Loving Well in a Broken World

January 6, 2020
Blogger Casper (It’s Okay About It) skillfully weaves personal stories and biblical lessons into this persuasive invitation to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Casper argues that becoming a better listener and extending one’s tent of “neighbors” to include those on the fringes of society form the core of being an empathetic Christian, and challenges readers to break new ground within themselves by using criticism as a personal trainer, forming empathetic connections on the internet, and helping the disenfranchised amplify their own voice instead of speaking for them. Casper illustrates her points by sharing her own story and divulges her struggles with infertility and epilepsy, as well as her experience with adoption and parenting a child with autism. Whether exposing her own emotional wounds, offering a fresh perspective on a biblical parable, or guiding readers toward positive change, Casper remains conversational and open throughout. This articulate exhortation for Christians to lead with empathy will please fans of Rachel Held Evans.

February 14, 2020

The basic issue for Casper is this: We are told to live by the Golden Rule (loving others as we want to be loved), but aren't told how to do it. In the author's previous book, I'm Okay About It, she opined about the virtues of looking at the world through a child's eyes; in her case, that meant understanding and appreciating the perspective of her young son, who lives with a disability. Here, Casper focuses her gaze on the power of empathy, or forgiving another before judging. More poignantly, Casper explores what it means to turn that acceptance inward, finding the grace to forgive oneself as a prerequisite for empathy on behalf of another. To Casper, that is our role as citizens of the world. Readers find this title affecting, refreshing, and hopeful. VERDICT A light read, these pages are chock-full of optimism in the midst of difficult times, offering nondenominational, faith-infused guidance. A treat for loyal followers of Casper's writings.--Sandra Collins, Byzantine Catholic Seminary Lib., Pittsburgh

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