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That Sounds Fun: The Joys of Being an Amateur, the Power of Falling in Love, and Why You Need a Hobby
A New York Times Bestseller!
We know there are certain things we must have to survive--food, shelter, and safety to name a few. But there are also aspects of life that truly allow us to be joyful and fulfilled. For popular podcaster and bestselling author Annie F. Downs, fun is close to the top of that list. Few would argue that having fun doesn't enrich our lives, but so much gets in the way of prioritizing it. Tough days, busyness, and feelings that are hard to talk about keep us from the fun that's out there waiting to be found.
With That Sounds Fun , Annie offers an irresistible invitation to understand the meaning of fun, to embrace it and chase it, and to figure out what, exactly, sounds fun to you--then do it! Exploring some research and sharing some thoughts behind why fun matters, she shows you how to find, experience, and multiply your fun. With her signature storytelling style and whimsical vulnerability, Annie is the friend we all need to guide us back to staying true to ourselves and finding the fun we need.
We know there are certain things we must have to survive--food, shelter, and safety to name a few. But there are also aspects of life that truly allow us to be joyful and fulfilled. For popular podcaster and bestselling author Annie F. Downs, fun is close to the top of that list. Few would argue that having fun doesn't enrich our lives, but so much gets in the way of prioritizing it. Tough days, busyness, and feelings that are hard to talk about keep us from the fun that's out there waiting to be found.
With That Sounds Fun , Annie offers an irresistible invitation to understand the meaning of fun, to embrace it and chase it, and to figure out what, exactly, sounds fun to you--then do it! Exploring some research and sharing some thoughts behind why fun matters, she shows you how to find, experience, and multiply your fun. With her signature storytelling style and whimsical vulnerability, Annie is the friend we all need to guide us back to staying true to ourselves and finding the fun we need.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2021
About the author
Annie F. Downs
39 books1,962 followersAnnie F. Downs is an author, blogger, and speaker based in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she uses her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and present God.
An author of three books- Let's All Be Brave , Perfectly Unique , and Speak Love , Annie also loves traveling around the country speaking to young women, college students, and adults.
Read more at anniefdowns.com and follow her on Twitter @anniefdowns.
An author of three books- Let's All Be Brave , Perfectly Unique , and Speak Love , Annie also loves traveling around the country speaking to young women, college students, and adults.
Read more at anniefdowns.com and follow her on Twitter @anniefdowns.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 985 reviews
April 29, 2021
I’ve read a couple of this author’s other books and while I had higher hopes for this one, it missed the mark for me. Again. My struggle with these types of books by Christian bloggers/speakers/podcasters is that it always seems like a love letter to their friends. They’re just telling their stories without much deep substance. And there always seems to be some sort of unnecessary name dropping. We get it, you know Dave Barnes and his wife. There were a few sentences here and there that felt meaningful to me but mostly it was just that she likes to have fun. And I’m glad! It was a cheery, upbeat read but I was personally looking for more.
March 29, 2021
I'm not sure how this book came across my radar, but I was intrigued by the title: I'm a pretty serious person, a perfectionist, and I certainly need more fun in my life! Unfortunately I didn't find many practical takeaways in this book; instead it was a collection of memoir-type essays centered around the author, Annie Downs. She seems to have a nonstop personality, someone who has a life full of friends and speaking engagements and travel, and I don't relate to that at all. So much of this book felt superficial to me (is "fun" usually superficial? That could be my problem). Maybe this book would be helpful for some, but it just didn't do it for me. It was short enough to finish quickly, though.
March 17, 2021
Maybe if I had listened to the author's podcast before this book, I would feel more connected to her. I picked this up because I thought it would be about people or the author doing new things and embracing the fun of big and small adventures. But, besides a good 30 minutes on the topic in the intro, the rest of the book is an advertisement of her privilege. There are TWO chapters that are just advertisements on wellness retreats that cost thousands of dollars, a chapter on how she used her connections to get a backstage look at Dolly Parton's Hallmark holiday special, and most of the stories are like an inside joke between the author and her friends. The writing is flat (all tell and no showing) and she is hyper-focused on how single she is throughout the book-- even when she is talking about hobbies. Spoiler alert: you can have hobbies as a single lady.
