Shades of Light: A Novel

By: Sharon Garlough Brown

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

"I was desperate.... I couldn't turn off the dark thoughts, no matter how hard I tried or how much I prayed.
And then I spent a whole weekend in bed, and the crying wouldn't stop, and I got really scared. I've had bouts with depression before - it's kind of a cloud I've learned to live with - but this time was different. I felt like I was going under, like I'd never feel hopeful again, and then that just made my anxiety worse, and it all spiraled from there."

Wren Crawford is a social worker who finds herself overwhelmed with the troubles of the world. Her lifelong struggles with anxiety and depression are starting to overcome her. She finds solace in art, spiritual formation, and pastoral care along with traditional therapeutic interventions. But a complicated relationship from her past also threatens to undo her progress.

Fans of Sharon Brown's best-selling Sensible Shoes Series will be delighted to discover some old friends along the way. As Wren seeks healing in this beautifully written novel, listeners are invited to move beyond pat answers and shallow theology into an experience of hope and presence that illuminates even the darkness.

©2019 Sharon Garlough Brown (P)2019 Sharon Garlough Brown

Understanding darkness

What a beautiful look into the life of a woman battling depression and anxiety. This book is a gift and a balm.

Right book at just the right time

I am very grateful I came across this book and decided to read it, at first I wasn’t sure if I would be able to read it because I do have a mental illness. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to emotionally handle this book, but I am glad I decided to read it, because this book hit so close to my own life and struggles with my illness and where God fits in. I felt comforted by this story and the way she used scripture and prayers throughout helped me to remember that God hasn’t forgotten me.
Thank you for writing this book. I will definitely be reading this one again.

Lovely story and insight

It was a hard read into the life to mental illness, but I feel like I have more empathy through this beautiful story!

I’m still reading but had to say this is good!

I’m only in the first 7 chapters and Wow! Really good. Anyone who knows someone dealing with anxiety or depression and a christian, or for yourself, this is great. Lots of insight. Even pastors should read this and especially parents or grandparents of no matter what age the loved one is should read.

Awesome book

This was such a great story and inspirational look at the inside of mental illness and it’s effects on us all!

Enjoyable and encouraging book

I loved this book (as well as the Sensible Shoes series by the same author). The book had an engaging story with realistic characters. The author draws you into the story and their lives, feeling their sorrows, joy, confusion, hope. The book includes lots of Scripture quotes and it imparts encouraging, spiritual messages without being preachy. Just a good story. The narrator was also excellent... I would love to hear more books read by her.

A book to help you know you’re not alone

There is no better book to help someone understand the struggle of mental health. This book moved me beyond words. Aided in finding the words to say and affirmed that sometimes there are no words.

Devastatingly Beautiful

can be heavy and would not recommend if you're currently depressed
But representation matters and different accounts of accurate representation are crucial to reducing mental health stigma
I feel like I could have been reading a patients journal or memoir (who has done the work to so eloquently describe their mental health changes - which seems likely if they were also a provider
I would strongly recommend sharing this book with a family member or friend who is unable to understand mental health struggles especially related to depression

(review written by a psych nurse)

Hope

Characters who are facing hard things are not always enjoyable to hang out with in a story, but Sharon captured the heart break of struggle while weaving in the reality of a truer story—with characters I was delighted to invest hours with. Well done!

One of the best!

This is one of the best books I’ve read! Sharon Garlough Brow is a favorite writer in my world! This helped me to understand mental health much more than a text book would have. Thanks so much for being led by the Spirit of God to write all your books!