‘THE ART OF LOSING YOURSELF’: A MESSY AND BEAUTIFUL COMING OF AGE STORY
Since it first released, I had every intention of reading Katie Ganshert’s latest novel. Her novel A Broken Kind of Beautiful lived up to its title and then some. Still, for whatever reason, it took the 2016 INSPYs before I actually picked up another of Katie’s amazing books. To my great pleasure, her latest novel is again, a study in what good fiction should be. the art of losing yourself
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STORY: Told in duel first-person perspectives, we meet Carmen Hart, a woman with the perfect life to the outside world. Every day, she is the popular weather girl, married to a loved high school teacher who has it all. Privately, she’s anything but “together.” Suffering multiple miscarriages, Carmen is a heartbroken mess of a woman without any real desire for seeking God. Enter Gracie, Carmen’s teenage half-sister, who is also anything but well adjusted. As these two broken lives collide, will there be healing or more heartbreak?
The Art of Losing Yourself, by Katie Ganshert | Book Review
‘THE ART OF LOSING YOURSELF’: A MESSY AND BEAUTIFUL COMING OF AGE STORY #bookarchives Share on XGiven this novel bears the name Katie Ganshert, I’m not in the least surprised it’s such a joy to read. Using the noun “joy” as a descriptor might be a bit misleading since this novel is about devastating losses (in more ways than one). However, it’s because of those heartbreaking loss that this one is joyous. Carmen’s character is one of the most complex and intriguing women I’ve met on the page in a long time. She’s closed off to the world around her which makes her journey one we root for all the more. We want so much more for her because, deep down, we know, despite the loss of her dream she has so much more to give.
You shouldn’t let something that happened in the past stop you from having something that could be great in the present.” -Katie Ganshert
As we’ve come to expect, Katie’s signature writing is present which surprises, compels and impresses us in equal turns. Properly giving credit to all of the beautiful things about this novel is impossible. I’ve not even begun to touch on all of the moving pieces involved. This would mean a much longer review, which no one is likely interested in. But, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a brief rundown, which does seem in order. From the men who capture Carmen and Gracie’s hearts, helping to mold and change them into their best selves to the emotional fallout with their mother, this novel boasts no weak link. It’s a heart-wrenching and beautiful challenge. There are many things left to chance, which is, sometimes the best way to end a story.
About the Book:
Author: Katie Ganshert
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Source: Publisher Provided
Publication Date: 2015
Find the Review elsewhere: Goodreads
Add the Book: Goodreads
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary
Rating: 5 out of 5
Sincere thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of The Art of Losing Yourself in consideration of the INSPYs shortlists.
"It’s a heart-wrenching and beautiful challenge."
Wow, now I know I have to try this one sometime. Your review is so beautifully written! Sounds like such a touching novel and those are the very best kind. :)
It IS a touching novel, Bekah. I especially liked the sister relationship. It was unexpected but so beautifully written. :)
Catching up on all the posts I've missed (it's been a busy summer!)… This one is on my list too and I have yet to read it. Hopefully I'll get to it sooner than later as it sounds like it's just as good as her other book.
Hope you enjoy it, Tressa. As usual, Katie crafted an elegant and messy story that's beautiful and simple at the same time. Loved it.
…and thanks! I'm glad you stopped by. Always a pleasure to chat with you, friend. :)