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Customer Reviews for Thomas Nelson Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
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Thomas Nelson Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
When Carolyn Weber set out to study Romantic literature at Oxford University, she didn't give much thought to God or spiritual matters. However, over the course of her studies she encountered the Jesus of the Bible and found her world turned upside down. Her memoir, Surprised by Oxford chronicles her conversion experience with wit, humor and insight into how becoming a Christian changes and discovers everything anew. Rich with illustration and poetic references, Surprised by Oxford is gritty, lyrical and spiritually perceptive.
Average Customer Rating:
(21 Reviews) 21
Rating Snapshot (21 reviews)
5 stars
10
4 stars
9
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
0
19 out of 2190%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Review 1 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
A Must-Read for Believers and Non-Believers
Date:January 16, 2013
Southern Fiber
Location:Upstate SC
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
This is an incredible account of an Agnostic (at best) and her discovery of the Holy Trinity at the most unusual of places: Oxford. Being a very liberal university, one would not suspect this setting as the place where such a turnaround would occur. Many believers come out of college more doubtful and more skeptical, thanks to their well-rounded education. Carolyn Weber studies some of the greatest minds in history, and in doing so, discovers a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. Her story reminds me much of the conversion of C.S. Lewis, himself a nonbeliever and thinker for many years before coming to know Christ through his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien. This book is a fabulous memoir in and of itself, as well as a powerful and, yes, surprising, conversion story. Believers will rejoice in the honest words written here, and I daresay Agnostics and Atheists may even understand and respect her journey to finding God. Highly recommended.
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Review 2 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
Long but interesting
Date:January 12, 2013
Eszter
Location:Europe
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
The story is about a young woman who came to faith during her study at Oxford University. The book is reather long but an interesting story. It is worth reading.
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Review 3 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
Date:August 14, 2012
Lele
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
"Surprised by Oxford" is a memoir written by Carolyn Webber. It is the journey of the author towards the acknowledgement and complete acceptance of God's Love and Grace into her heart. Inspiring, deep yet with a sense of humour, I love this book.
Carolyn Webber, a literature scholar of Oxford set out on this academic path and met the most exciting and wonderful changes in her life. Leaving the place of her less than complete, yet supportive family life, and a boyfriend whose years of commitment had almost led to marriage, the author met some individuals in Oxford who changed her perception of life, spirituality and what Love really is about. Words are beautiful in this book as one will expect from a literature student. From the people she met who are well-versed in literature, medicine, scientific logics to debatable philosophy, the different encounters brought her to her very own discovery of a Love worth pursuing and defending.
From her struggles to acceptance came full humility and her hurts from the pain came to experience the Only who can provide Love; the author describes her journey. It is an interesting read that leaves lots of room for reflection. I marvel at how charming poems ares used in the book and how wise and deep the debates are. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
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Review 4 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
well written
Date:June 4, 2012
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
It's a beautiful table book!
It's a chore to read this book. I would normally have given up on a book written in this style, but the message was too good to miss: the path to the fullest life in God isn't just paved with gratitude...
I highly recommend the book to any Christian who wants to get out of their comfort zone and wants to pursue God's best for his or her life and I recommend this book to anyone interested in growing in their relationship with the Lord. Her writing is very clear, concise, and easy to read. His examples that he includes are excellent and my only objection would be that he didn't include more. There were moments where I was embarrassed to know he's a fellow Christian by some of his comments. find myself reading through the Scriptures with an intentionality of understanding what God has for the church in general as well as our church specifically in where we are located.
I highly recommend the book to any Christian who wants to get out of their comfort zone and wants to pursue God's best for his or her life and I recommend this book to anyone interested in growing in their relationship with the Lord. Her writing is very clear, concise, and easy to read. His examples that he includes are excellent and my only objection would be that he didn't include more. There were moments where I was embarrassed to know he's a fellow Christian by some of his comments. find myself reading through the Scriptures with an intentionality of understanding what God has for the church in general as well as our church specifically in where we are located.
It's very short and easy to read. Might want a book that goes a little deeper, but it's a good overview on vision through organizations. Highly recommend!
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Review 5 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
Delightful Surprise!!
