Book Review: Permission to Speak Freely, by Anne Jackson
What is the one thing you feel you can't say in church? Author Anne Jackson posted this question on her blog and received hundreds of responses. This book is the result of that question.
To be honest, I'm not sure what I expected from this book. Perhaps I expected more of the responses Jackson received, and her answers to them. The submissions appear mostly as artwork, like a form of the popular online 'Post Secret.' There are confessions, but no real suggestions in how to overcome the fear people have. Yes, she tells us how we can help others, in a process she calls 'the gift of going second.' This involves giving our own confessions first in the hope that the other person will open up. But how can we get over our own fear of confession in the first place?
The majority of the book is focused on Jackson's personal story which, to be honest, I could have done without. A selection of her poetry is also included. She has given herself 'permission to speak freely,' but sadly leaves the rest of us floundering in the dark.
I received a copy of this publication through Thomas Nelson’s Book Sneeze review program. This review is based on my own opinion.