A lovely journey from a lovely soul. Sarah Clarkson is a woman of great substance with a creative mind. She is well read and well spoken. She addresses the idea of quiet from numerous new and interesting angles from anything I’ve read before. More than a plea or case for why we should practice silence and solitude, Sarah shares why we don’t, how it is what we deeply desire and her own struggle to find hush in the modern world. I highly recommend.

Loved this book. So far, I've loved and profited from every book by Sarah Clarkson. This one was deeply helpful to me, with much needed reminders and tips on finding quiet in my own life.

This is a really helpful book. In a world that seems increasingly busy, Sarah Clarkson reminds us of the importance of slowing down and making space for quiet. Clarkson's writing is exquisite, and brings a much-needed message to our frenetic lives. The best non-fiction book I have read this year. Highly recommended!

“I’ve always borne a hunger for something that seemed as distant as starlight and as wide as the night sky itself. I want the world and what is behind it, the potent beauty it simultaneously reveals and veils. I think we all do…”

If you can feel the intensity of this hunger in your own life and wonder how to acknowledge it in the midst of too-busy lives and a myriad of distractions, you will be inspired to rest within the tension of this by "Reclaiming Quiet”.

Sarah Clarkson has followed her previous study of God’s goodness, This Beautiful Truth, with this soothing expression of our need for quiet in order to experience the extraordinary. Using a similar narrative of personal memoir and spiritual discovery, she describes her own journey towards being satisfied with the quiet of the ordinary. She writes of how the distractions inherent in our world, while ostensibly a quest for the extraordinary, can actually lead us in the opposite direction, and how learning to cultivate quiet is so necessary. “Quiet in this world; perhaps is most often the vessel that bears us out of darkness and into hope."

Each chapter closes with a gentle prayer and an invitation to ponder our own discoveries through thought-provoking questions relating to what we’ve just read.

Reclaiming Quiet is surely destined to be a devotional classic for our time. I read an advance copy but I’ve already pre-purchased copies to give away and I’m planning to reread Reclaiming Quiet as a personal devotional study, but it would also be perfect as a group read/ study.

This book came to me in a season when I needed it most. Sarah has a wonderful ability to encourage her readers to a lovely way of life, and she does it in a kind way that spurs you on and inspires you to live a faithful life. She introduces her readers to some of the writers, thinkers, and stories that have influenced her own inner world, all while weaving a beautiful and clear picture of what it looks like to cultivate inner quiet even in seasons of life where everything around you is anything but silent. As always, her writing style is lovely and flows almost poetically. She is a dear soul, and I am so thankful for all the thoughtfulness she pours into her writing. I eagerly await her next book. I am thankful to have received an advanced reader copy of this work from the publisher, though the opinions here are all my own.

I absolutely love the idea of “reclaiming quiet” and this is a beautiful book with beautiful writing. Sarah Clarkson is a talented writer. That said, the writing style is not my personal favorite, which took a star away from my rating. But I do believe many will love this book because as I said, the writing is beautiful even if it’s not what I typically prefer.

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

Sarah’s writing is magical every time. The way she writes makes me feel like I’m listening to poetry. I loved her thoughtful and vulnerable encounter with the Lord in this book and pursuing that literal peace and quiet that we need. It’s a spiritual discipline and one I could stand to grow in!

I traveled to England this summer and unexpectedly fell in love with it. I didn't realize that seeing the places where so many beloved stories take place would stir my heart. Reading Sarah's book was like taking a long walk down an English country path.

This was such a good, tranquil, reachable explanation of what quiet is, why we need it, and how to find it, no matter who you are or what season of your life you're in. With her trademark references to the deep theology, beauty, and joy found in treasure of literature (but not too much!) Sarah walks the reader through her own journey to reclaiming quiet and shares the tools, resources and spiritual value she found along the way.

There are a lot of resources out there right now about putting down your phone and being present in life. Sarah's contribution is worthwhile because she shows us how God's heart for his children is to find a deep soul quiet that goes beyond serenity. I loved this book.

Reading this book is soul care. Reading this book for me was like nestling in an armchair in the corner of a beloved coffee shop with a blazing fire and hearing from a friend whose words are wise, encouraging, comforting and truthful. "Lord have mercy. Into Thy hands. Thee I adore." This has become my refrain after reading this digital advance copy. Thank you Sarah and publisher for making it available to me!

There are very few contemporary Christian writers whom I trust as implicitly as I do Sarah Clarkson to tackle, with beauty, grace, and real encouragement, topics that are so often the subject of banal, soul-killing platitudes and burdensome to-do lists. With Reclaiming Quiet, she has yet again gifted her reader with the kind of book that makes you feel as though you're sitting in a terribly comfortable armchair, with a warm cup of your favourite beverage, having a deep conversation with a dear friend - the kind that, even when it's hard or painful, helps you lower your shoulders from up around your ears, where they've been hovering for longer than you care to admit. Where so many others shame and chastise, Clarkson offers her reality, saying, "Here's where I've struggled. Maybe you've felt the same? Maybe what's helped me will help you, too." The invitation to quiet, not only as silence - an absence of sound, but as an inner refuge of peace and stillness that can be accessed in the midst of a raucous crowd or tempestuous season of life, is one that I'm deeply grateful for. I'll be gifting this book and recommending it to anyone who'll listen.

