Book Review: Just Too Busy by Joanne Kraft

(Joanne and I visited a precious Southern belle, thanks to our friend Connie).

(Before I share my review of Just Too Busy, I want to share my joy of knowing Joanne as a friend. Joanne and I met in October of 2009 where we were both speaking for the Free To Be Me Blogger’s Retreat in Florida. I already knew Joanne from blogging, so when we met in person I felt like I was reconnecting with a lifelong friend. We hit it off immediately. We shared our writing journeys, we laughed(see video) and she encouraged my heart.

To this day Joanne is one of the few friends I have that sees me as I am and calls me on my quirky excuses for not writing and living my dreams. She believes in me and she will not let me off easy. Good thing she is grace-filled too. For the truth and grace Joanne gives freely, I thank her. Everyone needs a friend who will speak truth in love. Everyone needs a gentle but firm push, especially people like me with turtle tendencies. Hiding gets me nowhere fast!)

Now onto my book review of Just Too Busy.

First off, a confession, I probably wouldn’t have picked up a book on busyness if I didn’t know Joanne. Why? Because I’m not into living busy, actually I hate busy. I tend to like living a stop-and-smell-the-roses kind of lifestyle. When the fast-paced culture shouts, “Go, go, go” I get mad and I could easily shout, “No, no, no!” Hard part is my husband Derek thinks otherwise. Derek values team sports more than I do since he played himself, so our son Justin played his fair share. That season is now over because Justin graduated high school last month. Hannah takes dance one day a week during the school year. As a family we weren’t into year-round activities, so we had seasons of rest.  Thank the Lord!

In my opinion Just Too Busy is not just a book for busy moms. It’s a book for anyone who wants to rethink the way he or she is currently living. It’s a good check for our crazy American fast pace. As I read each chapter I found myself thinking about my life in general, not just as a mom.

Here are a few questions I am still processing:

*Am I living intentionally each day?

*Am I monitoring the gift of time God has given me?

*Am I aware of what distracts me?

*What is influencing me and my family the most? Media or God?

* What do I want written about me when I die?

* What kind of family traditions do I want my kids to remember?

Actually Joanne’s writing style is one of my favorites because she writes straight forward with both wit and wisdom. Reading Just Too Busy made me laugh and cry and best of all, it made think twice. I’m currently in the process of creating a better life plan. Thanks, Joanne.

Would I recommend Just Too Busy?

Absolutely. And that’s not just because we are friends. I mean it.

This book is convicting and practical, and best of all,  Joanne is the real deal. She is honest with her struggles and she is hilarious. Very few writers can pull off funny in print. Joanne can and did. Actually I still laugh thinking about one scene she shared in her book.

Read Just Too Busy if you are ready to be challenged to live differently. The Kraft family lives to tell and Joanne’s retelling will challenge you to do the same. You may not go to the extreme of a year long sabbatical, but I bet you will do something differently! I am rethinking the media bullies in our home, like the cell phone. Something’s gotta give–or else.

Truth be told, I am bummed to be done with this book. I read it in a couple days. Love books that are easy to digest and apply. Reading Joanne’s book made me feel like I was spending quality time with my California friend.

Thank you, Joanne, for giving us your all. Your words make me a better person. I say to you what I know the Lord says: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And Joanne, please write another book so I can spend more time with my faraway friend. 🙂 I love you!

PS: I really did need a book on busy. Who was I fooling?

One more PS:  I shed a few tears when Just Too Busy came in my mail because Joanne’s book dream was reality. What joy it was to see God-sized dreams really do come true, especially since it’s extremely hard to get published in today’s book market. Joanne did it! Joy! I was thrilled.

*** To find out more about Joanne, visit her website HERE.

*** To order her book, find it on Amazon, CBD,or on her website shopping cart.

*** Or listen to Joanne’s interview on Grace Cafe through Blog Talk Radio/Christian Women Affiliate