Tag Archives: Michèle Phoenix

Book Review: PIECES OF PURPLE by Michèle Phoenix

Posted on by
Reply

Pieces of Purple: The Greatness, Grit, and Grace of Growing up MK

by Michèle Phoenix

Genre: Resource

Published: 2025

Summary:

PIECES OF PURPLE is a compilation of work that Michèle has been doing for years. In this book, she notes the patterns she has seen in the lives of the MKs and their stories that they share with her. Giving a nod to her love of theatre, she divides the book into three sections: “Act I: The Fragments that From Us;” “Act II: The Darkness that Daunts Us;” and “Act III: The ‘Ships that Shape Us.” She also includes two interludes and a postlude of stories that illustrate the points and bring humor to the content that only teenage antics can. Michèle offers a fresh look at what an MK is, the issues they face as young people, and the influences they encounter – AND she shares practical ways parents, mentors, counselors, and even adult MKs can use to grow in their identity.

Recommendation:

Michèle Phoenix is an author of several novels, but she has hosted a podcast for several years titled “Pondering Purple.” I have listened to her podcast, read her other books, and followed her on social media. So, when I saw that she was releasing a book last year, I knew I wanted to get my hands on it. I finally got a copy. I have been using this book with clients, and it is also a great resource for starting conversations with my own children. I highly recommend it for anyone working with MKs, their parents, or even adult MKs. There really is something there for everyone to learn and grow from.

* Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: OF STILLNESS AND STORM by Michèle Phoenix

Posted on by
1

OF STILLNESS AND STORM: a novel29492092-_sr1200630_

by Michèle Phoenix

Published: 2016

*Please note as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Summary:

Sam and Lauren sell everything they own in the US to move to Nepal. It has been their dream to share the gospel with the distant tribes of the world. But it wasn’t their son’s dream. Sam treks the mountains for weeks at a time. He comes home tired and smelly but doesn’t want any luxuries because many in Nepal live in worse conditions. Lauren’s sense of adventure soon flattens after their move as she bumps along daily to a job she doesn’t like, fights a losing battle with the electricity, and watches her son slowly change from a fun and happy kid to a teen who just exists and resents her for everything. As the situation tenses on the home front, Lauren has an online encounter with a friend from her past. Her isolation leads to disillusionment, and things come crashing around her.

My Thoughts:

One of the reviews I read compared this book to THE POISONWOOD BIBLE, and I agree. Both stories drew up some deep emotions in me. With that said, if you experienced emotional trauma as a child, this book could be a trigger. So, read with caution.

 Michèle Phoenix is an MK (missionary kid) and has worked with MKs for many years. Her expertise and her personal experience give this story the raw emotions many who work overseas do not want to face. It asks the hard questions indirectly by watching this family try to survive while doing what they believe the Lord has called them to do.

I know that not everyone who reads this blog is a Christian, but the issues/themes in this book can be related to anyone who is trying to raise their family in a different culture than their own. Often, the children may not feel they have a choice in moving.