Shine by Allison Allen

Actors aren't the only ones who play characters. Many of us do, much of the time. We walk into a room, figure out who we're supposed to be in this context, slip into character, and say the lines we know we should say. We become someone else. Maybe we tell ourselves it's some version of us, but deep down we know this inauthentic character is not what God wants for our lives--and it's not what we want either.

Shine is Allison Allen's answer and call for each person to step out into the role God has given us and let our light shine. Allen uses personal stories from her time as a professional actor and draws insightful parallels to the Christian life.

This was an interesting read. I liked that it was different from other Christian living books for women with the acting bent. It was interesting to read a bit of a behind the scenes look into the acting life and how that parallels our life. Allen does a great job of weaving her stories, biblical teaching and practical calls to action together. The only thing I really didn't like was the giving the reflections questions at the end of each chapter the title "Sparklers." That seemed a little cheesy and taking the metaphor a bit to far for me. I would especially encourage younger woman to read this book as the lesson taught are ones that are better to learn as early as possible.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

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