Diving into the fast-paced brain dumping writing-style of The Jesus Experience, in which New-Zealand born and raised Wendy Anderson shares her spiritual growth and personal encounters with Jesus. Don't expect a highly structured book on a single topic. This one reads like a combination of coming of age, practicing faith with Pentecostal church flavour, including all jokes, terminology and easy sounding phrases. Get used to descriptions like: "I thought when I married John, I would have a nice family, but I was wrong! As a result of their machinations, I am, unfortunately, very familiar now with manipulation, vindictiveness, deceit, and spite". Personally I didn't like this cover up for very difficult situations, as well as blaming the devil and demonic powers for everything unexpected.
Sometimes Wendy writes as a teenager: "As for myself, I am terribly attractive, simply gorgeous (Yeah, right!) I am still blonde but highly intelligent, I hope. Nice, kind, a good heart, always smiling, positive, a real character, direct (don't ask unless you want an honest answer), funny, creative and a spiritual warrior, willing to out on a limb with extreme curves now, prone to wearing glasses and dangling earrings, bright coloured clothing, and don't forget the lippy (lipstick), artist, business type, wife (with a sometimes adoring husband)."

It may not be wise to describe your neighbour as: "As to the house, a kind relation, who unfortunately was not a Christian came and helped John fix the rot and put in a sliding door and another concrete slab!" In 99 out of 100 times Jesus is mentioned without Christ, as if He's just the guy next door, a best friend forever. The same applies to God the Father referred to as Dad. Spiritual warfare in this book sounds like self-declared, without being specific the situation or person who's fought for. New-Zealand landscape, car drives and hospital visits however are described in great detail. Editing and proofreading by non-Pentecostals would really add value before publishing it. ( )

The book is honest and very sweet. Although I am not Christian, I am a religious Jew, and I can appreciate the feeling that although circumstances on earth might not be perfect, someone above is watching out for you. Despite how people might scoff, I think it's beautiful to see God everywhere, not matter how mundane the place might be.

It's reassuring to read that despite the fact that the author grew up in an abusive home, she managed to marry well and create a happy home for herself. It reminds readers that although things might not be perfect, with the right choices and attitude, things can change for the better. ( )