The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: John Mark Comer (1)

I begin with two confessions: first I started this last year. Second, it's the second time I've read it. The first time I read it in an afternoon, which might fall into the category of irony.

That I have read it twice might be a commendation in and of itself.

Comer writes with accessibility and pace. It's an easy read. But that doesn't mean its not deep. You can find allusions to and quotes from many of the classics on the spiritual life- he won me over with Foster, Nouwen, Rolheiser, Friedman.. I could carry on. He also writes with grace. This is no guilt trip (although I read it at the end of six weeks of imposed slowing).

Essentially, this is a book about regaining one's soul against a ruthless tide of hurry in our world. He boils it down to four practices in pursuit of the unfashionable status of a 'quiet life'. If you are seeking celebrity, drive, value by email replies, fame- you may find this challenging. If you have reached the moment where you see that rat race for what it is- this is a great entry way to the classic unhurried spiritual life.