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Garden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human. Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

John Mark Comer (Author, Narrator), Thomas Nelson (Publisher)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,732 ratings
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Read by the author.

A purposeful guide for 20- and 30-somethings to understand and embrace their calling as well as immediate next steps for their lives.

You've heard people say, "Who you are matters more than what you do." But does the Bible really teach that?

In Garden City, popular pastor and speaker John Mark Comer gives a surprisingly countercultural take on the typical "spiritual" answer of the church. Comer explores Scripture to discover God's original intent for how we are meant to spend our time, reshaping how you view and do your work, rest, and life.

Here, you'll find answers to questions like:

  • Does God care where I work?
  • Does he have a clear direction for me?
  • What about what I do with my free time or how much rest I get?

In this book, you'll learn that it's ultimately about the reality that what we do matters, just as much as who we are.

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  1. Listening Length
    4 hours and 57 minutes
  2. Author
    John Mark Comer
  3. Narrator
    John Mark Comer
  4. Audible release date
    August 3, 2021
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Thomas Nelson
  7. ASIN
    B096WBTBMP
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 4 hours and 57 minutes
Author John Mark Comer
Narrator John Mark Comer
Audible.com Release Date August 03, 2021
Publisher Thomas Nelson
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B096WBTBMP
Best Sellers Rank #10,586 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#169 in Christian Spiritual Growth (Audible Books & Originals)
#376 in Christian Personal Growth
#846 in Christian Spiritual Growth (Books)

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
1,732 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and encouraging. It provides insights into work and rest that align with an inaugural eschatology. They say it helps them reevaluate their approach to working excellently and resting hard, with great application for their journey seeking purpose. Readers describe the pacing as good and the writing as raw and real. However, opinions differ on the level of challenge, with some finding it challenging and eternally focused, while others feel it makes too many assumptions without convincing them.

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ReadabilityInsightWork ethicPacingLifeChallenge level
97 customers mention "Readability"95 positive2 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They appreciate the truthful content that speaks to the current work/life culture. The first two chapters set the tone for the book, which is a good quick read.

"Like having a meaningful, eye-opening, enjoyable conversation with a good friend! I’ll be re-reading Garden City again; maybe more than once." Read more

"Definite read for those that do not realize we need a day of rest each day! So good!!" Read more

"...Super insightful book that’d I would recommend to any young professional, or anyone questioning the purpose or calling on their life." Read more

"...challenged in the way you work, but you'll also find yourself appreciating excellence and thinking more about what you purchase and consume...." Read more

72 customers mention "Insight"72 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insights and theology of work and rest. They find it informative, eye-opening, and encouraging. The author brings a fresh perspective to ideas while communicating vital truths without being inaccessible.

"Inspiring book written for today’s world, lots of great application for our journey seeking purpose here and now following Jesus" Read more

"Like having a meaningful, eye-opening, enjoyable conversation with a good friend! I’ll be re-reading Garden City again; maybe more than once." Read more

"...The section on rest also provides so much encouragement for how to participate in sabbath and how important it is in order to do really great work..." Read more

"...book is above all practical and applicable, and can help you deal with your perspective on God, work, family, and life as a whole foundationally...." Read more

7 customers mention "Work ethic"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful in re-visioning their approach to work and rest. They say it provides great application for their journey seeking purpose in today's world.

"Inspiring book written for today’s world, lots of great application for our journey seeking purpose here and now following Jesus" Read more

"...If you love your job, hate your job, work a lot or work a little, this book will be helpful for you!" Read more

"Learn how to rest and work in the way of Jesus. A great precursor book to the ruthless elimination of hurry" Read more

"Really enjoyed how the author spoke of the topics of intentionality, work, and rest, and how the Christian life requires all three and is in fact a &..." Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's pacing good. It encourages them to work hard and rest more. The format is appealing, making it easy for readers to read more than expected.

"...The words are beautiful, as well as the visual component. It feels good to hold, and formatted in a way that you'll read more than you planned in..." Read more

"This book encouraged me to work hard and rest more. I like the fresh view the author offers on eternity...." Read more

"...enjoyed how the author spoke of the topics of intentionality, work, and rest, and how the Christian life requires all three and is in fact a &#..." Read more

"...book was good to re envision my approach to working excellently and resting hard. Learning how to do both well for God's glory" Read more

4 customers mention "Life"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book offers a perspective on life. They say it provides an opportunity to truly live, with topics like God, work, family, and life as a whole. The writing is described as raw and real.

