Learning to Lean: The Journey

Title: Learning to Lean: The Journey
Author: Louise (Barnes) Thompson
Publisher: Louise (Barnes) Thompson
ISBN-10: 0615293085
ISBN-13: 9780615293080
Pages: 172, Paperback & Hardcover
Genre: Memoir/Christian Non-Fiction

Reviewed by: Nicole Sorkin, Pacific Book Review

Book Review

Louise (Barnes) Thompson writes with an authentic voice. She writes about her life struggles, triumphs, and adventures through a series a vignettes of chapters in this heartwarming book. Opening the book and starting Louise (Barnes) Thompson’s journey, you soon find that Learning to Lean really is just a series of short stories that were just woven together to illustrate a lifetime of events. One reads each story independently and understands the connection to others, allowing the reader to fall in love with the characters which happen to be “real.”

Some of the stories are set in the 1940’s and 1950’s, a time when life was much more simplified and family values actually had more meaning. The author’s ability to bring you back to that era was exceptional. As you read, you will be able to put yourself in her place with this very down-to-earth and an open confession. Louise Thompson was born in 1943, still reaping the effects of the Great Depression. Money was sparse and hard to come by and jobs were very limited in those days. Thompson and her family certainly had their share of challenges, tragedies, and personal lost. However, this is a family who puts God first. Believing strongly in the power of prayer and with such strong faith in God, the Thompson family was able to overcome many hardships, including drug addition, abuse, and grieving the lost of loved ones. God gave them the strength and the courage to remain strong and pull through some of the toughest battles imaginable. It is often said that God won’t give you anything that you can’t handle. I remember reading this particular Bible verse when difficulties would arise in my own life. There hath no temptation taken you but as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13. This Scripture puts it all in perspective.

As I read Learning to Lean: the Journey, I learned about strength and hope. The author tells her stories through her eyes with vivid attention to events both good and bad. It is complemented with some colorful photographs from the lives of the families making it even more gripping and intriguing. The pages are packed with moving stories that will trigger nostalgia and personal memories. I found Learning to Lean, one that I grew attached to while turning the pages. I felt sorrow once the story ended, as a book with such authenticity is a rare find. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a believer or anyone who wants to renew their own faith in God. One of the author’s main messages in this book is to trust, pray and put God first. God will help you overcome any hardships in life and make you even stronger. All you have to do is lean on Him.