Book Review: The Summer of Yes

One of my favorite books of last year was The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh. I recommended it to my new book club, not even realizing it was published by a Christian publisher. That book hit all the boxes of need in my life. It resonated like a megaphone. During my second read-through with that book club, I noted all the things Isadora attempted to improve her happiness quotient in her life. While I haven't pursued those lessons, I relished the opportunity to consider what stands in the way of feelings of happiness and fulfillment.

I jumped on the hold list as soon as I saw my library had a new Courtney Walsh book. The Summer of Yes is as uplifting and life-affirming as her previous book. Once again, it inspired contemplation and introspection. I questioned, "where do I say 'no' out of fear or discomfort?" The ability to determine your "yes" or "no" with integrity is a tricky thing. I have said "yes" in previous circumstances, based on a belief that it is something others want me to do. It may have even seemed God wanted me to do it, yet when life led in another direction, others then questioned my integrity and my belief in following God's leading.

This is a tangent, but one worth exploring. Where do we get the right to determine where God is leading another person and how can we be certain that God might not be leading them out of an opportunity, just as much as He led them into an opportunity? This is very personal. My parents were Salvation Army officers for many years. Then one day, my dad said God was calling him to leave the ministry. I cannot express how many people cast judgement on them for this action. Even the wording in the Army's officer covenant holds marital implications, as if God's calling is a calling for life. In my opinion, that's not how God works. Biblically speaking, His call has led His followers into and out of opportunities, even into prison experiences. The important thing is to filter these decisions through a lens of God's desires for us. This is not a straightforward task. We can think we know God's desires (and often think we know God's desires for another person), but sometimes that is personally motivated rather than spiritually motivated.

Back to the book and why you should say "yes" to reading it. A random, life-threatening accident lands Kelsey Worthington (assistant editor for a publishing company) in a hospital room with Georgina Tate (eminent businesswoman). Kelsey recognizes Georgina and her curious mind kicks in. She asks Georgina if she has any regrets in her long life of breaking the glass ceiling. Kelsey is processing her life, in light of her near-death, and wondering if what she is pursuing will be worthwhile in the end. This is a valid question everyone should explore.

Kelsey determines to alter her life by saying "yes" to things she has always turned down. She begins by taking time off work (something she never did) and spending time at the zoo with her best friend (again, she admits she was a crappy friend). But the more she ponders Georgina's life, the more she is convinced that the intersection of their lives was with purpose. She believes that purpose is to pursue the "Summer of Yes." Kelsey hijacks Georgina's life and leads her on a road trip that will alter both of their lives and will cause them to re-evaluate their decisions.

Georgina's handsome son adds a layer of romance. The characters are interesting and believable. Walsh nails the voice again. Kelsey and Georgina both are very particular and opposite characters. I enjoyed the road trip aspect, the thoughts to contemplate and personalize, and the positive resolution. Various lines made me laugh out loud. This is a book about redemption and forgiveness, my favorite themes to explore. I recommend this book if you catch yourself turning down opportunities because they require you to step out of your comfort zone or approach things you feel unqualified to attempt. After the acknowledgements, there's a section with discussion questions, making this a perfect option for a book club.