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Perfectly Unique: Praising God From Head to Foot
Your body is an instrument. No, it's not a flute, or a guitar (I hope). It is a sacred and original design by a master craftsman with a specific plan and purpose. That's a pretty big deal. From head to foot, the way you view your body is directly connected to how you serve God. Seriously. From the thoughts you think to the steps you take, every part of you is linked to the divine. Perhaps you are struggling with your body image or are trying to make sense of why God made you as you are. Maybe you are looking for new ways to understand Scripture or to love God more fully. Either way, this book will take you on a thoughtful, funny, and spirit-filled exploration of the way you were designed and will help you better honor the Creator by learning to value his perfectly unique creation (yourself!).
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2012
201 people are currently reading
1681 people want to read
About the author
Annie F. Downs
43 books1,996 followersAnnie F. Downs is an author, blogger, and speaker based in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she uses her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and present God.
An author of three books- Let's All Be Brave , Perfectly Unique , and Speak Love , Annie also loves traveling around the country speaking to young women, college students, and adults.
Read more at anniefdowns.com and follow her on Twitter @anniefdowns.
An author of three books- Let's All Be Brave , Perfectly Unique , and Speak Love , Annie also loves traveling around the country speaking to young women, college students, and adults.
Read more at anniefdowns.com and follow her on Twitter @anniefdowns.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 7, 2014
What I Loved:
First of all, I know that the author's personality doesn't normally make or break the book, but I must mention that it was an absolute pleasure working with this author, Annie Downs. She is super sweet, easy to work with, and an amazing author. I was so excited to begin reading this book, and I wasn't let down. This upbeat, Christ-based book was really enjoyable to read; I absolutely loved the style she wrote it in! Reading the book almost feels like your having a conversation with her- she writes it like she's right there talking to you, which kept my interest while reading the book. Unlike many other books I've read which take a very parental approach in advising one on what they should do, Annie Downs writes from her experiences and comes as a friend rather than as a "mother." What I consider is the best feature of this book is the personal stories that she includes. The embarrassing, funny, sad, amusing ones are all here. She's not trying to put up a front like she knows it all. To me, the stories made the book captivating, and fun to read. Her advice was valid, and really helpful in showing what we are worth to the Lord, and who we are in Christ.
What I Didn't Like So Much:
Really, I honestly didn't dislike anything about this book. It was such a pleasant read, and I loved every aspect of it whatsoever. Overall, I highly recommend this book to girls ages 13-17. It is applicable to girls who are struggling in finding peace in how God made them, and loving yourself just the way He made you- perfectly unique.
First of all, I know that the author's personality doesn't normally make or break the book, but I must mention that it was an absolute pleasure working with this author, Annie Downs. She is super sweet, easy to work with, and an amazing author. I was so excited to begin reading this book, and I wasn't let down. This upbeat, Christ-based book was really enjoyable to read; I absolutely loved the style she wrote it in! Reading the book almost feels like your having a conversation with her- she writes it like she's right there talking to you, which kept my interest while reading the book. Unlike many other books I've read which take a very parental approach in advising one on what they should do, Annie Downs writes from her experiences and comes as a friend rather than as a "mother." What I consider is the best feature of this book is the personal stories that she includes. The embarrassing, funny, sad, amusing ones are all here. She's not trying to put up a front like she knows it all. To me, the stories made the book captivating, and fun to read. Her advice was valid, and really helpful in showing what we are worth to the Lord, and who we are in Christ.
What I Didn't Like So Much:
Really, I honestly didn't dislike anything about this book. It was such a pleasant read, and I loved every aspect of it whatsoever. Overall, I highly recommend this book to girls ages 13-17. It is applicable to girls who are struggling in finding peace in how God made them, and loving yourself just the way He made you- perfectly unique.
November 23, 2019
This book would be perfect for middle grade-highschool girls. It's a great little book about praising God with every part of you.
March 16, 2020
i loved everything about this book and im so glad it came up in my recommendations so as soon as i opened it up in my kindle. I loved making notes and highlighting what i think and feel was the most important to my christian walk. Alot of what she said i can understand cause i have been through them myself she speaks in the book like if she is sitting right in front of you or is like your best friend i loved her ideas about the lie and truth cards and having the whole armor of God as well you wont regret reading and studying this book
June 5, 2020
I loved this book so much! I did not realize it was designed for pre-teen/teen girls when I started it but now I am so excited for Lucy to read it someday. I love Annie’s podcast, and it was so fun to read her stories and wisdom. I wish I had read this when I was that age. Great wisdom on what it looks like to follow Jesus and then practical fun and important things like great recipes, great music and encouragement to pluck your eyebrows. How I needed that 25 years ago!
September 11, 2012
Note: I received this book to review from Netgalley.
At first I thought that this will be just the next instruction book, but i was pleasantly surprised to find out it wasn't so. There wasn't a list of do's and don'ts, where the only thing you seem to be allowed to do is pray. No, I'm not saying not to do that. Of course praying is important, it's just not all there is.
Chapter after chapter, the author introduces us to both real pieces of her life and the importance of each and every part of our body. From our mind and heart, through our eyes and mouth, Annie talks about the wonderful way God has made us, the many ways we do wrong with His work and the even more ways we can glorify Him through each part of our body.
Truth is, I agree with all the things she said. Of course, I'm not proud of myself for not using some of my body parts right. Like, sometimes I gossip. I'm not proud of it, but I do. And sometimes I fail to listen properly or see what's right in front of my eyes. Like, people's needs and hurts, and how you can help.
This book helped me personally to realize that there are aspects of life where I need serious improvement. For that I can only say THANK YOU ANNIE.
At first I thought that this will be just the next instruction book, but i was pleasantly surprised to find out it wasn't so. There wasn't a list of do's and don'ts, where the only thing you seem to be allowed to do is pray. No, I'm not saying not to do that. Of course praying is important, it's just not all there is.
