Publishers Weekly
12/09/2019
Poet Haines, who wrote about his alcoholism and recovery in Coming Clean, addresses the importance of waking up from a life of addiction to a life of delighting in God in this thoughtful memoir. Haines casts his net broadly and rails against the “technological heroin” of social media, bingeing on Netflix, and workaholic tendencies that he thinks have become pervasive. Even being addicted to the “right theology” for prestige in a Christian community can be a slavish attachment, he writes. In very short chapters, Haines tosses out questions and then provides answers, but always in an open-ended, inviting way. For instance, he asks: pleasure is a gift from God, but don’t our motives for seeking pleasure need to be examined? Can pain be a gift? He recommends three main steps: waking up to the pain of addiction, understanding coping mechanisms, and accepting divine love. Haines also examines addiction from different angles—including the etymology of the word and the physiology of the brain—and shares personal stories to show the prevalence of the many addictions that afflict contemporary society. These fruitful ruminations will appeal to readers who enjoy the works of Jim Wallis. (Feb.)
Chuck Degroat
Years ago, Gerald May's theologically rich and psychologically trustworthy Addiction and Grace became my go-to resource. Today it's The Book of Waking Up. I'm so grateful to Seth for his wisdom and vulnerability in it.
Sarah Bessey
The Book of Waking Up truly is for all of us. In these pages you will not find the dreaded alarm clock, no. This is a glorious song of joy, of honesty, and of wonder-working power. These lyrical, honest, humble words will open eyes, unclench fists, and cause souls to rise up in love.
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida Bishop Greg Brewer
Seth cheerfully challenges the lies all addicts tell themselves to get them through the night, because he knows, by experience, that the truth will set you free. Whether or not you think you're an addict, read this book and learn.
Glenn R. Kreider
This book encourages us not merely to wake up from addiction but also to wake up to adoration of the God who loves us and promises to be faithful to us forever. It is most effective when read slowly, reflecting on the challenges offered and allowing God to transform us.
Scott Sauls
Combining prose with poetry, theology with biography, and rapture born of rupture, Seth paves the way for those of us who, having grown tired of our wandering and wavering affections, are trying to figure out how to get back home. I can't recommend this book to you highly enough.
Mike Cosper
Seth Haines does two things in this book: he awakens us to our addictions and reveals himself as a thoughtful, incisive, and skilled writer. This book invites us to dive deep into the condition of our hearts, and offers guidance, hope, and direction for a better way.
Annie F. Downs
Sobriety is complicated. No one has it all figured out, but no one writes toward it and speaks toward it and leads me toward it like Seth Haines. His writing is a map and a comfort. A lamp and a warm hearth. I trust his words in my joy and in my pain.
Rebekah Lyons
Seth has lived these words, fought for them, wrestled lies to the ground, and found love on the other side. May we slow down, pay attention, and wake up to the freedom we've been craving all along.
From the Publisher
'Poet Haines, who wrote about his alcoholism and recovery in Coming Clean, addresses the importance of waking up from a life of addiction to a life of delighting in God in this thoughtful memoir.'--Publishers Weekly
Combining prose with poetry, theology with biography, and rapture born of rupture, Seth paves the way for those of us who, having grown tired of our wandering and wavering affections, are trying to figure out how to get back home. I can't recommend this book to you highly enough.--Scott Sauls, senior pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church; author, Jesus Outside the Lines and Irresistible Faith
Seth cheerfully challenges the lies all addicts tell themselves to get them through the night, because he knows, by experience, that the truth will set you free. Whether or not you think you're an addict, read this book and learn.--Bishop Greg Brewer, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida
Seth has lived these words, fought for them, wrestled lies to the ground, and found love on the other side. May we slow down, pay attention, and wake up to the freedom we've been craving all along.--Rebekah Lyons, bestselling author, Rhythms of Renewal and You Are Free
Seth Haines does two things in this book: he awakens us to our addictions and reveals himself as a thoughtful, incisive, and skilled writer. This book invites us to dive deep into the condition of our hearts, and offers guidance, hope, and direction for a better way.--Mike Cosper, author, Recapturing the Wonder and Rhythms of Grace; founder, Harbor Media
Sobriety is complicated. No one has it all figured out, but no one writes toward it and speaks toward it and leads me toward it like Seth Haines. His writing is a map and a comfort. A lamp and a warm hearth. I trust his words in my joy and in my pain.--Annie F. Downs, bestselling author, 100 Days to Brave and Remember God
The Book of Waking Up truly is for all of us. In these pages you will not find the dreaded alarm clock, no. This is a glorious song of joy, of honesty, and of wonder-working power. These lyrical, honest, humble words will open eyes, unclench fists, and cause souls to rise up in love.--Sarah Bessey, author, Miracles and Other Reasonable Things and Jesus Feminist
This book encourages us not merely to wake up from addiction but also to wake up to adoration of the God who loves us and promises to be faithful to us forever. It is most effective when read slowly, reflecting on the challenges offered and allowing God to transform us.--Glenn R. Kreider, professor of theological studies, Dallas Theological Seminary; editor-in-chief, Bibliotheca Sacra
Years ago, Gerald May's theologically rich and psychologically trustworthy Addiction and Grace became my go-to resource. Today it's The Book of Waking Up. I'm so grateful to Seth for his wisdom and vulnerability in it.--Chuck Degroat, professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality, Western Theological Seminary