Ordinary Time by Annie B. Jones on April 22, 2025
Genres: Biography & Autobiography / Memoirs, Biography & Autobiography / Women, Family & Relationships / Friendship, Literary Collections / Essays, Religion / Christian Living / Personal Growth, Religion / Christian Living / Personal Memoirs, Religion / Christian Living / Spiritual Growth, Religion / Christian Living / Women's Interests, Self-Help / Personal Growth / Happiness
Pages: 240
Format: Hardcover
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I read Ordinary Time for book club, and while I enjoyed it overall, I don’t think it resonated with me quite as much as I expected it to. Some of the essays really connected with me, while others didn’t leave quite as much of an impression.
I did appreciate Annie B. Jones’s reflections on finding value in the ordinary, quieter moments of life. There’s something refreshing about a book that pushes back against the idea that we always need to be chasing the next big thing, moving somewhere new, or reinventing ourselves in order to have a meaningful life.
Since this is largely a memoir, I understand why “staying” is such an important theme throughout the book. Jones has built a life around staying in her small town, her marriage, her bookstore, and even her faith through seasons of change. I think loving where you live and finding contentment there can be one of the most important choices we make as adults. At the same time, staying isn’t necessarily the right choice for everyone, so I didn’t connect with every aspect of the message.
Overall, this was an interesting and thoughtful read that gave me a few things to think about, even if it wasn’t one that completely grabbed me. I’m glad I read it, especially as a book club selection, because there’s definitely plenty here to discuss.