Chapter after chapter, the author introduces us to both real pieces of her life and the importance of each and every part of our body. From our mind and heart, through our eyes and mouth, Annie talks about the wonderful way God has made us, the many ways we do wrong with His work and the even more ways we can glorify Him through each part of our body.
Truth is, I agree with all the things she said. Of course, I'm not proud of myself for not using some of my body parts right. Like, sometimes I gossip. I'm not proud of it, but I do. And sometimes I fail to listen properly or see what's right in front of my eyes. Like, people's needs and hurts, and how you can help.
This book helped me personally to realize that there are aspects of life where I need serious improvement. For that I can only say THANK YOU ANNIE.
October 22, 2012
Loved this quick read. I think all teen girls should read this as well as those in their 20's 30's and 40's. She has a fun style of writing.
February 13, 2016
a most enjoyable read and great reminder of who we are and whose we are. perfect read for young girls. very encouraging!
June 10, 2016
My sister and Annie were friends in college. That made me want to read it. It was written very well. I feel like we are besties now! She radiates with the love of Jesus!
March 24, 2023
Really liked this book. It was written more for young adults, but it helped me in my spiritual journey as well. Love Annie Downs!!
June 29, 2020
As per the title, that’s how God sees us and how He made us. In a fun yet serious style, Annie explains how that is true and how we can grow to believe it: We are loved by God. I loved the combo of Scripture, personal (and very honest) stories along with practical suggestions as to how to renew your heart and mind to believe this truth. While this book is somewhat directed to younger women, it applies to all of us.
January 15, 2022
This book is delightful! I'd recommend as required reading for girls and ladies of any age! An accessible, classy, practical and fun look at just what it means to honor God with your body.
Totally appropriate for any age. And unlike so many Christian books, this doesn't "get weird" with any topics. And trust me, young me would have been wary of any "spiritual" books. I'd say it definitely passes the teen test, but applies to all ages!
Totally appropriate for any age. And unlike so many Christian books, this doesn't "get weird" with any topics. And trust me, young me would have been wary of any "spiritual" books. I'd say it definitely passes the teen test, but applies to all ages!
July 22, 2024
I loved Annie’s approach to this book! Only get 4 stars because it is written to a younger audience and I didn’t read it soon enough. I know that sounds like a me problem, but it also was just not my favorite Annie. I love how she takes it step by step from head to foot and includes her own stories. My favorite chapters were shoulder & the last one. Even though it was written for a younger audience, and one I will give to my younger friends, it was such a reminder that I needed!
July 8, 2017
I bought this book for my 13 year old daughter and thought that I would read it before I gave it to her. It has some very good point in it and I think that all preteen to teenage girls should read this. The author talks about some experiences in life that she has had and how to deal with them as believers in Christ.
March 13, 2018
I love Annie F. Downs's style of writing! She is so relatable and reminds me of my own experiences while also being able to relate to teen girls. It was a great book to read with a small group of young ladies to help pour into their lives how God has made them perfectly unique despite the messages they may hear from the outside world.
August 15, 2019
Great book for middle through high schoolers- such a good solid foundation of identity in Christ with so much fun and kicky banter that the youth will forget they are learning deep truths. It’s like a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine of our struggles, that start so very young, go down, the brokenness of life revealed, but with the balm of the Gospel holding the reader close.
January 7, 2020
Overall a good book - definitely feel it would be great for the pre-teen/teenage young lady who wants to strengthen her relationship with the Lord.
Miss Annie F. Downs addresses a lot of issues young ladies face in creative ways and you can tell has such a lively personality, as it jumps right off the page!
Miss Annie F. Downs addresses a lot of issues young ladies face in creative ways and you can tell has such a lively personality, as it jumps right off the page!
July 30, 2021
Great advice and loved how it told me to create truth cards that i will for sure carry around on a day to day basis and pull out when i need a reminder of how much God loves me! Rated it 4 stars because audience better suited for people younger than me and couldn't relate to everything mentioned at the point of life that I'm currently in.
January 31, 2019
A great book to challenge you if you struggle with wondering who you can be--but also good for those who are confident in themselves. Annie writes honestly and clearly with a heart to change the world!!
January 27, 2023
This was very clearly written as a study book for teen girls, and I tried to keep a lens on of viewing the book as whether I would want to use this group with a girls' small group. I think there are some great anecdotes and overall good points made, but I just didn't quite vibe with the style.
March 16, 2023
I wish I had a case of this book to hand out to so many young women who struggle with what this life with Christ looks like. This book was remarkable at explaining things in a way that was easy to understand.
January 29, 2017
This book was a very good book! I read it for church, and it was very enjoyable! I think this book teaches people about themselves. I would recommend this to young adults,too! Overall, GREAT BOOK! :D
September 14, 2017
Great book for young girls to read! I will be sharing with my nieces.
July 31, 2017
Previewed for my daughter as I thought she might be ready to read this, but she's not yet. In a few years, I'll track it down again. Engaging style with some good info.
August 21, 2017
Thank you for all of the food for thought from a 51 year old woman
January 16, 2018
read for my church, excellent tool for young people and for people working with young people. I'll be using parts of this book in my religious ed classes. also really funny-)
December 8, 2018
Note to self. Read with girls when in hs+
January 5, 2020
I read this as a preview for my preteen niece. It is great for teenage girls (the intended audience). I also enjoyed what it had to offer.
January 14, 2020
The four stars is given for the book given you are the target audience. While it was not directed at me, I thought it was pretty good for the young adult audience.
February 5, 2020
This would be a great book for teen girls.
May 19, 2020
Definitely a read for younger (middle school aged) girls. Great material.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews