Tuesday, May 26, 2020

BLOG TOUR: Comparison Girl by Shannon Popkin

Comparison-Girl
BOOK INFORMATION
Genre: Christian Women's Issues
Paperback: 224 pages
  • Publisher: Kregel Publications (May 19, 2020)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 082544621X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0825446214

SYNOPSIS: 
Women compare constantly—on social media, in their neighborhood, at church, even in the school drop-off lane. They glance sideways and ask themselves, "How do I measure up?" All this assessment feels like a natural way of finding a place in the world. But it pulls them into feelings of inferiority or superiority, guiding them into a trap of antagonism by the enemy.

Satan would like women to strive to measure up, constantly adding to a tally sheet that can't ever be balanced. The way of Jesus is completely upside down from that philosophy. Instead, he says the last shall be first--and the greatest are those who empty themselves, lay down their lives, and serve each other.

Through conversations Jesus had and parables he shared, Shannon Popkin has created a seven-week Bible study to address this tendency to compare and judge ourselves and others. Each chapter is divided into lessons, allowing women on a time budget to read a Bible passage, engage in a complete train of thought related to the topic, and then make the content personal--all in one sitting. And the informal teaching tone will make women feel like they're meeting with a trusted friend.

Suited for both individual and group study, Comparison Girl will guide women to leave their measure-up ways behind, connect with those around them, and break free from the shackles of comparison!


REVIEW: This book resonated with me from the moment I read the description. As I read, I was amazed at how much of each chapter spoke to me. I've spent the majority of my life comparing myself to others in negative ways.  I read through each chapter hungrily, underlining passages and answering questions.  I plan to go back through and study each section more thoroughly over the next several weeks.
Popkin shares personal stories and stories from friends, as well as lessons from the Bible, to demonstrate why comparison is self-destructive. Her writing style is like a friendly conversation, educating without being preachy or judgmental.
There are 30 lessons, and each lesson starts with scripture references. Following that, there are personal stories, and lessons from the Bible that tie into these verses. The lessons are only a few pages each, making it an easy to manage daily reading. Each lesson then ends with discussion/reflection questions, that usually have scripture references to look up as well. I would recommend it to anyone looking to break out of the pain of being a "Comparison Girl."

RATING: Five stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shannon-Popkin-crop Shannon Popkin is a writer, speaker, and Bible teacher who loves pointing others to the truth of God’s Word. She combines her gifts for humor and storytelling with her passion for Jesus. She regularly speaks at Christian women’s events and retreats, encouraging women of all ages to put their hope in God.

Popkin is also a regular contributor for the Revive Our Hearts True Woman and Leader Connection blogs. Her articles have been published by Family Fun, Focus on the Family Magazine, MOMsense and others. She is the author of several books, including Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women in the Bible, Influence: Building a Platform That Elevates Jesus (Not Me), and Comparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up World.

Popkin and her husband, Ken, have been married for more than twenty years and live in West Michigan. They have three children—one in high school and two in college.

Connect with Shannon Popkin by visiting www.shannonpopkin.com, following her on Facebook (shanpopkin), Instagram (shannonpopkin), or Twitter (@ShannonPopkin).

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