This is a book to read when the world is too much and you need a reminder of what is really important, the beauty and quiet that is yours if you choose and the Prince of Peace giving what the world can't.
It is upliftingly beautiful and the fact that it was written during the pandemic makes it even more poignant.
Highly recommend!

Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read it in exchange for my thoughts!

This book is another masterpiece! Sarah focuses on what quiet is and what it isn’t, and the art of paying attention to the world around us. I relate so much to her experiences and am already applying these concepts to my own life—shaping cadences of quiet. She takes a concept that could be dismissed at first glance and gently causes us to reconsider the way we view this hurried modern world. As a young mother, perhaps the most encouraging aspect was how personal this book felt. This is no vague, unattainable musing on quiet. “The thing is, I don’t think quiet is about great feats so much as it is about small faithfulnesses.” Beauty leads us to quiet and quiet leads us to pay attention to beauty. Both lead us to God. Highly recommend this book!

A beautifully written, lyrical almost book. A dive into Sarah’s reality and changing of her faith as her life has changed. A consideration of what quiet before God is, how we can bring that into our lives again - even when things must be done, life is chaotic, phones are around, children make noise, life is busy. I may not agree with everything, but it’s beautiful and thought inducing and will draw most people closer to God and bring more peace to their lives. Each chapter ends with a prayer and questions for reflection.

I was (pleasantly!) surprised to discover this is a devotional book. Its 12 chapters each feature “pray” and “ponder” sections at the end. I’d been expecting more of a “regular” read, but found that this format helped me engage with the text and the Creator in more depth than I might have otherwise, and it grew on me.

I quit social media last month in anticipation of the election—my own first step in reclaiming quiet—and this read was a blessed insertion into my newly found free time. I’m planning to revisit the book in January/after the holidays to start the new year off right. (Ironically, another politically fueled time as a new president will be sworn in that month—so I’ll need another go-round and pointer back to Christ, who raises up and brings low every authority.)

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Clarkson is a kindred spirit and loves J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis as much as I do—and references them quite a bit throughout the read. She and I are both introverts, as well; that being said, this book is a fantastic read for both introverts and extroverts: both camps will find exceptional value in it. Reclaiming quiet is for everyone, and this is a great place to start.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

If you long to find the quiet to meet with God, if you are lost in the cacophony of voices and noise all around, I recommend this book. Sarah Clarkson drops clues and hints on how to journey from the wilderness of noise into a place of rest in God. Whether you are single, a young mother, or nearing retirement, these words are for you. A book to read and reread.

Sarah Clarkson writes, “At the heart of recollection is a return to the knowledge of our origins, of God as Maker and Keeper of the whole of our being...Such quiet reminds us that we are not responsible for our own flourishing." This beautiful quote sums up the message of Reclaiming Quiet, which is so beautifully written to encourage those who are busy to embrace a slower pace of heart. Despite the busyness of the world around us, our soul cries out to God for quiet, and we are given grace to rely on Him more fully. The book is truly such a wonderful reminder that our faith is not about perfect discipline, but a total giving up of ourselves to the One who makes us whole and helps us in our weakness. I have already underlined and annotated so many lines; each page is rich. Give yourself the gift of this book as an invitation to enter into quiet and reflection and peace.

Reclaiming Quiet is the most meaningful non-fiction book I have read in a long time! Its practical yet lovingly written words offer a bit of a challenge to reclaim your quiet while promising reward of a peaceful mind. I have accomplished this quiet by addressing some areas in my own life that weren't structured as they need to be.

Each chapter ends with questions and a prayer which are so heartfelt and guide you to honestly assess your thoughts and feelings. I received an eARC of the book, but I can't wait to dig into my physical copy and highlight and write notes to my heart's content. I also plan to share a copy with each of my daughters. Highly recommended!

I'm so glad Sarah continues to be a servant of God and her family while sharing her love of beauty and creativity of the written word with us.

A beautiful, thoroughly inspiring gentle nudge to examine our inner thoughts and fears and find peace in the midst of quiet. Sarah does not shy away from hard realities, such as admitting to ourselves that we avoid quiet for fear of what we will find in our hearts, and offers self reflective questions to guide the reader through finding quiet in different stages of life. Wonderfully spoken!

Reading this book reminded me of watching a beautiful sunrise. I felt myself slowly exhale as I read her words. Her thoughts will linger with me. Thank you for bringing this important and inspiring book to the world. I highly recommend

This was a retreat, a timely, cozy, challenging and yet edifying retreat. Sarah spoke into life what so many feel with practical tips and stories to aid her readers. It reads similar to sitting with an old friend.