Date:January 11, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber was a delightful surprise for me. Firstly, the title alone immediately grabbed my interest. But, I have to admit that I was a bit intimidated by the word 'Oxford'. Words like 'Oxford' and 'Cambridge' are a bit out of my league. However, I secretly (now not so secretly) relished the concept of vicariously being a student of such a reputable and highly esteemed university. I was undoubtedly salivating throughout the book and compared it to eating a delicious gourmet meal; scrumptious beyond measure. I have a penchant for memoirs and this one was by far the best!
I was enraptured by all the twists and turns of Professor Carolyn Weber's life. She is such an eloquent and absolutely gifted writer. I fell in love with this book, with Professor Weber and all the people she describes in her book. Especially, the infamous 'TDH' (tall, dark and handsome), he was my favorite. Mind you, I never thought of myself as a die hard romantic until now.
I honestly do not have one single negative thing to write about this book at all. It was totally my kind of book in so many ways and on so many levels. I totally related to Professor Weber's life. She endured some very difficult things, such as her strained relationship with her father. I respect her character as nothing was handed or given to her, she didn't feel 'entitled', but worked hard for everything. Which is why she wound up achieving a full scholarship at Oxford University in the first place. I so admire Professor Weber and also appreciated how she came to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Oxford.
Throughout this book, there were so many quotes which captured nuances for me, such as this one written by the wife of one of Carolyn Weber's professors: "How do you go off to study literature, only to find that there is no human language that can convey the glory of heaven." - Dorothea Deveaux. I just loved that.
Yes, Professor Weber went to Oxford University to complete her masters in literature, but surprisingly found Jesus in the midst of academia.
This book is written like a beautiful embroidery interwoven by thread of God's love and grace. If I could give this book more than five stars I would. I loved it that much and highly recommend it!
In conclusion, I want to thank Booksneeze for sending me this complimentary book and allowing me the opportunity to honestly review it.
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Review 6 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
A book I'd read again.
Date:December 30, 2011
Kara Dekker
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Surprised by Oxford, by Carolyn Weber
This is a fat book. So I initially expected it to be a memoir in need of a lot of pruning. Such is not the case. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. It's a spiritual memoir in the style of Girl Meets God-- a story of a bookish person struggling with the big questions of life and ultimately coming to believe that Christ has the answers.
There are many things to like about this volume, from its structure around the Oxford academic year to the way Weber weaves quotations from various classics throughout her narrative. Most striking and helpful to me was her description of life as a new Christian in the midst of academia. Many of her friends thought she was crazy. Some even told her she had lost all academic credibility. Not only did she struggle with friends feeling betrayed, she also struggled to fit into “churchianity”. Things like finding the correct page for the Bible reading and singing in public seemed like almost insurmountable difficulties. She felt she could never catch up to those who had been steeped in the Bible and Christianity from youth. As one of the latter, I found the chapter “Church Going” a very helpful description of how a new Christian might feel coming to church for the first time.
One thing that surprised me about Weber's memoir was how little she mentions C.S. Lewis. Given that the book is set in Oxford, that was something I expected. But her road to faith in Christ was guided primarily through reading the Bible (all of it!) and conversations with Christians.
Surprised by Oxford is funny, articulate and thought-provoking. It's a title I'd read again, and will be recommending to others.
**I am reviewing this book as part of the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program.**
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Review 7 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
Spell-binding account of "Girl Meets God"
Date:October 3, 2011
booklover
Location:Central IL
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is a “Girl Meets God” story, but it’s much deeper than those three words might seem! Carolyn Weber arrives at Oxford to study Romantic Literature. Along the way, she is challenged and shaped not only by the authors she reads, but also by her fellow students. The atheists, seekers, and committed Christians alike all have a part in her spiritual journey.
I have read my share of autobiographical accounts of meeting God, but this is by far the best written. (The fact that the author completed her Ph.D. at Oxford in Literature has something to do with that!) Most chapters begin and end with quotes from various works of literature.
This book kept me up late at night and got me out of bed early in the morning. I wanted to know what happened next. From the outset, I knew she came to have a personal faith in Jesus Christ, but she wrote the details in such an interesting, almost spell-binding way.
