Review: Am I Enough by Grace Valentine

Am I Enough: Embracing the Truth About Who You Are

by Grace Valentine

Thomas Nelson

YA Non-Fiction / Religious

240 pages

Have you had enough?

Young women today are constantly told they are not enough for this world—not pretty enough, not smart enough, not exciting enough, not spiritual enough, and just plain not good enough. The barrage is constant. The consequences are real. The damage often feels permanent.

As a young woman herself, Grace Valentine has felt the pressure of trying to survive in a toxic culture, let alone thrive. But she’s had enough. With an engaging combination of honesty and humor, Grace uses her story to confront the lies the world tells us every day—lies such as:


You are beautiful because a guy told you so,
Love must be earned,
You should forget your past,
You will never be enough, and more.
Am I Enough? is a line in the sand. It’s a declaration that we will never be enough for this world because we were not created for this world. Instead, Grace reminds us that we were created by Someone better for something better. We can choose the One who has chosen us—the One who says: “You are enough for Me, My child. Come as you are.”

MY TIDBITS

With experience, warmth and down-to-earth discussions, this book tackles one of the fundamental questions young women face and gives encouragement.

Every moment of life, it seems as if people are constantly reminded to compare themselves to others and see how they stack up—a comparison which always lands with 'proof' that we are lacking in some area. Young women constantly compare themselves not only to other women, but take this self-doubt into relationships and other aspects of life. The result—they are never good enough. Step by step, the author uses examples from her own life to show that not only is this comparison ridiculous, it doesn't have a place in especially Christian lives. To God, we are always enough, and these silly goals do not interest Him.

While I'm normally critical of this type of  literature, I was very appreciative of how the author handles this topic. The language and arguments are spot on for young women ages fourteen to their mid-twenties (and even beyond). The author has made mistakes, very usual every day ones, and she doesn't beat around the bush about it. Her approach is honest and doesn't force unrealistic ideas or ideologies. It simply hits home.

The book is broken down into ten main sections, which look at ten lies society imposes on us or we impose on ourselves. The author never puts herself on a pedestal but address the reader like a good friend, an approach which is easy to sink into. While Bible references are used, it never comes across preachy. Never. At the end of each chapter, there are several questions which help to digest the arguments and assist the reader in considering how their lives are and how they feel about it. On the last pages, there are sixty-five short tips or reminders that a reader can always flip to if they begin to see themselves wondering if their are enough.

I love the personal touch of this book and am impressed how well the author maintains a 'best friend' talk atmosphere. I plan on handing this one to my own daughter and have no doubt that she'll enjoy it and find the words inspiring.


I received a complimentary copy through Booklook Bloggers.