Review of "Not so Fast" by Ann Kroeker

Ann Kroeker’s new book offers readers simple solutions for a slower, saner lifestyle

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—Today’s frenzied families find themselves fragmented in this high-speed, fast-paced, goal-oriented society.  Even while racing to second jobs, appointments, lessons, practices, games, and clubs, we crave an antidote.  How do we counteract the effects of our overcommitted culture?  Replenish our depleted selves?  Restore our rushed relationships?

For those readers whose every hour is rush hour, author Ann Kroeker explores the jarring effects of our overbusy culture and offers refreshing alternatives.  Bypassing the fast lane, Kroeker’s new book, Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families (David C Cook, August 2009), urges families to discover how simplifying and slowing down can help restore strained relationships…and souls.

“We’re raising our kids in a high-speed, high-pressured, 24/7 world,” says Kroeker.  “Pushing children to get ahead, we cram everything possible into our days to maximize their chance at success.  We’re overloaded, overextended, overcommitted, and over-caffeinated.  And we’re paying a price: Our relationships are anemic; our health, in jeopardy.  Half-awake and half-hearted, we can’t sustain this pace.”

In Not So Fast, Kroeker relates her own story of how embracing a slower everyday pace has resulted in a richer, fuller, and more meaningful family and spiritual life.  With practical ideas and insight that will spark creativity and personal reflection, Kroeker offers hope that families struggling with hurried hearts and frantic souls can discover the rejuvenating power of an unrushed life.

Not So Fast includes two practical features for those moving toward a more reflective and peaceful life—a life that makes room for knowing and loving God and people.  At the close of each chapter, the “Slow Notes” section offers slow-down solutions to apply immediately.  In “Live from the Slow Zone,” readers will hear inspirational stories from those who have learned to reap the rewards of life in the slow lane.

“For everyone who yearns for the benefits of a slower life, I want to point to Jesus and say, ‘Start here.  Start with the One who offers true and lasting peace.  Look to His Word.  Meditate on that.  Learn from Him, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light,’” writes Kroeker.  “I wish we could see that the root of meaning and peace that we’re seeking is found not in a yoga pose or a mind-emptying meditation session, but in a rich relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Author Bio

Author of The Contemplative Mom, Ann Kroeker is an acclaimed writer and speaker committed to encouraging and inspiring families as they face the demands of daily living.  A contributor to the award-winning Experiencing the Passion of Jesus, she has written for numerous corporations and her articles have appeared in a variety of publications including Decision, The Student, Christian Home and School, and Indianapolis Woman.  Ann and her husband, Philippe, have been married 18 years and have four children.

Not So Fast by Ann Kroeker

David C Cook/August 2009/ISBN: 978-1-434768-88-9/240 pages/softcover/$14.99

www.davidccook.com  www.annkroeker.com

My Thoughts:

This book was an excellent reminder for me right now! I have been struggling to know how many activities to let my kids do apart from school this fall, and have been feeling "left behind" because of comparing myself to other people's schedules and their kids' activities. Full of good reminders about the pace we are setting for our kids and the peace we desire for them, this book has practical advice and inspirational stories of famiies who decided to get out of the fast lane and intentionally slow down their schedules. 

Comments

[Ann Kroeker/Not So Fast]

I'm delighted to see that the book entitled "Not So Fast" was reviewed by someone who does "Tree Swing Reading." More importantly, I'm glad to hear that the book's reminders affirmed your own family's choices.