I think every reader will see himself somewhere in the book. As a believer myself, Weber’s journey reminded me of the great truths of the basics of the faith. And I learned a lot from the way the believers in her life patiently let her struggle. I appreciate that the book doesn’t end with, “And I believed in Jesus,” but continues on, showing how she grew in her faith and in learning to live it out.
This is a book I can recommend to anyone.
I received this book for free from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
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Review 8 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
Surprised by Oxford
Date:September 28, 2011
Surprised by Oxford is a Memoir written by Canadian Carolyn Weber which looks at her life during her graduate degree studies at Oxford University’s Balliol College. As she attends Oxford she begins to question many things in her life, and she begins on her quest to find answer to some of her questions about life.
I found this book a little long, and it took me longer to read than most books. I really liked learning about her studies at Oxford and also the relationship with an American student while at Oxford. I was not the biggest fan of her poetry used throughout the book, but that is definitely just to the fact that I don’t enjoy poetry.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
I found this book a little long, and it took me longer to read than most books. I really liked learning about her studies at Oxford and also the relationship with an American student while at Oxford. I was not the biggest fan of her poetry used throughout the book, but that is definitely just to the fact that I don’t enjoy poetry.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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Review 9 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
Not great.
Date:September 20, 2011
Jess
Age:Under 18
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
when i first selected this book i was totally unaware about how large it is; and that it is written for people much older than I am (fifteen). It's the drab and boring, but I do encourage you to see for yourself; you may like it!
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Review 10 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
Absolutely beautiful
Date:September 19, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I wasn't sure what to expect by this title, Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber. First, I didn't realize it was as long as it was when I requested it, but that was fine because..... it is so beautifully written and so insightful that I stayed up all night to read it! In fact, this is already on my list of books to purchase for Christmas Gifts for some of the "academics' in my life that are interested or attended Oxford, or simply are infatuated with it.
It seems that many don't believe that Intellectuals still would entertain seriously the thought that God is real, but as this memoir points out, people do and in fact, Jesus is one of those subjects that everyone has an opinion about and many are still actively seeking truth, even in places like Oxford.
This, at its heart, is a conversion story but one that is beautiful and romantic and honest as well. It is long but so well written it is a joy to read. This is an encouraging book, one that I want to share with others.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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Review 11 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
One Woman's Spiritual Odyssey
Date:September 16, 2011
Elaine Campbell
Location:Rancho Mirage, CA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
When Carolyn Weber won a scholarship to do graduate studies at Oxford, she expected to greatly increase her knowledge of the romantic writers, make new friends, explore a new country and live an unforeseen life. Heretofore, her childhood in London, Ontario, Canada was beleaguered by her parents' frequent separations (due in part to her father's struggle with alcohol), financial hardship and general family turmoil that she admits left her emotionally scarred.
She is not long in Oxford when she is befriended by a handsome American man (whom she refers to throughout the book as "TDH" (short for "Tall, Dark and Handsome), rather than his Christian name. This young man makes it quite clear that he will not marry someone who does not share his Christian faith—his specific vision and version of Christian faith, no less. This initiates the author's spiritual quest throughout the rest of the narrative. Ultimately, she experiences a religious conversion.
The memoir is riveting from start to finish as the reader is steeped in the life of Oxford and learns what day-to-day life is really like there. I was quite surprised at the international make-up of the student body. Being that she is a scholar of romantic poetry, there are many beautiful quotations and references interspersed within the text. Her religious quest has a mythic undertone. I found, however, Ms. Weber's frequent interspersal of simile and metaphor to be unimaginative and flat. She does not have the "feeling" fluidity necessary to discover original images (remember Picasso said: "I do not invent things, I find things"). Sometimes her writing is too abrupt and sharp.
The foundation of this book, agree with it or not, is at heart profound. It's a book that will stay with you.
I was provided with a free copy of this book by the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. There is no requirement to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed herein are totally my own.