January 23, 2021
Although not available in hardcover until February 2021, I did get to hear the audio version of That Sounds Fun through a stellar gift from Annie available to anyone who preorders.
OK, here goes. I love Annie. LOVE. She is one of my favorite voices in books, podcasts, interviews. All. The. Things. This one is not my favorite. I'm sorry, I really am. Here's the deal:
If you are a long-time listener, as am I, you will have likely heard most of these short essays at some point. Still good stories. Still powerful impacts. To someone who already heard them, though, I was disappointed that there wasn't more stories and insights to uncover. It read like a story I had already read previously.
Also, this is Annie's follow-up to Remember God, and, ya'll I CANNOT TELL YOU ENOUGH how amazing that book is!
In short: read this book. Support Annie, and know that her hands are gentle and kind. You will learn something new, about her and about yourself. Guaranteed. If you are unfamiliar with Annie's life, you will probably eat this book up because everything will be fresh water to your eyes. For those of us who already know and love her (we love you, Boo!), read it for the timely reminders, laughs, and all the Annie insights you already know and love.
OK, here goes. I love Annie. LOVE. She is one of my favorite voices in books, podcasts, interviews. All. The. Things. This one is not my favorite. I'm sorry, I really am. Here's the deal:
If you are a long-time listener, as am I, you will have likely heard most of these short essays at some point. Still good stories. Still powerful impacts. To someone who already heard them, though, I was disappointed that there wasn't more stories and insights to uncover. It read like a story I had already read previously.
Also, this is Annie's follow-up to Remember God, and, ya'll I CANNOT TELL YOU ENOUGH how amazing that book is!
In short: read this book. Support Annie, and know that her hands are gentle and kind. You will learn something new, about her and about yourself. Guaranteed. If you are unfamiliar with Annie's life, you will probably eat this book up because everything will be fresh water to your eyes. For those of us who already know and love her (we love you, Boo!), read it for the timely reminders, laughs, and all the Annie insights you already know and love.
April 23, 2021
I debated on writing a review or not because I don’t want to sound too harsh, but I was really disappointed by this one. Even though I have never listened to her podcast, I had seen the book in stores and thought it looked like such a “fun” read. Even the description pulled me in and I thought, “It’ll be cool to think about new hobbies!”. Unfortunately, the description is completely inaccurate.
What this book actually is is a collection of mini essays telling some of the author’s favorite “fun” memories and some “not so fun” ones that still impacted her. It felt like a patched together memoir that bemoaned where she is in life. She kept referring to Eden and wanting to return to that, but it eventually sounded like whining and didn’t point to Christ anymore than that.
The reason I gave it a two and not a one, was because the first chapter did pull me in and made me want to at least give it a chance. I kept hoping the book would improve throughout, but towards the end I just felt like she was listing all of the famous people she knew and things she had done with them.
For someone who has an excessive disposable income, maybe this book is for you.
What this book actually is is a collection of mini essays telling some of the author’s favorite “fun” memories and some “not so fun” ones that still impacted her. It felt like a patched together memoir that bemoaned where she is in life. She kept referring to Eden and wanting to return to that, but it eventually sounded like whining and didn’t point to Christ anymore than that.
The reason I gave it a two and not a one, was because the first chapter did pull me in and made me want to at least give it a chance. I kept hoping the book would improve throughout, but towards the end I just felt like she was listing all of the famous people she knew and things she had done with them.
For someone who has an excessive disposable income, maybe this book is for you.
February 5, 2021
I absolutely adore Annie and listen to her podcast faithfully. I grabbed this book the day it released and read the whole thing in less than 48 hours. Quick review? I loved it. However, it wasn’t the book I expected it to be.
Annie’s podcasts make me laugh - her books make me think.
