Eyes to See — A Book Review . . . and a Giveaway!!

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This book is a beautiful and deeply true gift to the world. It is a book to be savored, read over time, with pen in hand and fingertips at the ready — ready to bend down corners of page after page after page . . .

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Christie Purifoy invites us into her life, one year in her life, to be exact. Moving through the seasons from autumn through summer, from late pregnancy to early toddlerhood, from the wilderness of Florida to the welcoming joys of a very old house on a hilltop in Pennsylvania, she lets us see life through her eyes.

And what beauty-seeking eyes she has! Her reflections on the life she lives are deep, rich, honest and gloriously articulate and thoughtful. Maplehurst is an old, brick farmhouse, now surrounded by a brand-new neighborhood of tract homes, a place far from family, yet a place that becomes home in every way you can think of.

Along the way, she reflects on things like post-partum depression, sleep deprivation, gardening (oh my, gardening!!!), the liturgical year, life, death, joy, sorrow. She reflects on this life we live, all of us, but she does it in a way too few of us take the time to — and with a skill very few of us enjoy. 

I’ve pulled out some sloppy photos of a few favorite passages, but believe me when I tell you this — there are too many to count. 

On what following in the steps of the Magi might really be about:

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On caring for the dying of things as well as the living of things:

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On enjoying beauty — the beauty that is easy to spot and the beauty that we must earnestly seek, each and every day.

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I am delighted to offer a brand new copy of this remarkable book. If you are interested in having your name dropped in the hat, please say so in the comments. I’ll select a winner one week from today and post your name on the blog and on Facebook. I can’t think of a better gift to offer you, my friends. Truly.

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Comments

  1. It looks like a breath of fresh air as we await the days of spring. Would love to have you enter my name.

  2. Oh wow, this is the second giveaway I have entered today for this book. Looks like a must have!! Thank you for highlighting it! Lori

  3. Carol Blane says

    What a beautiful book. I would love a copy. Thank you for sharing.

  4. Anne Poppino says

    Yes, please. This just went on my “to read” list. Thanks for the chance to get a copy.

  5. Lynn D. Morrissey says

    Well, I think you know that I love anything you write, Diana. But to write so generously and eloquently about another friend’s writing is such a beautiful thing. I know this is heartfelt, and no wonder. Christie’s quotations are breathtaking. and they are especially so in light of what happened to her brother-in-love….almost prophetic. One can see the Lord’s fingerprints of comfort and truth over every phrase. What a privilege it would be to read this.
    You and she obviously are a gift to each other.
    God bless your words and hers and wing them far into waiting hearts.
    Love
    Lynn

  6. I’ve so wanted to order this book, but I’ve promised myself (and my husband) that I wouldn’t order any more books for a while. So, please enter my name for a chance to win a copy. Thank you. xox

  7. I love seeing your markings. 🙂

    Leave my name out of the hat. I’ve already got my own book with my own markings. 😀

  8. Joan Spjut says

    Your markings and review indicate to me that this is a book I would enjoy. It would be fun to win it😀

  9. Oh, yes, I DO want this amazing book after having read a review of it just the other day. Seeing the highlighted passages? Well, that confirms it for me!
    Thanks, Diana!

  10. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Christie’s book. I’d love to have a copy. And it’s good catching up with you here. I loved your comment about my post on the snow almost making you want winter! Almost :). We’ve been a bit spoiled with warm temperatures this year, but that snow storm made up for it all! Sending you much love, Diana.

  11. I’d love to win a copy of the book. It looks like something to be savored and I could use some inspiration right now. Thanks for the opportunity to be “thrown in to the hat!” Blessings!

  12. Oh, I would love a copy of this!

  13. Beth Werner Lee says

    I preordered it and it came yesterday but I’m so glad to read your review because I have carried it with me all day without opening it! Now I must! Thank you Diana.

  14. Thank you for introducing me to this author, Diana. My favorite books lead me through the seasons.
    Please enter me in your drawing.

  15. I’m smiling at your great idea of sharing pictures of your markings. And your dog-eared pages. There are some books where you want to turn down every corner! Sounds as if this might be one of them!

  16. Thanks for your kind comments, friends! So far (on Thursday, February 3rd), there are thirteen of you entered for next week’s drawing and two who already have the book. We’ll leave this open til Monday of next week and I’ll choose the winner that night.

  17. Cheryl Crabtree says

    Diana
    I would love to have this book. It sounds perfect.
    Thanks,
    Cheryl

  18. Margaret Kirk says

    I would love to have my name dropped into the box.
    thanks

  19. Oh my! Beautiful, thought-provoking passages!
    I have a quote of Christie’s from her blog that I carry as one of my touchstones.
    I’d love to have my name added to your “hat” for the giveaway.
    Thanks for the review, Diana.

  20. being with the PNW grands for a week distracted me from this post when it first come out. consider me in the hat. I have been hearing a lot about it, but hadn’t decided to buy it yet, and YOUR dog-eared book convinced me it’s a must-have.

  21. Loved your marked up copy. Throw my name in the hat.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

  22. Sherry Peterson says

    Always appreciate your recommendations,D and look forward to reading this. Do put me in the drawing.

  23. My goodness–so much gold in one mine! Please put my name in the drawing, too.

  24. Such loveliness in the pages of this book and a really delightful review!

    I already have a copy ordered, but would love to be entered in your draw – it isn’t hard to think of friends for whom it would be food for the soul.

  25. Okay, friends – we are up to 20 entrants in this giveaway . . . one more day to go! Check back here tomorrow night for the winner. (And I will notify you by email if you win.)

  26. Not sure if it’s too late to enter the giveaway, but if not … *enters*

    🙂