GOULASH, GARAGE SALES AND GOD by Bernadette McCarver Snyder (Liguori Publications, 2013, supplied by Pleroma Christian Supplies); $19.99. Reviewed by ANNA-MARIE BARRETT
Goulash, Garage Sales and God is yet another charming offering from the well-loved author of
more than 30 books, BernadetteMcCarver Snyder.
Her funny and insightful musings on children, broken down cars, friends and everything in
between span the decades, inviting the reader to look back and examine more closely the presence of God in their lives.
Filled with the author’s stories and thoughts about everything from cooking to cats, the book
is an inspiring and funny light read.
Its layout is similar to that of her earlier book, Graham Crackers, Galoshes and God, and is divided into short and sweet anecdotes, followed by a prayer or reflection.
Once I picked up the book, it was immediately clear why Snyder is such a beloved author
by so many. Her charmingly honest, chatty way of writing is a joy to read and feels like talking to a friend — one who is never short of a great story or word of sage
advice.
Her gift for seeing hope, joy and, most importantly, God in even the most trying and mundane situations of everyday life transforms the ordinary into the wonderful — and reminds the reader of how much we have to be grateful for in life, even when it might not feel like we
have anything.
I came away from her book inspired to appreciate the small things in life — a cliché it may be, but this book is a beautiful illustration of God’s presence in even the most unlikely things. I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this book if you’re in search of
something different, or in need of a reminder of God’s love and presence in every part of our lives.
Snyder invites the reader to take a worthwhile journey with her through the “mixed up but
delicious goulash of life, the fun of finding treasures where you least expect them and, of course, the warm, welcoming grace of God everywhere”.
Anna-Marie Barrett is a student from Christchurch.