This book is not all sunshine and glitter and happiness. There is a bit of melancholy to it. It is contemplative and reflective. It’s like Annie has peeled back the veneer and let us see beneath the surface. It’s not all fun and games and confetti. There is hurt. There is loss. And there are some unanswered questions.
This isn’t a book about how to have fun.
It’s a book about finding fun despite ______. Whatever that ______ is for you. It’s about reclaiming childhood joy. It’s about being true to yourself. And it’s about acknowledging the painful parts of our lives that fun and laughter can’t fix.
It is an easy read, full of stories told in Annie’s great conversationalist tone. But it’s also a thought-provoking read - one I’ll be contemplating for a while.
Annie’s podcasts make me laugh - her books make me think.
This book is not all sunshine and glitter and happiness. There is a bit of melancholy to it. It is contemplative and reflective. It’s like Annie has peeled back the veneer and let us see beneath the surface. It’s not all fun and games and confetti. There is hurt. There is loss. And there are some unanswered questions.
This isn’t a book about how to have fun.
It’s a book about finding fun despite ______. Whatever that ______ is for you. It’s about reclaiming childhood joy. It’s about being true to yourself. And it’s about acknowledging the painful parts of our lives that fun and laughter can’t fix.
It is an easy read, full of stories told in Annie’s great conversationalist tone. But it’s also a thought-provoking read - one I’ll be contemplating for a while.
March 11, 2021
I expect authors to “show, don’t tell”. This entire book was all telling. We couldn’t feel her emotions because she would tell us outright. Annie has stories but lacks an authentic voice. Her greatest hardship seems to be the sale of the family home? She is well traveled and doesn’t appear to recognize the privilege in her stories. You’re in love with a jacket in Scotland? Holding back love in western culture is “probably mostly in men but often in women as well”? At least cite evidence or something. For all her travels, her writing is very ignorant. Translating a podcast and its theme into a book didn’t go so well in this case.
June 24, 2021
This book sounded like fun, but it wasn't. It was exhausting. It was like sitting in a coffee shop listening to someone talk and talk about themselves. I didn't identify with her needs and she didn't really use the Bible or her relationship with God to gain wisdom or share any wisdom. This was my first book by this author. I'm hoping her others are better.
May 19, 2023
Read about 60% of this book. It just was not what I was expecting! I did not go into this booking knowing the author or that she had a podcast that this book was based off it. I thought it would be about convincing readers why they needed a hobby but actually it was the author telling stories about her life. Just not for me!
February 9, 2024
Some individuals are better speakers than writers, and I found that to be the case with this book. To me, “That Sounds Fun” read like one long rambly Instagram post…complete with far too many “lol’s”, all caps declarations, and even the odd smiley face. I believe the goal was relateability, but for me, the effect was annoying and an affront to good quality writing. There was very little actual content related to the title of the book, and lots and lots of personal anecdotes that (to me) felt like a strained attempt to pull spiritual lessons about “searching for our lost Eden” out of every little thing. I came away feeling confused about what “fun” had to do with anything. The author’s personal examples of fun (VIP treatment at Disneyland, meeting famous people, going to a retreat, etc) didn’t feel relatable or helpful. There is also constant name-dropping of all the famous people she is friends with, every chapter contains an account of yet another crazy amazing personal breakthrough, and we read about failed relationships and the desire for marriage as nauseam. I think for some, the conversational type approach of the writing would be appealing, but for me it didn’t work.
February 17, 2021
Off the bat, I can tell you this is going to be a biased review because I love Annie F Downs. Like, for real. She puts words to things I’ve been thinking or feeling but could not articulate or explain. As weird as it sounds, I swear I read her words and think, “we are the same exact person”. (Okay roll your eyes at me I don’t care).
This book is over a topic I’m really passionate about: FUN! It’s a beautiful reminder that being an amateur is OKAY, having a hobby (or three) is important, and there are moments, and places, and people in our lives that can be Eden to us, and we can (and should) find them.
