Live Big, Love Bigger: Getting Real with BBQ, Sweet Tea, and a Whole Lotta Jesus

Catholic blogger and speaker Whitaker invites readers to take her “hell yes” approach to life, faith, and family in this effervescent debut, a blend of memoir, devotional, and pep talk. With wit and more irreverence than is usually found in standard Christian living fare, Whitaker, a former Protestant and mother of six, candidly shares her struggles with postpartum depression, marital miscommunication, scoliosis, and perfectionism. However, it’s the premature birth of her fifth child (resulting in life-threatening medical issues for her infant son, Luke) that’s the catalyst for this book. Whitaker wants readers to say “no” to what’s insignificant, so they can love God, others, and themselves more wholeheartedly. Though each of the 10 chapters takes on a different topic that distracts from one’s faith and family (including technology, self-image, and the fear of death) they all relate back to Luke, who was “God’s invitation to detachment.” While themes are weighty, Whitaker throws in humorous asides, such as when she decides to recite Hail Marys to resist putting her “handmade artisan kids up for sale on Etsy.” Parents, especially those who have children with health challenges, will find much of the advice to be helpful and insightful. Whitaker’s enjoyable mix of spiritual fervor and homespun humor will appeal to Christian readers and general audiences alike. [em](Sept.) [/em]