Stand All the Way Up: Stories of Staying In It When You Want to Burn It All Down

This book had all the laughs - the kind my friend call pee-your-pants-laughter - and some tears too. Sophie really kicked it up a notch this time, making me think a little harder and feel a little deeper. I sobbed through Sophie's account of her mom's passing and laughed out loud when her rental car wouldn't start and she was in dire need of a nearby restroom. Sophie shares vulnerable things with her readers that I think women are sometimes too nervous to share with their real-life friends. I bookmarked many pages that I will go back and reference often and promptly ordered three additional copies for my best friends. I think reading and sharing Sophie's words will empower us to be better friends for each other and other women we meet in our daily lives. Thank you Sophie, I'm a fan for life!

Whenever I read Sophie Hudson's books, I imagine that I'm sitting at her breakfast table with a cup of coffee and she is just talking to me, telling me her stories, weaving some wisdom throughout. This book was no different, but this time I had some tears on more than one occasion. The chapter about her mother was almost too much - so beautifully written and I felt honored to have been told of that holy moment. The chapters about her feelings about some of the world's current events were refreshing to read - and tying it back to Psalm 40 was a helpful application that I personally needed as I have struggled with some of my own anger. There was some real honesty in this book and of course Sophie's witty humor is always a fun read. Loved this so much!

I absolutely loved this book. I have been a follower of Sophie for a couple years now, listen to her Big Boo podcast and the topics she and Melanie discuss really resonate with where I am in life right now. But the book really spoke to me--especially during this time of uncertainty and uncomfortable-ness. It felt like I was having a conversation with an old friend. If you are a woman over 40 maybe with some children (small or not so small--mine is small!) dealing with topics such as how to make sense of what's going on in current events or grappling with aging parents or finding community as we get older, then this book is for you.

This was recommended to me. While it is a really great book and the author herself reads it, I don’t think it was meant for me. I wasn’t her audience she was looking for if that makes sense. Her life events mixed with my moms more and she would have been able to laugh way more than I did at her antics. Will definitely recommend and will listen to it again at a Much later time.

If you are middle aged and have struggled with any of the accompanying issues that go with this glorious time, you should do yourself a favor and read this book. Sophie Hudson, armed with her characteristic humor and charm, lets down her own guard as she writes about some of her most challenging struggles leading up to the big 5-0. This vulnerability electrifies her writing as she equips her reader with the tools to take a stand in all areas of life. I laughed and cried and nodded and high fived her all the way through these timely and endearing essays.

Sophie’s latest book had me feeling all the emotions—and that’s good! Her words encourage me to have a voice when I think mine doesn’t matter and to just begin trying to change one habit, one person, one cause— one step at a time just by “ taking one step at a time” in the direction for change instead of giving up!! I loved every word of every chapter, and Sophie relates to so many women! She is the real deal, genuine, truthful, transparent and a Christ-follower all while being her funny, one-of-a-kind self!! Five stars always, Sophie!

Sophie Hudson is my new favorite author. And I get the impression she would be my best friend. She is real, transparent, hilarious, very southern and loves Jesus. This is my favorite of her writings this far but all are excellent. She writes just like she talks on her podcast. The stories she tells help me deal with many of the situations in my life - past and present - while making me laugh, cry, nod and wonder. Keep up the excellent work, Sophie!

This book had me engaged right from the Introduction! Don't miss reading that part. As a newly retired educator and someone coming up on 60 in a couple of years, this book resonated with me on so many levels. Losing a parent, comfortable clothing, raising teenagers (I'm done with that), and speaking up instead of just trying to be nice.I laughed, I cried, and I was prompted to reflect on how I want to finish my race well. Loved this book and will share with friends. I'm certain I will read it again.

I read this back in the summer and was in stitches laughing about monkeys in a tent in Africa. And then bawling when Sophie vulnerably shares a loss in her life. It is a great of example of life and holding both joy and sorrow.

This touched me in more ways than I can say. Sophie knows how to be vulnerable and teach through it. Thank you.