2020 was hard for so many, myself included, and challenged me in ways I could have never imagined. But this book reminded me that even though fun may never replace pain, it can walk right alongside it. You can hold them both and see what happens when they dance together. An important message I need to remind myself of (a lot).
I wanted to write out this review mainly for me (selfish, I know! I’m sorry), so I can come back and remember how much I loved the words Annie strung together. I wrote this to remember my own Eden. I recommend this to everyone!! 💕🎉
This book is over a topic I’m really passionate about: FUN! It’s a beautiful reminder that being an amateur is OKAY, having a hobby (or three) is important, and there are moments, and places, and people in our lives that can be Eden to us, and we can (and should) find them.
2020 was hard for so many, myself included, and challenged me in ways I could have never imagined. But this book reminded me that even though fun may never replace pain, it can walk right alongside it. You can hold them both and see what happens when they dance together. An important message I need to remind myself of (a lot).
I wanted to write out this review mainly for me (selfish, I know! I’m sorry), so I can come back and remember how much I loved the words Annie strung together. I wrote this to remember my own Eden. I recommend this to everyone!! 💕🎉
March 5, 2021
This is the book you don’t know you need to read until you read it. Encouragement for the one that’s lost her way in the hard, finding herself having to fight for joy, needing to learn to not be so hard on herself.
Some quotes ::
“Everything has been slow to fall into place, including me.”
“There must be something about Eden that is slow, that is changing, that is allowed to take time to grow on your soul. Maybe there’s a string that ties the work of harvest to slow love, to the lasting kind that burns like coals.”
“There is no protecting your “savor this” from bruises.”
“We need hobbies so we don’t use social media as a hobby.”
Some quotes ::
“Everything has been slow to fall into place, including me.”
“There must be something about Eden that is slow, that is changing, that is allowed to take time to grow on your soul. Maybe there’s a string that ties the work of harvest to slow love, to the lasting kind that burns like coals.”
“There is no protecting your “savor this” from bruises.”
“We need hobbies so we don’t use social media as a hobby.”
February 14, 2021
This was a thoughtful read. Annie’s storytelling makes it read like fiction, but there is profound truth in there about enjoying our lives and why we don’t prioritize that.
Makes me want to start a new hobby...I’ve decided 2021 is the year I get really good at Gotcha/Knockout, see y’all on the court
Makes me want to start a new hobby...I’ve decided 2021 is the year I get really good at Gotcha/Knockout, see y’all on the court
August 1, 2021
3.5 stars. A fun, inspiring book. It kind of reminded me of a more evangelical Anne Lamott book. What was distracting to me was the author bemoaning aspects of her singleness in almost every chapter. This might not bother some but it seemed to diminish the overall message of the book. I would like to be friends with Annie in real life, but I wouldn’t want this to come up in every conversation.
March 28, 2021
Didn't realize how religion heavy this book was. Not my type of nonfiction! Whoops.
May 13, 2021
I listened to the audiobook — such a great way to interact with the content. The author narrates the book and it felt like having a conversation with her. I love her honesty and real encouragement. I need to become an amateur and embrace that. And the three interviews at the end were so good! Be sure to listen all the way to the end. Such a good book!
March 31, 2021
Annie F. Downs, a podcaster, tells stories of her adventures in trying things as an amateur, along with her struggles with finding a life partner.
July 10, 2023
*DNF*
This was not what I expected or hoped it would be. I found the writing style boring and monotone, the narrative tone extremely narrowminded and privileged, and the overall point of the book to be... lacking? The author was basically just describing moments from her childhood and made a few points about faith and choices. I suppose that can work for a podcast (which this books is based on) but I failed to see the point of it in book-form.
I considered powering through it just to avoid a DNF and to see if it ever got better, but I couldn't find the interest, energy or time to continue.
This was not what I expected or hoped it would be. I found the writing style boring and monotone, the narrative tone extremely narrowminded and privileged, and the overall point of the book to be... lacking? The author was basically just describing moments from her childhood and made a few points about faith and choices. I suppose that can work for a podcast (which this books is based on) but I failed to see the point of it in book-form.
