Back Roads to Belonging is a fantastic resource for anyone struggling to feel like they fit in. Kristen Strong uses personal examples and humor to drive home Biblical principles regarding community. Easy to follow and not drowning in heavy theology that's hard to understand, this book is a must read for anyone looking for Christian guidance on how to find your community.

Back Roads to Belonging gave a fresh perspective on belonging and community. On this topic, we often hear from extroverted voices, who are surrounded by close family and friends. Kristen Strong gives a biblical perspective on belonging, and practical steps towards belonging, from the viewpoint of an introvert who has moved frequently.

One of my favorite quotes comes from a chapter in the book where she was counseling her daughter. It is a great piece of advice. "Keep participating in your own life, even if others aren't inviting you to participate in theirs the way you'd like."

It is well worth the read. After I preordered the book, I was provided with an early copy for review. All the opinions are my own.

This is the book, bar none, that I would recommend to anyone who has experienced the pain of being left out or succumb to the belief that they'll never belong anywhere. I love how Kristen defines the back roads of belonging; that if we're not included in the place where we want or is easiest, it may very well be because God has us on a back road that will require time and patience, but still lead us to belonging if we don't give up. Kristen speaks right into the painful moments in life where you experience being left out or not accepted. She talks about the things we try to do to force belonging that ultimately lead to more frustration. She does all of this in a kind, comforting tone that helps the reader know that she understands how hard not having a sense of belonging is and that they're not alone. At the end of each chapter she shares a "Traveling Companion" story of a Bible character or a regular person who had to travel their own back road to belonging.

It’s a worthy follow on from Girl Meets Change & I love it. Parts are like I’m actually sitting down with a girlfriend, it feels that personal. There are always parts of our life where we feel like an outsider & this is about how that’s kind of normal. We aren’t all the same square peg.

Back Roads to Belonging is a well-written book, reminding or telling us God knows where we belong. I plan to re-read this book.

Kristen Strong's book is all about the journey of finding your place and your people. Belonging. It’s such a desire I think for many of us, I know for me. In all my wandering, I’ve been wondering if I’ll ever feel like I have a place to belong. I’ve waited for life to be different, instead of looking at where I am now. Kristen inspires and encourages me to do that. To not ignore that the future is coming, but to not miss the present that is happening right now either. If you relate to that at all, this is a book for you to read.

I’ve really enjoyed other things I’ve read by Kristen Strong but I had a lot of trouble connecting with this one which was unescorted. The idea seemed right up my alley as I frequently feel weird and out of place but I just didn’t connect well with this one. I can think of people to recommend this to however and will give it another chance in the future.

This book was all around something women need in the world today. I believe so many of us are searching for our belonging. We have been hurt. We have put so much of our identity in our families and children that when they are officially in school you step back and you have new lens on life. What is next? Where do I belong? Kristen gives you tools to help guide you to the One that can give you answers. I had plenty of tears from this book but I am left with so much. To all you mama's, wives, just women.. get this book.

You've probably been in a setting where you felt you just didn't belong. I know I have. Perhaps it was church or a small group or some other gathering. You feel on the outside. Maybe you are unsure of where and how you belong at all.

Strong wants us to be attentive to the back roads God uses, those wandering journeys where God is bringing us to an environment of connection. Often there are detours, uncomfortable places, dark places and lonely places. God's ways are often mysterious and, as Strong writes, often just plain odd. (571/3128) She reminds us that God moves “in a way that maximizes the consequences for good.” (2164/3128)

I appreciate the many insights Strong shares. Writing about the dark times, she encourages us to be available to bless others. Don't berate yourself for not belonging where God never intended you to belong, she says. (929/3128) Perhaps the most surprising insight for me was that God may be keeping us from belonging because of the people involved. He may be guarding our heart, protecting us from hurt. (2164/3128) I like Strong's encouragement: “I will be where Christ wants me to be in this moment.” (341/3128) We can rest in that and not force our way into some place God doesn't want us to be.

