Naomi Zacharias is a wonderful story-teller. In The Scent of Water, Naomi share the stories of women across the globe and what God has taught her through each of these incredible women.What a wonderful compilation of stories! Though don't think for one minute that this is an "easy" read. The situations that these ladies are in are heart-wrenching. I am so thankful that Naomi feels she is responsible for getting these stories out to the world.
I will say that at times the book was a little disjointed. I think I was looking for theme running from start to finish or maybe something to tie them all together. Once I took the approach that each chapter was in essence it's own short story, it made a bit more sense to me. Also, in one chapter there is a lengthy section about how personalities of women can be tied to Greek gods and goddesses in mythology. It seemed a bit strange and out of place in the book. Also, some have commented how "unChristian" the book seems to be. I will say that the Christian theme is perhaps a bit more subtle than some but the message is clearly one of hope found in Christ. Overall, the stories are powerful and give readers a glimpse of how God is working around the world.
I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Book
Follow Naomi as she talks to women working in brothels in Mumbai; survivors of an Indonesian tsunami in which more than 160,000 lives were lost; a young girl waiting on an operation to save her life; and victims of domestic violence horrifically burned by fire. Be still with her when she realizes the pain she feels in the face of these extreme injustices reveals a common struggle that exists within all of humanity. And rise with her as she wrestles with confusion over her identity, comes face to face with redemption, and then begins to understand her own story … and to find her calling.
The Scent of Water will open your eyes to the complexities of the world, showing you pain can also be beauty, and how each are found in the unlikeliest of places.
Zacharias doesn’t have all the answers. But she has hope and encouragement that will empower you to find and begin the adventure of your life.
About the Author
Naomi Zacharias graduated from Wheaton College. After working in sales for Coca-Cola, she joined RZIM and launched Wellspring International, an initiative devoted to providing financial grants to international efforts working with at-risk women and children. Naomi has spent time in red-light districts in The Netherlands, India, and Thailand; foster homes for children affected by HIV/AIDS throughout Asia; hospitals providing surgical treatment for women who have been victims of violence in the Congo; women’s prisons in South Africa; displacement camps in Indonesia, Uganda and Pakistan; areas of the Middle East offering aid to Iraqi refugees; and areas of Southeast Asia devastated by the tsunami of 2004. Naomi recently met and married her husband, Drew, in Florence, Italy. They currently live in Oxford, England.
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