I considered powering through it just to avoid a DNF and to see if it ever got better, but I couldn't find the interest, energy or time to continue.
December 2, 2023
More than halfway through this annoying and grating audiobook, my library app decided to quit and start the book back at the beginning. The thought of trying to find my place was so not worth it so I hit return….gladly.
1. Note to author and editor….not everyone who picks up your book "knows" who you are or even has a clue (and for that matter, even cares). 2. This book is heavy on the God Squad and Christianity. #preachy 3. Content is needy and immature.
1. Note to author and editor….not everyone who picks up your book "knows" who you are or even has a clue (and for that matter, even cares). 2. This book is heavy on the God Squad and Christianity. #preachy 3. Content is needy and immature.
March 16, 2021
I like listening to Annie’s podcast, but I didn’t feel like she had anything super insightful to say here. Nevertheless, I enjoyed her incorporation of “what sounds fun” to her listeners/readers and her willingness to be open about her journey.
March 22, 2021
I love hearing Annie share about her life. I liked Remember God better (her previous book) mostly because her faith in God was the focal point.
September 5, 2024
2.5 stars
I wanted meat and potatoes but I got chips and queso…which is fine! It’s just not what I wanted. This book is more so a string of rambling Instagram posts than anything else. (Let’s stop publishing books with smiley faces strewn around and completely capitalized sentences, ok? Ok.) I bought it for $1 at Goodwill and it will probably find a new home in a nearby Little Free Library.
I don’t consider myself to be a fun person, and that is one of my deepest insecurities. I shared that with a friend for the first time recently and felt a weight lift off my chest. This goes back a while—On my first day of 11th grade, I wore a shirt that said “I am fun.” Was I convincing myself? Affirming myself?
5 years later, I’m learning that I’m not NOT a fun person…my fun is just not everyone’s fun. Did I pick up this book to convince myself of this? Affirm it?
Coffee and a book while the sun comes up. A hammock. Pajamas by 7pm. Phone on do not disturb. Baking banana bread on a random weekday afternoon. That sounds fun to me! And that fun is good enough.
Annie F. Downs told a lot of half-baked stories that I don’t think were meant for me. (Again, which is fine!!) And in a rabbit hole sort of way, this book led me to another author whose books I really need in my life, so I see its purpose for me. I hope whoever picks this up in my neighborhood’s Little Free Library is who needs it. ❤️
I wanted meat and potatoes but I got chips and queso…which is fine! It’s just not what I wanted. This book is more so a string of rambling Instagram posts than anything else. (Let’s stop publishing books with smiley faces strewn around and completely capitalized sentences, ok? Ok.) I bought it for $1 at Goodwill and it will probably find a new home in a nearby Little Free Library.
I don’t consider myself to be a fun person, and that is one of my deepest insecurities. I shared that with a friend for the first time recently and felt a weight lift off my chest. This goes back a while—On my first day of 11th grade, I wore a shirt that said “I am fun.” Was I convincing myself? Affirming myself?
5 years later, I’m learning that I’m not NOT a fun person…my fun is just not everyone’s fun. Did I pick up this book to convince myself of this? Affirm it?
Coffee and a book while the sun comes up. A hammock. Pajamas by 7pm. Phone on do not disturb. Baking banana bread on a random weekday afternoon. That sounds fun to me! And that fun is good enough.
Annie F. Downs told a lot of half-baked stories that I don’t think were meant for me. (Again, which is fine!!) And in a rabbit hole sort of way, this book led me to another author whose books I really need in my life, so I see its purpose for me. I hope whoever picks this up in my neighborhood’s Little Free Library is who needs it. ❤️
April 9, 2021
3.5 stars
I feel like the rating doesn't do justice to how much I enjoyed this book. If you haven't listened to Annie narrate one of her books, you're missing out in life. Her literal voice is moving and real, full of laughter and tears, and her writing voice is engaging and a perfect mix of casual and contemplative.