This is a good book for women who struggle with feelings of being an outsider. You'll find good wisdom and some serious encouragement in this book. You'll read many of Strong's own stories as well as those of others and some from the Bible. You'll be encouraged to be the one to reach out and be one who brings others to belonging. But most of all, you'll be encouraged to trust that God is taking you on the back roads to His best for you.

Food for thought: “Remember, there is always room at the table God picks out for you.” (2173/3128)

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

This book really has spoken to me and encouraged me that I need to remember that my worth isn't found in fitting in with a group of friends or feeling like I need to be a part of something, my worth is found in Christ and if I start with Him I will always end up finding the path to where I belong.This book is filled with so much encouragement and Biblical truth that it will be one I will keep on my shelves and definitely reread whenever I feel left out/alone and need a reminder as to who the One is that I really belong to and who alone I need find my worth in.

E-book - I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I also purchased this book as well.

We have all had a time in our life where we felt a sense and need to belong. If you have ever felt like an outsider and desired a place to belong, this book is for you! We all want to find our people and this book helps bring comfort in the wait until we reach our belonging place!

Down to Earth & Relatable

This is a really good book whether you feel alone or are happy just where you are on life’s journey. Each chapter’s story is something that you may have experienced or your friend or family member experienced. This book was a reminder that life is a journey and we need to find the quiet moments to listen and reconnect to what is important and that it’s gonna be okay. Trust the journey.

Kristen Strong’s new book Back Roads to Belonging took me a little bit by surprise. I read and loved “Girl Meets Change” during the tough time while we were trying to put life back together following total loss in an EF 4 tornado (no small amount of change there). Her wisdom and encouragement perfectly fit that time in my life. While I was excited to read Back Roads to Belonging, I thought at my age/life stage (60 year old grammy 😀) I might be a little past this target audience. I was so wrong. I think women of every age will find this message relevant and encouraging. Turns out that it’s difficult at any age to be left out of places you once were included or when you just want to be. Kristen offers lots of wisdom on how to be content on the journey to belonging as well as practical steps to getting there. The book is well written, organized, easy to read, and full of scripture and wisdom gained from life experience. An added bonus... the cover is beautiful and has a lovely texture. It just feels good in your hands.

It's natural to want connections, but often circumstances in our lives, or our own insecurities, or even simple busyness keeps us from the very thing we long for. It's hard to make time, or to feel comfortable, or to even know where to find the connection we long for. Kristen leads us on a journey to understanding our needs, finding our way & inviting other on the journey. Surprisingly, it is often in a way different than we thought. Back Roads to Belonging shows us the way. I recommend this book so much!

WOW. This book was so timely for me. In Back Roads to Belonging, Kristen walks with you through how to find your place and your people. She gives you practical ways as well as encouraging words for those struggling with finding their place. Half of my book has been written in and highlighted because there was <i>so much good</i> in it. It feels like you're sitting on the front porch catching up with an old friend. Kristen's words bring life and hope to anyone who feels like they've been walking the back roads for too long. I needed this book for my current season of life more than I realized. This is definitely a book I'll be rereading in the near future.

I have always struggled with finding community, but I think it's going to be a little easier now. Thank you, Kristen, for your honesty and openness in this book. It really makes all the difference.

This book is chock full of great information. Kristen has a way of presenting relevant information and scripture background to help reinforce her thoughts. Great book on why we don't always belong & a new way we can think about belonging to groups. Great book Highly highly recommend this!!

Back Roads to Belonging came into my life at just the right time. Parts of chapter 4 Extending Kindness to yourself - were like the words that Kristen wrote were my own. I was relieved to read someone else thinks the way that I do sometimes. Love how she calls it a perfectionist-loving heart. I love how each chapter finishes with a travel companion section and a belong blessing. I was blessed with an early copy in exchange for my honest review. I loved it so much I preordered a copy for myself. I hope you enjoy this book too.