Nothing Wasted by Kim Patton
- kianalinwriter
- Oct 24, 2023
- 4 min read
Surprised? Me too.
I acknowledge, I have not kept with some of my intentions for this website/blog of mine, and it's been over a year since I've written a singular post. For that, I apologize, but what a reason to take it up again! Today I want to chat about this newly released (today, in fact) book by my friend, Kim Patton.
But first, an admission: I am not a fan of faith books, memoirs, or much of any non-fiction genre. I know, it's pretty weird since I do end up editing/reading quite a few books in this category and–technically–poetry straddles the line of fiction/creative non-fiction. Regardless, ready for another secret?
I honestly bought this book because someone I consider to be one of my best friends wrote it and I wanted to show support and help her realize her dreams.
Let's be clear: I know Kim is an amazing writer. I've read her work before, we've talked writing and publishing extensively (it's how she won over my introvert heart), and she knows her stuff. I recommended her book and supported her from the jump because I believe in her and the writer/author she is. Just because it's not my typical cup of tea, I still knew that I could recommend Nothing Wasted as the well-crafted work it was/would be. (To be transparent, I was a beta reader for select sections she chose to share and a backer for her Kickstarter, so I had some inkling of her direction/the content.) All the same, I knew I would buy it, knew I would read it, and knew (because I love her) that I would be proud and enjoy it.
More truth: I love this book. And not just because I know it's hers.
I don't love this book because it feels like chatting with my friend over coffee and tea (coffee for me, of course, and tea for her) as we have before. Though it does. I don't love this book because I remember some of the stories in it and saw others first hand. Though I did. I don't love this book because I learned new things about my friend. Though it's true. I don't love this book because it's so Kim and I could hear whole sections of it in her voice and cadence in my head. Though I could. I don't love this book because I watched her strive for it from ideation to fruition. Though I did.
I love this book because it is a beautiful work that can stand on its own for everything it is and can do to be an encouragement in my life, personally, and (I'm absolutely certain) in the lives of others. I love this book because it is real and honest and not all fun and good times. I love this book for making me laugh and think and cry. I love this book because it is relevant and relatable (Which is saying something, since–while I love her dearly–Kim and I can be polar opposites with very little in common about our growing up years/stories.) and most of all: Hopeful.
As I said, I knew it would be well-written, and it is. Kim is a master at painting a picture and drawing you into the details. She is the queen of vignettes. She has themes and feelings that show through the entirety of the work in a way that paints the true ups and downs and cycles of life and struggle and faith. I started it almost immediately and then struggled to put it down when the real world called on me to fulfill my responsibilities. And I was fully reckless, knowing I had those responsibilities ready to knock on my bedroom door this morning, last night when I read the rest of Nothing Wasted until it was finished at 2 AM. So, yes, I am still not sure I'll be reaching for another memoir (Sorry, Kim!) anytime soon, but this book did make me consider that I might enjoy branching out just a bit more.
Today is a day that I've waited for and that I know Kim has been working so hard to make happen. I honestly couldn't be more proud of, excited for, and in love with the results she has achieved. Now, ready for me to actually talk about the details so you can go out and get your JUST RELEASED copy today? From the back (of what is a truly gorgeous cover):
Nothing Wasted: Struggling Well through Difficult Seasons by Kim Patton (with a foreword by Jenn Hesse)
Difficult seasons catch us off guard and make us feel like life won't ever make sense again.
On our worst days, it's hard to believe that God will guide us through the mess. Even on our good days, when we feel we have done all the right things, we may wonder:
Why am I working this job?
Am I making a difference?
How do I know the way to go?
Why can't I seem to be content?
In Nothing Wasted, we see how we mature in time. Like fog dissipating, we recognize how God is gently leading us through each season of our lives. We may be struggling, but we are moving forward.
Our faith is not unseen.
Our moments are not wasted.
All the pain that comes in these seasons does lead to a full, rich life, growing in relationship with God and others.
Ready to get your copy? Here's a link to the Kindle/print versions on Amazon:
Happy reading!
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