Mostly the reason I didn't rate it higher was that it didn't deeply move me & I'm not sure I'll think about it much afterward (though if I do, I'll update this). And that isn't really a criticism—it gave me a lot of joy while I read. Hey, it was fun! Not everything has to be all serious and intense.
I'm inspired to get a hobby now—thanks, Annie. <3
I feel like the rating doesn't do justice to how much I enjoyed this book. If you haven't listened to Annie narrate one of her books, you're missing out in life. Her literal voice is moving and real, full of laughter and tears, and her writing voice is engaging and a perfect mix of casual and contemplative.
Mostly the reason I didn't rate it higher was that it didn't deeply move me & I'm not sure I'll think about it much afterward (though if I do, I'll update this). And that isn't really a criticism—it gave me a lot of joy while I read. Hey, it was fun! Not everything has to be all serious and intense.
I'm inspired to get a hobby now—thanks, Annie. <3
April 2, 2021
An excellent read after a challenging year and a perfect reminder that fun can always be found if you take the time to search for it. This book makes me want to hang out with Annie F. Downs on her porch!
March 27, 2024
Surpassed my expectations! Annie F Downs feels like a friend through listening to her podcast. This book confirms it. She is a wonderful, hilarious story-teller and connects the stories to how FUN reminds us of Eden. As a middle-aged, single gal, she honestly shares about lonely aspects of navigating life solo, yet the joys of endless opportunities!
Go out and do something that sounds fun to you, and I will do the same!
Go out and do something that sounds fun to you, and I will do the same!
April 17, 2021
4.5 stars. I’ll be perfectly honest. The past year and a half of my life, fun has been the last thing on my mind.
As I’ve been dealing with sudden health issues since Oct ‘19, my world turned upside down and for many months just getting through the day was the goal.
However, as my body has SLOOOOWLY started to heal, I realized just how important it was to have things in my life that I enjoyed and made me smile! And honestly, that’s why I started this bookstagram. I couldn’t get out of a bed, but I could listen to audiobooks!
And I just adored this book!! I have listened to Annie F. Downs’ podcast for years and she and her guests have made a huge impact on my life and for that I’m so thankful. This book felt like it was written by and older sister that said, “Hey, here’s what I’ve learned about the joys of being an amateur, the power of falling in love and why you need a hobby!”
Some fave quotes:
“To know what sounds fun to you, what uniquely brings a level of joy and peace and simple rest to your heart, is what reminds you that God‘s journey for your life includes glimpses of Eden that show up in smile lines on your face and laughter that sounds just like you and art made from your unique spot on this planet.”
“This is where we’ve broken Western culture— by hearing and repeating the lie that alone is strong in together is weak. . . But it’s just not true. It lacks the center thing— it lacks love. Isolation doesn’t lead to flourishing; isolation leads to death. What we need is love.”
“ I sat with a friend a few days ago and she said, “You show what matters most by what you say yes and no to, by who gets your time and money.” It really made me think— about hobbies, about friendship, and about the speed at which I’m living my life.”
As I’ve been dealing with sudden health issues since Oct ‘19, my world turned upside down and for many months just getting through the day was the goal.
However, as my body has SLOOOOWLY started to heal, I realized just how important it was to have things in my life that I enjoyed and made me smile! And honestly, that’s why I started this bookstagram. I couldn’t get out of a bed, but I could listen to audiobooks!
And I just adored this book!! I have listened to Annie F. Downs’ podcast for years and she and her guests have made a huge impact on my life and for that I’m so thankful. This book felt like it was written by and older sister that said, “Hey, here’s what I’ve learned about the joys of being an amateur, the power of falling in love and why you need a hobby!”
Some fave quotes:
“To know what sounds fun to you, what uniquely brings a level of joy and peace and simple rest to your heart, is what reminds you that God‘s journey for your life includes glimpses of Eden that show up in smile lines on your face and laughter that sounds just like you and art made from your unique spot on this planet.”
