Book review: Rooted and Reaching
Book review: Rooted and Reaching
20 November 2017
Rooted and Reaching is a collection of stories from the author's time in Kenya that shine a particular light on Scripture verses and song lyrics. Photo: Seth Doyle.
It’s hard to put a label on it – perhaps it’s best described as a work of art.
Jessica Hodder-Fagerstrom’s book Rooted and Reaching is part-devotional and part-diary of her time spent living in Kenya with her officer parents from 2006 to 2009. 
Through a total of 35 stories presented under broad headings of Earth, Wind, Water, Fire and Spirit, readers are treated to an insider’s look at life in Africa.
Each story has a simple one-word title and is headed by a Scripture verse and post-scripted with a verse or chorus from The Salvation Army song book.
The book is dotted with some stunning photographs and is artistically laid out, with each beautifully written story invoking memories of my visit to the African continent a few years ago.
The author takes us inside the lives and lifestyles of the people of Kenya, and also gives us a glimpse of Salvation Army life in this part of the world.
This is not a theological work; it's simply a collection of stories that shine a particular light on Scripture verses and song lyrics.
It could be used as a daily five-week devotional, or read in one day.
With proceeds from the book go towards helping The Salvation Army plant trees in Kenya, it would also make a great gift for someone.
I found it a heart-warming and inspiring spiritual experience, proving to me once again that God is found more easily in a simple story of everyday life than in a grand theological exposition.
Rooted and Reaching is available from Salvation Army Supplies in Melbourne (1800 100 018) or Salvationist Supplies in Sydney (1800 634 209).
Captain Colin Lane is the Corps Officer at Frankston Corps, Victoria.
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