Twister Reviews
REVIEWED by Christy Lockstein
When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister by Mary Pierce is a funny, brutally honest look at one woman’s life and faith. Pierce is just like the rest of us: stressed out, running on empty, and wondering what happened to the life that she had planned. But she has hope for us all: a sense of humor and good relationship with God can get you through even the toughest spots. Again and again during the course of reading, I found her writing about just what was going on in my life or saying just what I needed to hear. She doesn’t pull in punches with the reader or herself. Her story includes some pretty difficult stuff. One of the things I loved best about Pierce and this book is that she doesn’t pretend that she’s found a magic solution and will never struggle again. Sometimes having faith is hard, and it’s easy to forget about leaning on the Lord in the hard times. Pierce comes across as real and open, definitely someone you’d love to sit down and have a cup of coffee with and never worry about having to censor your soul. I passed this book on to a friend; buy it for yourself and do the same, you’ll both be blessed!
When the address for a person’s website is laughlady.com, you can pretty much guarantee that the book you are about to read is going to contain some humor! When Did my Life Become a Game of Twister was my first introduction to Mary Pierce, and I have to say it was a terrific experience! Her latest book could actually be used as a daily devotional, because it is set up in short chapters that end in a few brief “points to ponder”. This is not deep, theological discussion-type reading, this is warm, personal vignettes that powerfully display God’s work in the every day events of our lives. When Mary Pierce breaks down the things that often frustrate, confuse, hurt and aggravate us, they don’t seem quite so heavy. You see, she has some great perspective to share that make our twister-type lives much easier to navigate.
Mary Pierce has not lived a life free from trouble. She has “twisted” through some of life’s most challenging circumstances – divorce, single parenting, blending her family with another and making it whole, caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s – Mary has known heartache and pain. However, God has blessed her with the ability to sort of mentally step away from circumstances and write them down so that others can see how God works through our difficult moments to show us a glimpse of our fleeting life from His perspective. In light of His mercy and grace and what will matter eternally, we are able to gather from Him the strength and ability to take another step, make it through another day with a smile, and often with laughter.
I believe anyone can enjoy the spiritual lessons in this book. I think it will be especially meaningful for those who are in a similar place in their lives, dealing with some of the same issues that Mary is facing. The lessons are sweet, poignant and thought-provoking, and you will laugh and cry along the way. This is a precious book, and I would highly recommend it as a daily devotional for any woman!
Reviewed by Pam at http://hip2bhomeschooling.blogspot.com\ I loved this book! It’s like talking to a favorite girlfriend who dispenses good advice. while you chat. I laughed aloud over her descriptions of her family on the
REVIEWED BY LEAH at Ponderings From My Heart
I absolutely loved this book from front to back. I highly recommend it to anyone whether you have young kids in diapers or may be taking care of your parents now. It is such an uplifting funny read. Mary had me giggling aloud through every chapter. She is so relatable and so very very funny! I cannot wait to get my hands on more of her books!
Reviewed by Stacy (Las Vegas, NV) 6/17/08 (FIVE STARS on CBD online)
“When Did My Life Become A Game of Twister?” by Mary Pierce found me at the perfect time. The author seemed to know exactly what my life has been like - perhaps because our journeys have been similar. I found myself nodding in agreement as I read, acknowledging the fact that everyone is either approaching, in the midst of, or coming out of a crisis. I was able to see, in my mind’s eye, how the game of Twister made a pretzel out of my body as a child - and how that can sometimes be the same for my mind and how I handle stress today. The colorful cover grabbed me right away. The memories of my playing Twister as a child drew me to read as I wondered how the author would apply Biblical principles to this game of flexibility and endurance - and there was the key! This delightful book is easy to read and difficult to put down. Filled with truth, insight, humor and practical, Biblical advice, “When Did My Life Become A Game of Twister” belongs in every Christian library.
FROM MARY GILSON: “Twister is my favorite Mary Pierce book yet! If you are balancing a marriage, children, pets, career and caring for aging parents - this book is for you! When I first read When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister, I thought that Mary Pierce had a hidden camera in my home. She truly understands the trials and tribulations that we all face on a daily basis.
As Mary describes the challenges in her life, she will make you laugh and then make you cry as you relate to her experiences. This book allows us to see the humor in our behavior (and those around us) and then keep the faith as we learn to deal with each new phase in our lives. At the end of each chapter are very thoughtful ‘Points to Ponder.’
I keep this book with me in the car to re-read random sections while I’m waiting for my children outside school. It is amazing how reading just a few pages will put a smile on my face for the rest of the day.
If you ever have the chance to hear Mary Pierce in person, please do so! She is a very powerful keynote speaker. You will walk away with a smile and some very valuable thoughts to ‘ponder.’ I am so pleased that Mary’s sense of humor and faith has transcended to her books!”
FROM CYNTHIA RUCHTI: “Twister” is not only fun, over-the-top delightful, and an easy read, but it is Important. The term “Important” came to me like a voice from heaven. This is an important work. Mary Pierce’s writing is an amazing blend of humor, vulnerability, insight, reality-check writing, and faith. All are communicated well in this book. I think it was Derek Prince who once said that if you get an audience laughing, you can sock them in the teeth and they’ll keep smiling. Mary’s laugh-a-minute stories turn corners and “pierce” the heart with their deep wisdom. We live in a tangled world. These pages help direct the reader through the process of untangling, smiling all the way.”
From PAT S: “I just finished your latest book. It is your best yet! It had a lot of “meat” in it for me - I could relate to so many of your situations. You were so honest and revealing. It was a great lesson to me as a writer (and as a person). I think this book could be a life changer for many, many people. You really hit “IT” with this one!”