“This is where we’ve broken Western culture— by hearing and repeating the lie that alone is strong in together is weak. . . But it’s just not true. It lacks the center thing— it lacks love. Isolation doesn’t lead to flourishing; isolation leads to death. What we need is love.”
“ I sat with a friend a few days ago and she said, “You show what matters most by what you say yes and no to, by who gets your time and money.” It really made me think— about hobbies, about friendship, and about the speed at which I’m living my life.”
March 7, 2021
This was a fun weekend read (I mean, if Annie is known for anything, it’s fun, so this was to be expected!) — it felt just like her podcasts, but in book form, and with just her voice, not conversations. I appreciate learning from enneagram 7s like Annie, as a 1 who moves toward 7 when I’m healthy. Her encouragement to fall in love (with people and God and the beautiful world we live in) and pursue new things just for the heck of it was timely for me!
August 18, 2021
I enjoyed Downs' perfectives on the importance of fun and amateur endeavors, but it felt really strange that the book is billed as a representing a famous pastor's take on how God encourages fun in everyday life.
Through anecdotes and observations, Downs ably defends the "all work and no play" maxim, but has to shoehorn in references to spirituality with asides like "and maybe that's how God tells us things," or "it was so good for my spiritual health." She repeatedly refers to the "search for your Eden," the spiritual happy-place where everyone is free to play as they will, feel at home where they will, and define their joy in such actions. I understand the premise behind this statement, but chafe against the illustration drawn and how tangentially it relates to the God's word (in any form except "...and I really felt that this was God telling me X..."). Either write the book you advertised, and share what God actually teaches, or leave your religious credentials out of the equation altogether.
Through anecdotes and observations, Downs ably defends the "all work and no play" maxim, but has to shoehorn in references to spirituality with asides like "and maybe that's how God tells us things," or "it was so good for my spiritual health." She repeatedly refers to the "search for your Eden," the spiritual happy-place where everyone is free to play as they will, feel at home where they will, and define their joy in such actions. I understand the premise behind this statement, but chafe against the illustration drawn and how tangentially it relates to the God's word (in any form except "...and I really felt that this was God telling me X..."). Either write the book you advertised, and share what God actually teaches, or leave your religious credentials out of the equation altogether.
June 10, 2022
I loved it so much. It was like she was reading words from my own brains heart and desires.
March 13, 2021
I love how Annie F. Downs authentically shares what is on her heart. She is a great example of what it looks like to pursue fun and live life to the fullest. This book is all about what fun looks like, and she invites us in and encourages us to look for fun in our lives, too.
Annie talks about being an amateur and doing the things you love and that excite you just for the fun of it. So often today we turn our hobbies into a small business or side hustle. I love how she reminds us to enjoy the thing you love to do. What a simple concept, yet something we don't pause to do.
Another part of this book that resonated with me was how we so often rush on to the next thing. Annie talks about slowing down and fully allowing ourselves to sit in every moment, every phase of life. Taking the time to feel all the emotions we are experiencing and living in the present is so important. Good or bad, don't rush through it.
There are so many things about this book that resonated with me, but at one point in the book, I stopped taking notes or underlining because I just wanted to enjoy my reading experience. So, I would encourage you to read this book for yourself. Annie may just remind you to look for fun in your life, too!
Annie talks about being an amateur and doing the things you love and that excite you just for the fun of it. So often today we turn our hobbies into a small business or side hustle. I love how she reminds us to enjoy the thing you love to do. What a simple concept, yet something we don't pause to do.
Another part of this book that resonated with me was how we so often rush on to the next thing. Annie talks about slowing down and fully allowing ourselves to sit in every moment, every phase of life. Taking the time to feel all the emotions we are experiencing and living in the present is so important. Good or bad, don't rush through it.
There are so many things about this book that resonated with me, but at one point in the book, I stopped taking notes or underlining because I just wanted to enjoy my reading experience. So, I would encourage you to read this book for yourself. Annie may just remind you to look for fun in your life, too!
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