That Sounds Fun: The Joys of Being an Amateur, the Power of Falling in Love, and Why You Need a Hobby

Judge this book by its pretty cover, but maybe not its title: “That Sounds Fun: The Joys of Being an Amateur, the Power of Falling in Love, and Why You Need a Hobby.” I preordered Annie Downs’ new book, so I was able to listen to the audio version before my print copy even arrived. I sure am glad I did because I rarely listen to audiobooks, but I was eager to hear Annie’s stories. She read the book and three mini podcast episodes were included after the credits as bonus material – so fun!I’d categorize this book as a memoir, as Annie tells stories from her life. Each chapter is named after a place. She shares about falling in love (not just with people, but with ideas and dreams and food and places too), the value of being an amateur, and why we all need hobbies. Through it all, she recognizes she – and all of us – is longing for Eden. Her stories brought to mind some of my own growing up and moving on and navigating this unpredictable life.“That Sounds Fun” doesn’t sound like it would be packed full of life lessons, but this book is more than the title may suggest. Yes, it’s a fun book, but it’s also a meaningful book that left me with some truth I ought to hold onto: Finding fun matters in our lives that don’t always go as we planned or expected; being an amateur is fun and brave; don’t limit your life by thinking you have to be a professional at everything; searching for Eden is sometimes going to require new places and new friendships and new experiences, but there’s always a chance to come back to places you felt loved; hobbies slow our minds and lives while connecting us to ourselves and others.Regardless of the season, I want to choose the joys that surprise me in my ordinary life. I want to life at a pace that makes noticing a priority, wherever I am and wherever I’m going. I want to realize most everything I think I should control is better off held with loose, open hands. Life will be more fun that way.

This book is like sitting down with a close friend and digging into the truth about fun, Eden, identity, and God. As Annie writes about fun, I reflected often on my own fun, my own search for Eden and what I am really looking for when I go looking for fun. This was a wonderful book to listen to on a walk, while driving down the road, or when I was knitting in the Adirondack chair outside at the coffee shop. It helped me take a break from the many roles I play; it was a wonderful way for me to have some fun.Now to share some of my favorite quotes to help remember how special this book is and remind me of some of the learning and reflection that took place as I listened."Some things are just meant to be fun. Some things are meant to stay amateur level for us. Some things are meant to teach us, and grow us, and bring us joy- not income.""To me, making strong fun memories are some of the best ways to partner with the pain you feel and to give it purpose. Fun is never meant to replace pain, or better said, fun will never replace pain, but fun can walk alongside it. You can hold them both and see what happens when they dance together.""...I was so tired- tired from waking up for a 5am flight, but also tired from a week of preaching at a summer camp, tired from preaching the day before at my church, and tired from 6 months of really hard work. There's this saying that when you have your dream job, you'll never work a day in your life. That is so laughable. I have pretty close to my dream job, and I have never worked harder. Can I get an amen from the rest of you living on mission and living on purpose? Sheesh. We are a tired people.""We can all take the thing we are, and after some time and some wounds and some worries, we can surely turn that thing into who we are- mom, musician, friend, boss, pastor. Your thing becomes you, and when you find yourself in a soft place like Lost Valley Ranch or a conversation with a trusted friend, or even time alone with your bible and journal, it feels uncomfortable because it just doesn't sit well with the tough skin you've acquired."

Annie's writing in this book is simple. And I mean that as a compliment. In this season, I tend to shy away from books that make me think too much. That Sounds Fun makes me think, but in a non-scary way. The chapters are easy to read and the book can be put down and picked up later without having to re-read the previous chapter to remember where you are. (Not that you will want to put it down--I read it in less than 24 hours without even trying). It's light, but in a deep way. It's one of those that will stick with me--esp. in this pandemic season I'm in.If you haven't picked up one of Annie F Down's books, you are missing out. I can't pick a favorite. Let's All Be Brave, Looking for Lovely and 100 Days to Brave are the first that come to mind, but That Sounds Fun will be with them. One of my favorite quotes:" ...what we have lost is real. That thing that we know is missing is no joke. It's legit. While the world may look at your life and tell you that you have everything, you know the quiet, nagging whisper of truth. We have lost Eden, we have lost peace, we have lost the foundation upon which genuine fun can be built. And we have to go search for it." pg. 21

I preordered this book which gave me the chance to listen to the audiobook version of it. I have since listened to the audiobook 3 times in the last month! I can't wait to get the physical copy of this book, and have already created a list of people to gift this book to. Annie writes incredibly encouraging words that are thought provoking, scripturally based, make you laugh and cry. Days and weeks after listening to this book, I continue to ponder and think about what Annie shared. This book is a must read! Some people feel God in a Chili's, I felt God in this book. The conduit of which Annie is, needs to be experienced by all!! THANK YOU AFD!! If F stands for favor, you have done us all a great favor with this book!

This book is a joy to read. Annie uses her usual wit and humour to talk about deep subjects. Taking examples from her own experience she’s not afraid to let you in on her feelings (many of which we’ve also experienced but may not mention) good and not so.In a world where we think we ‘should’ be know it all’s on every subject, where we’ve realised the importance of creating our own entertainment and what we can do for fun looks so different now days this book is so timely!An easy read that will have you laughing and thinking deeply in equal measure!

I was able to listen to the audiobook a few months ago... I couldn’t quit it. May have ignored my family a little so I could finish it! Annie has written in such a beautiful way, merging deeply personal stories and reflection with thought-provoking truth. Especially after a hard year where it feels like a lot was stripped away from us, this is the perfect read to consider what is really at the heart of the fun we seek, and what we can do, even now, to pursue fun. Her words freed something in me that I didn’t realize needed freeing. This book is for every person who has that little kid in them that longs for fun.

Such an incredible and life affirming book full of stories that bring much needed joy in these times. A delightfully easy read. Absolutely brilliant.

I felt like I was reading my own diary when I read through this memoir - Annie is so relatable. This book truly inspired me to live a more intentional life and to not let the days slip by doing nothing. Reading this book will feel like you're having coffee (or chai tea, hehe) with a good friend. Her podcast is just as fun and relatable as this book is!