I was initially drawn to this book from its tagline, “Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times”, but was immediately pulled in by the author’s introduction. I could FEEL the author’s words resonating in my very being; my restless/chaotic and never relenting constant ruminations of why the world seems more dissociative than ever, more isolating, and at times more alien than what humanity could be or better yet SHOULD BE.

As a person often riddled with anxiety over everything from the grand scheme of things to what-ifs and even the very mundane, I felt a strong connection to the author’s voice and often to her inner dialogue that she bravely shares with us. I admire that soul-deep honesty and wit; there’s nothing shallow or superfluous.

I found myself highlighting so much and so frequently that if this wasn’t an ebook, I would’ve run out of ink. Seriously. For that reason, I’m going to buy a physical copy so I can scribble in the margins about how often I could relate and make note of the insights that I want to ingrain in my soul, especially when I find myself becoming judgemental or erroneously fearful of the differences between “PLM and NLM” (<--I love that this automatic human nature about tribalism is simplified to these acronyms, because now I use them to quickly reset my brain when I realize I may be doing that). I truly found Oldfield’s writing to be so profound and at the same time vulnerable and convicting.

Her journey to and through a Christian life is also quite relatable to me and I don’t think this to be a book missed even if you are not a Christian. From this book, you are introduced to a real thinker; a modern day philosopher about our human condition that screams to the part of you that’s groaning for a better way forward, a better understanding of self in relation to others, a better sense of community and an honest-raw fellowship that can’t be found when we are trapped in the pretense of NLM thinking.

I don’t know the author, this person, this stranger across the pond, yet I find a kindred spirit in her writing and that’s not often the case. She managed to weave in theology to her findings and as a Christian, found this beautifully done. Often I find Christian books, especially those “geared to women” (<--which this book doesn’t claim to be anyway) very surface level, too “head in the cloud”, or so “shiny happy people” that I simply can’t relate, but here Oldfield deep dives (even into minefields) and I love it. I haven’t included quotes or favorite bits because that would take more time than I could write or you would want to read in a review. You will have to read this yourself and find that you will also run out of ink.

I highly recommend this book no matter your sex and no matter of your religious beliefs or lack thereof. If you ruminate on life in all its intricacies beautiful and sometimes tragic, you will find a treasure trove of philosophical gems here.

I did receive this ebook as an advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher, but this is my own opinion and an honest review.

The truth is that my recent years have been rather turbulent. From an upper limb amputation to dealing with two types of cancer to significant losses including a best friend, my brother, and my mother all within the past five years, I've realized in recent months just how much my mind, body, and soul are all incredibly tired.

Elizabeth Oldfield's "Fully Alive: Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times" starts from the premise that in this world of turbulent change we need people who are resilient, kind, open, generous, and brave.

Oldfield also realizes that being such people can be difficult in this world. Rather uniquely, Oldfield uses the seven deadly sins (Can you name them?) as a framework to explore the journey toward tendering to our soul.

While "Fully Alive" is undeniably borne out of the Christian faith, Oldfield avoids a preachy approach in favor of a more conversational dialogue. As a popular podcaster, she takes that charismatic voice and brings it to life in print. She is funny, real, honest, intelligent, and accountable. "Fully Alive" feels like she's taking us on a journey she's taken herself. All too often, writers of faith can feel like they're trying to teach us lessons they haven't quite learned yet or that they're teaching out of a book knowledge that doesn't quite resonate.

Oldfield resonates.

How can we move from sloth to attention in order to make the most of our short lives?

Can we move from wrath to peacemaking? How do we become depolarizing people in this age of outrage, tribalism, and division?

What if we move from gluttony to awe?

For me, the most vibrant pieces here are centered around moving from pride to connection and independence to interdependence. How do we overcome the disconnection that keeps us from intimacy, community and, when it comes down to it, God?

Oldfield doesn't really utilize a theological approach here, though "Fully Alive" becomes more obviously theologically centered toward the end. However, her Christian faith is obvious throughout. She lives in an intentional community with her family in South London.

As someone who grew up in a more conservative home, I felt somewhat liberated by her embrace of the concept of sin - something we simply don't talk about as much anymore. It's something I've long embraced, however, it's fair to say from a less divisive perspective than I was taught in childhood. Like Oldfield, even in my most turbulent of times I embrace my faith and long for hardcore, genuine connections at home, at work, and most definitely in my church.

I'm not interested in being anything less than real.

"Fully Alive" offers a non-prescriptive journey toward spiritual strength that will support us when things fall apart. Oldfield writes with a quiet wisdom and relatable voice that often moved me and more often made me laugh. Oldfield's vulnerability made me feel safe and, indeed, "Fully Alive" brought me a little closer to being fully alive even in this time of turbulence.