Skip to main content

Review: Dim Sum and Faith

Dim Sum and Faith book cover on blue background

In looking for a Christian non-fiction book for Asian Heritage Month this May, I'm grateful that I came across Dim Sum and Faith by Jenn Suen Chen. Not only did the title capture my attention as an Asian Christian, but it was great for me to try another spiritual formation book, which normally comprises a smaller part of my reading repertoire. This book ended up meeting both goals.

As a bonus, this book was also enjoyable to read as I have friends serving in Asia wo have also faced similar circumstances, so this book helped me better understand the emotions attached to some of what they have undergone.

Many thanks to Intervarsity Press and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Content to be aware of: utilization of The Passion Translation, quotes from authors I don't read nor reference (Richard Rohr, etc.)

Book Synopsis

Discover the Sacred in Your Story

Imagine gathering around a dim sum table, a lively setting where stories are shared over flavorful bites and heartfelt moments. This is the inviting atmosphere Jenn Suen Chen recreates in Dim Sum and Faith. Drawing from her own rich tapestry of experiences Jenn helps readers to explore how our personal narratives shape our spiritual journeys.

Dim Sum and Faith invites you to examine the phases of your life―shaping, undoing, awakening, and reshaping. Through guided scripture reading and reflective prompts, each chapter becomes a steppingstone toward understanding the profound ways God’s presence is woven through every joy and trial in your story. This isn’t just about looking back; it’s about seeing how our stories are a part of God’s continuous formation in our lives.

Dim Sum and Faith is an invitation to pause, reflect, and rediscover the joy and peace that comes from knowing you are lovingly crafted by God.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Dim sum is a meal that typically celebrates fellowship with friends and family around the table. The image of food being served in round containers in different rounds is a fitting analogy for the storytelling circles that the author takes us through in Dim Sum and Faith. Part personal memoir, part invitation into spiritual practices, and part explanation of cultural realities, this book whet my appetite for wanting to gather with other Christians and to share in the experience of hearing their stories. What makes Jenn Suen Chen's book even more meaningful to me is the visibility that she offers to Asian Christian women who may not always get to have a voice at the table. Recounting her own stories from her missionary experiences and family history, these retellings of the intersection between faith and culture captivated me most as I read along. I appreciate the vulnerability that is gently offered while making space for readers to participate in the journey.

In being new to the work of a spiritual director, it was a different experience for me to engage with the storytelling and self-reflective aspects of the book; however, when I shifted my perspective to reading each chapter as conversations taking place over a number of dim sum meals, the concepts came more easily to me. This book seems to be written as a progressive series of meals shared together, which means not everything has to be digested at once. If you're looking for an Asian perspective on the importance of storytelling within the Christian faith, Dim Sum and Faith is a reminder that God uses all of our stories for His glory and that there is value, redemption, and purpose to the experiences of Asian Christians.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: The Road Unveiled - Bicycle Adventures #2

If you've had the opportunity to read The Persistent Road by  Tim Bishop , The Road Unveiled is the second book in the Bicycle Adventures series where you can follow along for an up-close look at trekking across America with nothing but the wind and the open road. It's a book that will keep you guessing until the end as you get to enjoy the scenic beauty of American national parks. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : violence, assault, kidnapping, removal of clothing (not main characters) Book Synopsis Two wounded hearts. Long, winding roads. And second chances neither saw coming. Lauren Baumgartner pedals toward Yellowstone National Park, anticipating a grand celebration when she reaches the Atlantic Ocean. But when her wedding plans collapse, old wounds resurface—and a haunting secret still holds her heart hostage. Traveling alone with bear spray and a ...
4 comments
Read more

Review: The Biblio Diet

Over the years, I've had the joy of reading many books on health and nutrition, partly a product of some studies I've done on it and also due to personal interest. As a result, I'm always intrigued when there is a Christian perspective on this subject. I'm grateful that I learnt about The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe after having previously read Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe. Many thanks to Worthy Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis In this breakthrough book, New York Times bestselling authors and nutrition experts Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe offer a simple and holistic plan for building strength, health, and longevity. Based on the ancient wisdom of the Bible and confirmed by modern science, The Biblio Diet’s intuitive and easy-to-follow plan invites you to experience a breakthrough in the health of your entire family by learning to eat and live God’s way. In this book, you’ll receive powerful in...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: A Heart to Treasure - Searching Hearts #1

There can be a genteelness to Regency books that allows for reflection while reading about the hardships that people faced during this time in history. A Heart to Treasure by Dienece Darling probes both the heart and the mind, allowing readers to be immersed in an era where trust in God is required when circumstances appear bleak. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together, but a storm is coming. One that will shatter everything. Life hasn’t been easy for Obadiah Howard, especially after that misstep at Oxford which nearly obliterated his chances of joining the church. Added to that, he fell in love with the draper’s daughter. But a miracle revived his dreams of having a curacy and his strict father allowed his betrothal to Miss Hill. Only, what if there was no miracle? What if all of Obadiah’s br...
Post a Comment
Read more