Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1062326 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Atitle as alluring as Wonderlust can't help evoking fantasies of the author's recollections, taking the reader floating across the world in luxuriously reflective repose or exciting adventure. Unfortunately, Kuyper (101 Ways to Be a Great Mom) does not quite deliver on the book's titular promise. Though her many vignettes tell of travels as far and wide as Machu Picchu in Peru, Assisi in Italy and the wilds of the Amazon, these are usually too short to suggest much sense of place and each ends abruptly with a laundry list of textbook like questions that attempt to shepherd readers through a similar revelatory spiritual moment. Though perfect for the morning commute, these short chapters won't satisfy the traveler who's settled in for a long trip. Rather than trust readers to journey toward the various chapter themes (Healing, Identity, Integrity, among others) on their own, she interrupts with awkward questions like What has God used to 'warm' you toward being more 'positively' pious in your life? For readers who can forgive the short chapters and ignore the textbookish style, rewards do await: though too hastily recounted Kuyper's travels (to 40 countries on five continents) are adventurous and fascinating on their own. (Sept.)
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About the Author
Vicki, a freelance writer, is an avid traveler who has drawn closer to God through her travels. With hopes to see more of the world, she has already journeyed to 40 countries across five continents. She holds a bachelor of science degree in journalism from California Polytechnic State University, and has written or coauthored numerous books including Wonderlust; Be Patient, God Isnt Finished with Me Yet; Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares for Moms; and Glimpses of an Invisible God. Over the years, she has learned that it is not a lust for adventure, but a hunger for God that is at the heart of her passion to explore new horizons, both geographically and personally. When Vicki and her husband, Mark, are not on the road, they reside in Phoenix, Arizona. They have been married 27 years and have two married children, Ryan and Katrina.

Customer Reviews

Great gift or personal read
Short chapters in conversational style make this a perfect bedside read but is also applicable for personal devotions or a provocative small group study discussion. The word pictures of places you've never been make you feel on site and in awe. Perfect gift for anyone with a sense of adventure or desiring a deeper walk with God.

A Travelogue for the Soul!
Vicki Kuyper's new book, "Wonderlust" is an engaging read! She takes us on her journey to places as ordinary as Colorado to the exotic locale of Assisi, Italy, to the horrific Angkor Wat, Cambodia. Along the way she shares with us her spiritual journeys, along with discussion questions for the reader.

I found her writing style to be very fluid and well-balanced between her description of each location and her spiritual awakening at each location. This book is a nice way to vicariously travel the world, and to deepen your walk with God at the same time.

Perfect gift for the traveler at heart!

Book Review - "Wonderlust: A Spiritual Travelogue for the Adventurous Soul" by Vicki Kuyper
Vicki Kuyper is an experienced traveler and writer. Her journeys have taken her to 40 countries in 5 continents. In this book she is the reader's travel guide through 30 chapters. Each chapter recounts a specific journey through places like Machu Picchu, Peru and Bangkok, Thailand.

Each chapter recounts not only the sights from the perspective of a tourist, but also a leg in her spiritual journey. Wonder, God's Presence, and Remembrance are but three of the 30 chapter titles and points of emphasis. Each chapter includes reflection questions and actions at the end of that particular journey.

Kuyper is a skilled writer. She leads the reader to travel with her on each of her journeys. The mental pictures are vivid and clear. You see the sights. You feel the paths under your feet. You hear the sounds and the voices.

More importantly, the reader is led to discover more than a picture of another culture or land. Kuyper relates her own discoveries of God and his character. Along the way she discovers much about her self and her fellow human beings.

As a reader who loves to travel, I anticipated the arrival of this book in the mail. I was not disappointed. I escaped to places around the globe while seated in my reading chair. I was amazed at the wonder of God's handiwork. I wrestled with issues related to my being a follower of Jesus. My compassion for people of other cultures was heightened. I was challenged to be more prayerful and more aware of God's presence in my world.

In a few points in the book, perhaps Kuyper could have been stronger when faced with some religious practices and beliefs other than her own. This is a minor point since she wrestles with some of these practices in trying to understand the people around her. She clearly demonstrates her faith in God and longs for these people to come to faith in Christ through the cross.

If you enjoy reading a well written book that transports you to other places, this book is for you. If you want to be reminded of the glory of God revealed in creation, this book is for you. If you want God to probe your heart and mind, this book is for you.

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