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Review 12 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
Enjoyed the Honest Memoir
Date:September 12, 2011
Budding Violinist
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I had the opportunity to read an interesting & very personal memoir of a young Canadian who went to Oxford in England to pursue her graduate studies in English. Little did she know that her quest for academic knowledge would morph into a quest for spiritual experience. Reading Carolyn Weber's Surprised by Oxford was an amazing way to gain insight into the complexities of graduate study and the ways in which God can still have a place in your time, in your heart, and in your living. I was definitely very impressed by the character of TDH and his Christian testimony. Furthermore, Carolyn's details regarding the questionings that led to her ultimate salvation choice were described quite poignantly. Drawing from her own memories and studies, she lays out the process by which God draws her to know Him.
This is definitely a spiritual memoir worth reading!! Many conversion narratives can over-emphasize the supernatural or give a run-of-the-mill telling. Surprised by Oxford grants the reader a personal look into a very real and rather unique experience of a modern woman searching for meaning in the middle of her career. However, I found that the last third of the book did seem to drag a bit. The book itself is 440 pages, and perhaps some of the final part could have been condensed.
I received a free copy of this book to review through Book Sneeze. I would recommend this as a definite book to check out from the library; however, I would hesitate to purchase this book myself.
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Review 13 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
Realistic journey from unbelief to faith
Date:September 9, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Surprised by Oxford is the compelling memoir of an unwilling traveler on the road to faith. Carolyn, a self-confessed agnostic, leaves Canada to take a graduate studies scholarship in Romantic literature at Oxford, but finds herself studying a book of a different genre altogether. She is aware of a deep, unmet need within herself, but influenced by her relationship with her earthly father she fights hard against the idea of a loving heavenly Father ready and willing to meet that need. Carolyn's journey is not an easy one, but it is deeply interesting, as one by one her excuses are demolished. As she reads the Bible, applying her scholar's mind, human reasoning gives way to a heart that wants to believe.
The book doesn't end with Carolyn's acceptance of Christ as Saviour; I much enjoyed the remainder of the tale, as Carolyn Weber also addresses what it means to live as a Christian, merging that belief with day to day living in such a way that we indeed become an epistle others can read. Imperfection, rather than being a bar to Christianity, is the means by which God is glorified as He shines through us to those around us. The road to faith continues on until the reality of grace is grasped by the traveler. Great read!
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Review 14 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
This is a great book about becoming a christian!
Date:September 8, 2011
wishwash
Location:Durham, Ontario
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Her writing style is exquisite. Her use of the English language is titillating. I found her book to be entertaining and left me wanting to read on.
It took a trip to England where she attends Oxford University to make her start questioning herself and others about becoming a christian.
She is obviously quite intelligent - I could tell by the first paragraph and I wondered if I would be able to follow the book. But I was able and I loved it!
She wrote about her thoughts and challenges in becoming a christian. I could personally relate to some of what she wrote. I loved her frankness and honesty. Her struggles with her beliefs....
In particular I loved how she wrote about her trials and tribulations with people on becoming a christian. She writes about her family, friends, mentors and even a fiance (whom she breaks up with).
It was a very heart-warming story that I would recommend.
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Review 15 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
Excellent story, great message.
Date:August 31, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
“Who is God to you? I’d really like to know.” p.65
Interwoven with literature, hints of the academy, and glimpses of the Christian life, Surprised by Oxford follows new graduate student Carolyn “Caro” Drake from London, Ontario, Canada to London, England. Carolyn, the blooming English literature scholar is placed at Oxford University where she quickly finds her presumptions regarding Christianity changed by believers and non-believers alike. Framed by the “liturgical calendar” used to separate academic terms at Oxford University, Caro takes her readers through the Michaelmas, Hilary, and Trinity seasons in order to map her journey of faith.
Overall, Mrs. Weber’s book, “based on events as they actually unfolded at [her] first year at Oxford University,” is one that asks critical questions regarding faith and the Christian life. As an English major, I found this book to be extremely helpful in connecting the academy to Christianity in an interesting fashion. Often warned by her professors that an interest in Christianity would cause her to be mocked in the academic, Carolyn pursues Christ, despite difficulties presented by other professors, her fiance, and even her family. Though Carolyn’s story includes many of those who would seek to lead her away from Christ, she focuses on friends that lead her further into the Christian faith. In addition to being set in an academic location, the highlight of positive relationships in the Christian walk was also a wonderful touch to the text. This memoir is not only the story of a young woman seeking Christianity, but it is also the story of how close relationships can turn a person down one path or another.
