Let me start by saying that I love to read. And the title “Crucible of Doubt” is intriguing. But let me warn you now, it’s not an easy read. The audience they are reaching for is obviously someone highly educated who isn’t afraid to delve into the depths of the English language. At one time I may have felt up to the
Terryl Givens and Fiona Givens
challenge of keeping up with their complex style of writing. But for the past several years I’ve worked exclusively with small children. I pride myself in being able to take the complex and explain it simply. So when I picked up this book I figured it wouldn’t be a hard read, and the premise sounded very interesting. Unfortunately my life of simple living has made reading this book more of a trial than I expected. And not for the reasons you may think. The authors are excellent at finding quotes and anecdotes to illustrate their points. However, I wish they had chosen simpler language. As a reader I was often lost. But this book made me think harder than I have had to in a long time, and that made it memorable and worth recommending.
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The first thing the authors point out is that we all see the world through our individual filters, or paradigms. They talk about how if we want to really grow we have to clear away these clouds in our vision. I completely agree with them. I believe that one of the greatest hindrances to our personal growth is our preconceived image of how the world is supposed to work. The Gibbons’ go on to discuss how we often don’t understand that doubting is really a chance to dig deeper and get our questions answered. It is a chance to change and grow. I like that too. But I don’t want to ruin the book for those who are going to read it. So I will stop there. The Gibbons’ have some great insights. But be prepared to use some serious brain power because you are going to need it. It’s been a long time since I had to pick up a dictionary or thesaurus regularly while reading a book, and this one will keep you busy. But for those willing to do the work, this book is a gold mine of information.
FYI- I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I wasn’t paid to endorse the book.
About Patty Sampson
Patty thrives on all things creative. You’ll often find her in the garden pretending she is a suburban farmer. She loves meeting new people, and is devoted to her friends and family. In her heart she is a Midwesterner even though life has moved her all over the country. She believes in “blooming where you’re planted” and has found purpose in every place she has been. She has a deep and abiding love for the Savior and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And she loves editing LDS Blogs because it is a constant spiritual uplift. Not many people can say their job builds their witness of the Savior.
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