Chasing Slow

By: Erin Loechner

Narrated by: Hayley Cresswell

Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

Chasing Slow models HGTV star Erin Loechner's journey to help you break out of the faster-better-stronger trap and make small changes to refresh your perspective, renew your priorities, and shift your focus to what matters most. 

You're here, but you want to be there. So you spend your life narrowing this divide, and you call this your race, your journey, your path. You live your days tightening your boot straps, wiping the sweat from your brow, chasing undiscovered happiness just around the bend. And on and on you run. 

Viral sensation and HGTV.com star Erin Loechner knows about the chase. Before turning 30, she'd earned the title "The Nicest Girl Online" as she was praised for her authentic voice and effortless style. Her HGTV web show garnered over one million fans worldwide, and her client list includes Walt Disney World, IKEA, Martha Stewart and Home Depot. The New York Times applauded her, her friends and church admired her, and her husband and baby adored her. She had arrived at the ultimate destination. 

So why did she feel so lost? 

Through a series of steep climbs - her husband's brain tumor, bankruptcy, family loss, and public criticism - Erin learns just how much strength it takes to surrender it all, and to veer right into grace. In Chasing Slow, Erin upgrades her life through downsizing - her stuff, her obligations, her fears, her personal metric of "perfect." And ultimately, her invitation becomes yours: to turn away from the fast and frenzy, and find freedom in a new-fashioned lifestyle defined by grace.

Life's answers are not always hidden where they seem. It's time to venture off the beaten path to see that we’ve already been given everything we need. We've already arrived. You see?

You'll see. 

©2017 Erin Loechner (P)2017 Zondervan

Book is wonderful - narrator completely ruins it

Would you try another book from Erin Loechner and/or Hayley Cresswell?

This is a very important and deep book. I bought it so I could discuss it with my 28 year old daughter - her idea. I bought the Kindle version first but added the narration. I could NOT believe how awful the narrator was. Her inflections completely distort the book. She sounds like a petulant 13 year old rather than the sincere, thoughtful woman the author actually is. I am writing this to tell you to READ this and avoid this narrator.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Chasing Slow?

The author takes common, normal moments in life and honestly acknowledges the complex feelings that arise from living them out. Many of the struggles are extremely authentic descriptions of being a woman, a wife, a mother and an individual. She doesn't offer platitudes, she goes deeper instead. Its a very spiritual book really. I admire her courage and honesty. She is NOT entitled and whiny. The narrator makes her sound that way!

How did the narrator detract from the book?

In every way possible. Whiny, stupid, clueless and not the right age.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Chasing Slow?

none

Any additional comments?

I hope I can reach people drawn to this book to warn them about the narrator. Read the book!!

Do not buy

I'm not sure who feels whinier- the reader or the actual author. She just comes off very entitled and also annoyingly naive and spoiled. Maybe reading it on paper wouldn't come off the same way but the combo of the words and this readers voice makes the narrator unbearable for me. Couldn't make it through the second chapter.

Enlightening

This book left me with a new outlook on life. I found it quite relatable—and am so glad to have read it!

Terrible Book

I struggled to get through this book. The author’s thoughts on paper were haphazard and often repetitive and circular. The author pretends to simplify and slow down and vilifies corporate working moms in one chapter. This book was a crock and sadly I cannot back the time I wasted on it. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME on it!

Soulful

I am not sure how many people have already read or listened to this book, but I for sure simply loved it to bits. It’s made me rethink a lot of portions of my life. In how I approach them. I related to so many instances in this book. I think I loved the book for its simplicity yet magical experience. My first completely finished audible and I am so grateful for this opportunity.

A thoughtful, relatable and freeing memoir.

A good listen for those who like the next big thing but don't want it to take over their life. A good dose of perspective, grace and contradiction. Felt it was real and helpful.

Great reminders!

I enjoyed the reminder to slow down and see a version of life very different than mine. Although I couldn’t relate to such a life of excess it is fascinating to me how it seems to always lead back to simplifying! Great read :)

Having it All or Almost

insightful fun inspiring.. pretty well sums it up. i enjoyed this read and will look forward to more books from this author want to understand how to blog for cash and household freebies

I loved the book-purchased the hard copy as well

I very much enjoyed this book and disagree with the negative reviews. I found the story very real and the message refreshing. Some reviews speak about her being entitled, she admits that in the book and discusses the need to reprioritize and change her focus.

There are moments that might circle around a bit too much and I didn't love the recipes at the end of some of the chapters but those are easy to fast forward. There are several "little nuggets of wisdom" that caused me to purchase the hardback book so I could highlight them and use them as reminders for myself.

Good for analyzing your own life

Would you be willing to try another book from Erin Loechner? Why or why not?

Probably not. While I really enjoyed the messaging behind this book, the language was a bit flowery for my personal preference. I wanted her to hit the main points faster, and there was too much story to get there. I do think, however, that she writes really well - it just not in a style I enjoy.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Hayley Cresswell?

Maybe? I couldn't tell if it was the writing of the book or how she read it that I didn't prefer.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

One woman's quest for less.

Any additional comments?

I give this four stars overall because she makes such good points that are thought-provoking for the reader. I think a majority of moms can relate to the scenarios she poses in the book, which can be a comforting thought to the reader. I have recommended this to other working mom friends!