Overall, for those seeking a well-written memoir about the trials and joys of following Christ, Surprised by Oxford is an excellent selection. Heightened by the academic setting, Surprised allows readers to witness a change that only Christ could initiate.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Review 16 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
"Surprised By Oxford" surprised and captivated me!
Date:August 25, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
"Surprised By Oxford" managed to surprise me, and to captivate me just a couple pages into the prologue!
This memoir, written by Carolyn Weber and published by Thomas Nelson, reads like a New York Times best-selling novel, compelling me at the end of every chapter to turn the page and start the next.
That surprised me, considering my initial trepidation for selecting this book to review. When I was scanning the review offerings by Thomas Nelson, I wasn't drawn to anything available. But the title "Surprised By Oxford" sparked my curiosity, so I read the publisher's description of the book. This was supposed to be a memoir of a woman in her first year at Oxford. At that, red flags flew and sirens sounded ... I immediately suspected a more poetic, "chick flick" version of a memoir.
I couldn't have been more wrong!
Instead, I found myself completely captivated with the true story of a bright, personable, intellectual feminist arriving at Oxford University to study classic literature, and what turned out to be an incredible journey to faith. From her background of coming from a broken home, to the eclectic characters that would enter her life during that first year at Oxford, this memoir captures an amazing conversion experience, and a compelling story with something to entice just about anyone: churning theological struggles, intrusions of literature and poetry, the charm of Britain, stories of friendships, hints of a romance, an example for the guys of how to be a "Christian gentleman," and for Christians on how to share Christ in a way that your friends can receive.
Weber does a brilliant job of leading the reader into her thoughts and heart as she wrestled with her crumbling agnostic worldview, showing how discovering the grace of God changed her life.
Occasionally, I noted the writer got a little heavy with perfecting her writing, a common glitch among literary experts who want to capture just the right phrase. But then, I found myself once again captivated by Weber's brilliant, clear story-telling.
"Surprised By Oxford" is surprisingly powerful in drawing the reader into Weber's personal discovery of God's grace. It's a story that not only will captivate you, but bless you as well.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Review 17 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber
Date:August 25, 2011
Juan Cruz Jr
Location:Leola, PA
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
The book recounts the author, Carolyn Weber’s, first year at Oxford for her graduate studies. While at Oxford she is challenged spiritually. She struggles to believe that there could be a God, or that Jesus Christ loves her and offers the amazing gift of salvation through faith, after all she has dealt with in her life. She accepts Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and savior and begins her journey of understanding the gift of salvation she has received, and shares her new found faith with those closest to her.
The book is an amazing read. The author’s mastery of the English language is superb. I loved the way she fuses humor with poignant moments. The backdrop of Oxford could not have been a better setting for the author’s story. Where else to have spiritual revelation than in one of the most respected institutions of academia? It was the perfect backdrop for a dichotomy of Christian spiritual awareness and center of human knowledge.
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning. The author’s use of epigrams, other famous quotes, and Bible verses at the start of each chapter helped with the flow of the book and gave a preview of what the chapter was all about. The author conveyed the Biblical truth of salvation by faith, and faith alone. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in reading a real life account of finding salvation regardless of our human condition.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSn> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”eeze®.com
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Review 18 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
Sweet Story, Well Told
Date:August 24, 2011
Kathy L
Location:Santee, CA
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Surprised By Oxford by Carolyn Weber is a sweetly written story of a young woman’s encounter with the living God while attending school at Oxford University in England. Oxford is no longer known as a Christian stronghold. Academics and intellectuals gladly profess belief in Jesus Christ, in public no less. Christian friends were kind, and normal. Non-Christian friends were kind, and normal. All these things defy expectation and make Surprised By Oxford a delight to read for both believers and non-believers. For reasons which take too long to explain I believe this book will appeal more to women than to men.
