I picked up Shauna Niequist’s devotional Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are because I had read and heard her interviewed on various blogs and podcasts, and my wife is a fan of her writing. Niequist has developed a devoted following through her three previous books, Cold Tangerines, Bittersweet, and Bread & Wine. Much of this book is excerpted from those books, so those who have read them may find a lot of these devotions familiar.
The hardcover is an attractive book, with a cloth cover, blue-edged pages, and a white ribbon marker. Each day’s reading is on a single page. It begins with a title and Bible verse, then two or three paragraphs of reflections on a subject related to that verse, and ends with a few reflection questions. While most of the people I know who are Shauna Niequist fans are women, I don’t think that she intentionally limits her audience. These are reflections on being human rather than being a woman. One of Niequist’s passions is hosting, and like Bread & Wine, there are recipes sprinkled throughout this book.
As for the content, each devotion invites the reader into Niequist’s heart to ponder something about the human experience: forgiveness, busyness, marriage, singleness, creativity, friendship, faith. I have found them to be a helpful opportunity to pause, reflect, and pray in the midst of a busy and hectic life. However, it does seem that the format limits the content somewhat. Two or three paragraphs does not seem like enough time; it often feels like Niequist is really about to get going when the day’s reading is over. Those who are reading Savor every day may want to supplement it with something else, maybe by reading the larger section from which the day’s Bible verse is taken.
Note: Thanks to the publisher for a review copy of this book. I was not asked to give a positive review.
Elliot Ritzema 