Holy Is the Day: Living in the Gift of the Present

"This book's first chapter, about the unexpectedly complicated birth of a child, is breath-stopping and reveals Carolyn Weber as a writer of unusual skill. Her abilities with the English language match the intensity of the event she describes. . . . The book's admirable theme is keeping your heart fixed on God and finding signs of God in the hard times."

"Oh my, what an amazing book, one of the very best books we've read all year, elegant, interesting, full of fascinating episodes of a fascinating life as a writer, mother, teacher. You may know Ms Weber from her highly regarded conversion memoir Surprised by Oxford and now you should know her for this fabulous book of wise Christian instruction, guidance for finding God in the ordinary, and how to embrace a busy life with grace and a sense of God's daily presence. Oh, the writing in this--what a joy to read! This is a wise and good book, certainly worthy of the highest praise: a Hearts Minds Best Book of 2013 award."

"Sometimes it seems like life has a way of combining a series of events that leave a person wanting to simply make it through each day. Carolyn Weber knows about such times, and in Holy Is the Day she masterfully shares her personal struggles with the insightful lessons she learned in moving forward from the past and experiencing God in the present. Weber encourages believers to see God at work every day in every situation."

"This book is a beautiful blend of everyday musings and discovering the joy of living in the moment, enjoying the gift of today."

"Weber's insights are deeply thoughtful and beautifully articulated. Suggest this title especially to fans of her book, Surprised By Oxford, and to English majors, who will appreciate the frequent references to authors, poets, and characters from the literary past and present."

"Holy Is the Day grabbed my attention and held it with lines like, 'I couldn't afford therapy, so I started writing.' I love everything about Carolyn Weber's writing. The frankness with which she invites us to share her complicated life as a wife, mother, academic, driven career woman, damaged child, daughter of aging parents, beleaguered believer. The surprises as she leads us through the bends and twists in her spiritual journey. The fresh insights she brings to scriptural truths, from the perspective of someone who unexpectedly came to faith in Christ. And the marvelous turns of phrase from someone who loves literature and learning. My copy of Holy Is the Day is dog-eared and underlined; yours will be too."

"Weber's memoir is a delight to read, perhaps best summed up in her wise pronouncement at the center of the book that 'trauma prepares us for resurrection.' She writes of having babies at an 'advanced maternal age,' pursuing an academic career in a decidedly anti-Christian professional environment, trying to figure out how to juggle teaching with writing and family, and other day-to-day traumas of life, large and small. She rises up refreshed from each struggle and serves up what she learns with thought-provoking excursions into Scripture as well as into the literature she loves. She writes sweetly and earnestly, like a wise child. Or perhaps like the wise old woman of God that she hopes someday to become which, I'd argue, she already is."

"I could not put Holy Is the Day down! Right from her opening story, Weber hooks us with her luscious use of language and reels us close with her insights and stories, all keenly crafted to help open our eyes to see God at work and present in our days. A beautiful read."

"Carolyn Weber lives gracefully and writes elegantly. Her poetic eyes search beneath the surface, unearthing delightful insights missed by those in a hurry. Holy Is the Day is a call to see God and latch onto him, so he takes us through the day as he envisions it. This is a beautiful book that spoke to my heart and changed my day."

"Life and death, sorrow and joy. Waves of life that roll into Carolyn Weber's life are beautifully, soulfully examined. The author's story is meditatively interwoven with Scripture's story, not to hand us answers, but to offer us hope. The book is lovingly and honestly crafted. Read this one carefully as it is a gift from a heart that has grown in wisdom."

"Holy is the Day is a beautifully written combination of memoir and theology perfect for anyone wanting to become more attune to God's grace in their own life."