The tip of the hat to C. S. Lewis’ book Surprised By Joy, the story of his own conversion is a delicate touch consistent with the book’s tone. Except for the title, do not expect this book to parallel Lewis'. Lewis’ work has a more intellectual tone consistent with its author; I suspect if we were to meet the author of Surprised By Oxford we might say that the tone of the book matched her as well. One of the book’s strengths is that it does not outline a specific theology, Catholic or Protestant. Theological questions are raised but in a way that focuses more on the human quest for truth than doctrine. Expect the book to be a well-written story that encourages believers and non-believers alike with its simplicity, candor, innocence, and sweetness.
The epilogue kindly and briefly brings the story along twenty years into today and answers the questions many readers are sure to have: Did she marry TDH? Did she come back to teach at Oxford? Has her life been a success?
Relax, read, and enjoy the book to find out.
I received a copy of this book at no cost from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for a review of the work.
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Review 19 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
My Own Surprise for Surprised By Oxford - A Memoir
Date:August 15, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Surprised by Oxford - A Memoir
I was eager to receive this intriguing book, by Carolyn Weber, so I'm excited to share my thoughts with you.
A girl-meets-God style memoir of an agnostic who, through her surprising opportunity to study at Oxford, comes to a dynamic personal faith in God.
Carolyn Weber arrives for graduate study at Oxford University a feminist from a loving but broken family, suspicious of men and intellectually hostile to all things religious. As she grapples with her God-shaped void alongside the friends, classmates, and professors she meets, she tackles big questions in search of love and a life that matters.
This savvy, beautifully written, credible account of Christian conversion follows the calendar and events of the school year as it entertains, informs, and promises to engage even the most skeptical and unlikely reader.
I was eager to receive this intriguing book, by Carolyn Weber, so I'm excited to share my thoughts with you.
A girl-meets-God style memoir of an agnostic who, through her surprising opportunity to study at Oxford, comes to a dynamic personal faith in God.
Carolyn Weber arrives for graduate study at Oxford University a feminist from a loving but broken family, suspicious of men and intellectually hostile to all things religious. As she grapples with her God-shaped void alongside the friends, classmates, and professors she meets, she tackles big questions in search of love and a life that matters.
This savvy, beautifully written, credible account of Christian conversion follows the calendar and events of the school year as it entertains, informs, and promises to engage even the most skeptical and unlikely reader.
"Keep your spoon in the cup and you won't crack" was a quote from one of Carolyn's friends, Rachel, who shared her wisdom with regard to living life in the world and with God. I liked that thought. In fact, I liked this book so much I found the author's frank questions, her developing relationships with her new friends at Oxford, and most of all her slow, yet steady discovery of her own personal faith so soothing and calming.
Within this easy-to-read memoir is a second relationship with TDH, who first introduced Carolyn to the question of "I wondered, for context, what kind of a religious background, if any, you grew up with?" and then he asked, "Who is God to you? I'd really like to know."
The exploration of doubts and the final acceptance of grace from God never ceases to bring me tears of joy. If I did not have a personal faith with my Jesus, this book would certainly cause me to explore the same areas Carolyn Weber describes so honestly. I will keep this book to share with others who may need to be inspired or who are seeking answers in this troubled world.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Review 20 for Surprised by Oxford- A Memoir
Overall Rating:
Surprised by Oxford-Good Book
Date:August 15, 2011
Surprised by Oxford is a memoir of the author's 1st year as a graduate student at Oxford. She is a student on scholorship which right away states that this author is a quite intelligent woman. She like many highly intelligent people thinks deep and wide. It sounds like dry reading but is quite entertaining as she invites the reader into her life and warms them with her wit and love. She shares her conversion from lukewarm not quite believer just trying to make it through life to a Christian full fledged and believing. She walks through the questions and searching while fully socializing with her cohort students.
I didn't know what to think as I started to read this rather long book. I know I didn't espect it to be a love story of both God and man. I more expectd it to be a diary-so I was pleasantly surprised. This book also set me to thinking, questioning, and ended with a wondering of my own faith-something we should all do from time to time in order to refresh our spirit. I ended up liking this book and would recommend it.
This book was received free for this review.
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