a time and not necessarily in order at as slow a pace as desired seems best. Taylor often took biblical passages in completely different directions than I would have had I been preaching, but I appreciate the different viewpoint. Generally, I love Taylor's memoirs the best, but this is a solid and enjoyable book to be savored. ( )

This compilation of 31 sermons written by Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor, are a rich resource of information. The book Always a Guest speaks to the fact that these sermons were given in many different venues to many different denominations. The fact that she is a female Pastor that is asked to address so many different groups speaks to the fact that she has something that people want to hear. She has studied theology and articulates biblical passage into modern day, easy to understand language. Her wit and faith stand out in every sermon and she makes you truly think. These are not quick “stories” to just breeze through. These are thought provoking sermons that will make you come back time and time again. As a Pastor myself, I can see using this book as a devotional or even 31 short bible studies. If you are the journaling type this would also be a good book to use. I am so glad I asked to be an early reviewer on this book and pleased that the LibraryThing algorithm chose me to do so.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I was asked to write a truthful review, be it positive or negative, but this was not a requirement to receive. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part § 255.5 Disclosure of material connections.

This book wasn't really what I expected. As it turns out (and is probably abundantly clear to most people), this is a collection of 31 sermons that Barbara Brown Taylor has given at various places since leaving parish ministry. (I received a copy from LibraryThing to read but apparently somehow missed that it was a collection of sermons.)

I am most definitely not the target audience for this book, but I found it really thought-provoking. The best way that I can describe myself is, probably, that Christianity is the language that I know as a way to express faith, but I don't have a strong pull at this point toward any particular community. With that said, it was really interesting to read this collection of sermons and to see Barbara Brown Taylor's take on each passage. Some definitely felt more relevant to me than others, but it was an interesting collection that I've been reading slowly over the past month. ( )