Book Review: Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir by Carolyn Weber
Carolyn Weber tells her unforeseen journey to faith as she leaves Canada to obtain a Master’s Degree at Oxford University in England. Her writing is engaging. She is truly a wordsmith. I cannot say enough of her mastery of the written expression. Weber brings the reader into her world. The reader finds himself along for the journey, sharing her emotions every step of the way.
Her account of that one Christian professor in Canada that was respected and looked up to both by students and professors alike brought to mind how important it is for anyone to represent God in a Christian way, especially in academia. That was the proverbial pebble on her shoe that made her think outside the box to see that maybe, just maybe, there may be something worth pursuing in the idea of God.
Even as she relates her surprise at finding God in a most unlikely place—Oxford University—I found myself surprised to find romance in her account. Well-written romance, mind you. But not something one expects in what is expected to be a Christian Apologetic.
The book is worth the read for those that have the time to. I certainly would recommend this book over most of the Christian romance available in local bookstores. Weber’s book will make you think, smile, maybe even cry. One wishes more people would write at her level.
Disclosure: The Kindle version of the book was received for free from the Thomas Nelson Publisher's BookSneeze review program. The program does not require a positive review, only a truthful one.
