Surprised by Oxford
A Memoir
- History & Biography
- Publisher: W Publishing Group (Thomas Nelson)
- Published: 2013
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Publisher's Description
When Carolyn Weber set out to study Romantic literature at Oxford University, she didn't give much thought to God or spiritual matters—but over the course of her studies she encountered the Jesus of the Bible and her world turned upside down. Surprised by Oxford chronicles her conversion experience with wit, humor, and insight into how becoming a Christian changed her. Carolyn Weber arrives at Oxford a feminist from a loving but broken family, suspicious of men and intellectually hostile to all things religious. As she grapples with her God-shaped void alongside the friends, classmates, and professors she meets, she tackles big questions in search of truth, love, and a life that matters. From issues of fatherhood, feminism, doubt, doctrine, and love, Weber explores the intricacies of coming to faith with an aching honesty and insight echoing that of the poets and writers she studied. Surprised by Oxford is: The witty memoir of a skeptical agnostic who comes to a dynamic personal faith in God Rich with illustration and literary references Gritty, humorous, and spiritually perceptive An inside look at Oxford University Weber eloquently describes a journey many of us have embarked upon, grappling with tough questions and doubts about the meaning of faith—and ultimately finding it in the most unlikely of places.
Endorsements (8)
“A hugely readable journey of cultural and spiritual discovery, sparkling with wit and wisdom.”
“Surprised by Oxford is a sprightly contribution to the genre of spiritual memoirs in the vein of C.S. Lewis’s Surprised by Joy and Lauren F. Winner’s Girl Meets God. Carolyn Weber is an unconventional thinker whose engagingly told faith journey will speak to folks who still believe that thoughtful people cannot be Christian.”
“Carolyn Weber is a formidable intellect and a sought-after college professor, as well as a great wife and mom. But what I love most about her is her heart, which you’ll find on every page of this book. Showing us the world through her eyes, she brings readers along on her journey to Oxford, where the unexpected awaited her. This is a journey worth taking, and as our guide, Carolyn is candid, insightful, and charming.”
“Carolyn Weber’s memoir reads like a fast-paced novel. I loved the humor, skillful use of language and compelling account of her steps to finding God at Oxford. I was totally captivated from beginning to end. I simply loved everything about this book.”
“Carolyn Weber has penned a memoir for the ages; a tale of learning, love, and life. She didn’t come to Oxford University to think about God, but in the end she discovered that He was thinking about her, and this reality changed her life. This is a terrific book; compelling, well written, and deeply meaningful.”
Dr. Jim Belcher
“Surprised by Oxford is a three-dimensional love story about a young woman’s romance with Oxford, with a handsome stranger, and (most of all) with a Savior she never wanted or expected to meet. This funny, well-written, heart-warming memoir will give you fresh joy for the love that only the grace of God can bring to life.”
Dr. Philip G. Ryken
“Vulnerable candor, romantic adventure, spirit and spires, a light so lovely that many students and lovers will be drawn to this journey into life. Into beauty. I found it too intriguing, and too much fun, to put down. It is all gift.”
“In the spirit of C.S. Lewis, Carolyn Weber has given us a conversion observed. With sparkling immediacy, she recreates the succession of experiences and encounters by which God broke down her old faith in self and drew her into the more abundant life.”
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