Home Is Where My People Are: The Roads That Lead Us to Where We Belong

Sophie Hudson’s new book Home is Where My People Are: The Roads that Lead Us to Where We Belong is funny, touching, and unexpectedly soul-stirring. Sophie takes the reader on a journey from a Mississippi childhood to adult life in Birmingham, Alabama. With a truly Southern flair, this memoir chronicles not just life’s eventful moments but highlights the people who walked the journey with her.I loved this book for several reasons. First, I laughed – a lot! Sophie’s discussion of poor clothing choices sent me into giggles. As a 20-something in the 90’s, I can recall having every appalling outfit she describes in my closet. Even better is when Sophie shares stories of her first years as a teacher and the chaos and uncertainty she faced every day. O how I related!One of my favorite chapters is “Seventeen Helpful Terms for the Formerly Wayward and/or Semi-prodigal Who Decides to Go to Church Again.” Those of us who have grown-up in church will so relate to these churchisms that the new Christian doesn’t really get. Her definitions of “hedge of protection,” “small group,” and “season” had me rolling my eyes and laughing in agreement.Amidst the chuckles, there were several moments when I requested another tissue from my stylist. The book brims with tucked away sentences that bring the big truths of life into focus. The reality of each one brings to mind how that truth is evident in your own life. I’ve moved around a good bit (much like Sophie did) and left “my people” behind in another state. When she speaks of being vividly aware “of a profound feeling of familiarity – a confidence in being known by the people who belong to a place,” the tears flowed. I was overcome with an urge to pick up the phone and call those who truly “know” me yet still love me.The ultimate tear-fest came when Sophie tells of the tragedy that befalls her tight-knit group of college friends. My heart hurt as if I was a part of those women. She has such a wonderful way of pulling you in a making you love “her people” too. The Kleenex will need to be your companion during this chapter.Overall, Home is Where My People Are brought me joy. Its Southern style (there’s a million ya’lls) made me feel right at home. So grab yourself a sweet tea and enjoy a few moments meeting Sophie’s people and remembering your own. Happy reading, ya’ll!

I am a fan of Sophie. I like that she is talking about nothing and yet driving a point all the way home. I always appreciate the fact that she isn't trying to impress me with her great knowledge or holy wisdom. She just tells what God is teaching her with all the humility she can muster. I like it. Send me the straight shooters.I read this book when it came out and I liked it, but for some reason I decided to buy the audio at the end of summer. I think I had just made one too many longs trip with three kids and the thought of driving four hours home almost took me out. I wanted to listen to somebody talk to me, somebody that sounded like family. It worked. I think it was divinely inspired because my four hour trip turned into over six hours and I arrived home no worse for the wear. It was like riding around with an old friend.I actually liked the book more the second time around. I think I needed to hear it more. I needed to be reminded of the importance of certain things. I was dog tired, worn bone thin, and hurting. So, I listened. I grieved. I went on. I loved hearing her inflections. It was soothing. Sometimes you want that person around you to remind you to love and be loved and the spot is empty. So, for this window, she was my person.I loved following her moves and life changes and hurts. Her story of encountering the Holy Spirit at a Christian school she got a job at was fantastic. She said, "These people were serious." I laughed so much. She talks about raising her son, troubles in marriage, and finding her place in the world. It was good for my soul to stop and hear her story.I listened to this in my suv, on my John Deere, and painting our three story house.We kept company and it was grand. I loved it so much, Sophie. Thank you.

I have been reading Boo Mama nearly as long as she has been blogging. The day I stumbled upon her blog feels like one of the happiest days of my life. When I first discovered the world of blogging I went willy nilly all around the internet reading and discovering blogs by the dozens. Because of obligations like a family who likes to eat, and an employer who pays me to work those blog reading times have been greatly reduced. Actually I am now down to two blogs that I MUST read daily without fail, no matter what else is going on, is piling up or tugging on my shirtsleeve. Boo Mama is one. From the moment I read her first words to this time when I hang on every word she writes I have felt like she was a very real, very personal BFF that was just like me. She doesn't ever come across as holier than me, more together than me, more special than me. She writes as she is - just a really beautiful southern gal who loves her family, her God and every bit of pop scene information there is. Her take on home and on family - wherever you are- was so touching and made me think back to my different homes in various corners of the world and the FAMILY that I made in each of those places who touch the deepest core of my heart when I remember them and am profoundly grateful for the part they played in making me who I am today. You will laugh, you will likely tear up, you will put the book down and pray words of thanksgiving for your blessings and you will be tempted to email her and ask when the next book is coming out and will she please make it longer and longer. Don't wait - buy the book. If you have already bought the book, buy it again and give it away. Spread the blessing that is Sophie Hudson!