Jennie Allen, the founder and visionary behind IF:Gathering, wants us to find our people in her book, “Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World.“
I started reading this book at a time in my life when I had few authentic friendships and desired more. In other words, I knew a lot of people but I didn’t feel like I had a lot of “friends.” You could say that I knew a lot of people, I spent time with lots of people but I didn’t feel really “connected” to many people. I still felt alone when I was surrounded by people. Maybe you feel that way too.
I felt like I knew the secret to making mom friends and I knew creative ways to make connections, but I lacked the ability to have deep relationships with many of them and I wasn’t sure why.
Who is this book for?
This book is for anyone who desires to build a truly strong community but doesn’t know where to start. In it, Jennie encourages readers to first seek out the people who will be their biggest cheerleaders and confidantes. Then shares with her readers how to invite these people into life-changing conversations and deeper relationship in an authentic way.
What is this book about?
The book is divided into three sections: I Long For Community, We Were Made For Community, and The Way To Community. In the first section, Allen begins by sharing her own story of loneliness and isolation. She then goes on to explore the stories of other people who are struggling to find community. This section was particularly resonant for me. I found myself nodding along in recognition as I read about the many challenges of building community.
In the second section, Allen talks about why humans need community and how important it is for our mental and physical health. She also shares some interesting research about the benefits of close relationships. This section was informative and gave me a greater understanding of why community is so important.
The final section contains practical advice for building community. Allen covers topics such as how to find your people, how to host meaningful gatherings, and how to deal with conflict. This section was my favorite because it includes concrete steps to build the kind of community I desire.
Conclusion
In a world that can feel increasingly lonely and isolating, Jennie Allen’s “Find Your People” is a welcome gift. This book is filled with wisdom and practical advice for anyone longing for authentic connection. If you’re searching for your tribe or want to deepen the relationships you already have, you’ll enjoy and appreciate this book.
Not sure where to find people? Check out our posts The Secret to Making Mom Friends and The Best Apps You Need for Making Mom Friends. Also connect in our Facebook group – join, introduce yourself and build relationships.