"...you deal with your perspective on God, work, family, and life as a whole foundationally...." Read more

"...this question and sharing your personal stories in such a honest, real, un-churchy way...." Read more

"...This book has been a love letter from God & a hall pass to get out & truly live! Thank you John Mark Comer, I'm grateful for your art!" Read more

"I love all of his books! His writing is so raw and real." Read more

6 customers mention "Challenge level"4 positive2 negative

Customers have different views on the book's challenge level. Some find it challenging and focused, while others feel the author makes too many assumptions without convincing them. There is no real structure to the thoughts, making them logically unsound.

"...in his book "Garden City." You will be encouraged and challenged by this book and it's presentation of both the worth of work and career as..." Read more

"This book paints on such broad brush strokes and makes so many assumptions without convincing me that any research went into the book...." Read more

"This book is an easy, unique read, that's challenging and so sweet! Love it" Read more

"...A great, easy read that will leave you educated, inspired, challenged, and itching to act." Read more

So good
5 out of 5 stars
So good
This book was so good. I’d highly recommend it. The last chapter was my favorite.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • H Peter
    5.0 out of 5 stars awesome & encouraging
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Inspiring book written for today’s world, lots of great application for our journey seeking purpose here and now following Jesus
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  • RonnMike
    5.0 out of 5 stars Garden City - Now I get it!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Like having a meaningful, eye-opening, enjoyable conversation with a good friend! I’ll be re-reading Garden City again; maybe more than once.
    Helpful
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  • Kelly Elkinton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Definite read for those that do not realize we need a day of rest each day! So good!!
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  • Chelsea McGlamery
    4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful Perspectives
    Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    What a great perspective shift regarding work and rest. The section on work really helped re-shape my ideas and opinions about what is means to work for the Lord in careers outside of formal ministry/church-work. The section on rest also provides so much encouragement for how to participate in sabbath and how important it is in order to do really great work for the Lord the rest of the week. Perhaps most helpful for me was the section on the days to come and how we can leverage our time in this earth to be a part of the new earth one day. Super insightful book that’d I would recommend to any young professional, or anyone questioning the purpose or calling on their life.
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  • JustJohn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book On The Mission of Life
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I'm almost finished with Garden City, and I can't wait to read it again! Comer begins with laying the groundwork on what it means to rule over the earth, as Adam and Eve were commanded. I've heard different teachings and perspectives (from different theological camps) on this over the years, but I have to say that this was the best and most challenging take on this important doctrine. From there, he deals with what it means to work and to rest, and brings it all home to our identity in and walk with God.

    The chapters on work will bring fresh perspective on whatever it is you do, and will motivate you to do it well for the glory of God--or find something else! Not only will you be challenged in the way you work, but you'll also find yourself appreciating excellence and thinking more about what you purchase and consume. The concept of secular vs. sacred ("Christian" products like music) has been talked about lately, and Comer does a good job addressing this.

    Right before this book I read another good book on the importance of structured rest as a lifestyle. Really, the section (just a few chapters) in Garden City addressed this even better.

    Keep in mind that this isn't meant to be a deep work of theology, even though it is theological. I appreciated the engaging use of original Hebrew language and Jewish traditional and contemporary teaching. But this book is above all practical and applicable, and can help you deal with your perspective on God, work, family, and life as a whole foundationally. There's no reason to read this if you're not willing to change.

    I didn't agree with every little point Comer makes. But I don't have to in order to see the overall greatness of this message, and its importance to me and those I know. As I've been reading it, I keep thinking of people that I know and love that I'd like to give copies to. Not to change their thinking, but to give clear utterance and direction to what I know they are already feeling.

    So yes, not only would I recommend this to a friend (or the girl who cuts my hair, or the guys at the local coffee shop), I'd buy it for them!
    32 people found this helpful
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  • Lauren Norris
    5.0 out of 5 stars So good
    Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book was so good. I’d highly recommend it. The last chapter was my favorite.
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    Lauren Norris
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    So good

    Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2024
    This book was so good. I’d highly recommend it. The last chapter was my favorite.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great
    Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great book and value
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  • Gema D
    5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review by Belovedgems.org
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    John Mark Comer, a pastor at Bridgeport A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon and author of Garden City. He is the author of a couple of my favorite books, Loveology and Hello my name is Hope. With Garden City he did not disappoint.

    John Mark Comer makes very good points on that what we do, does matter to God. On how our job matters to God regardless if it is within the church or not. By us enjoying what we do, we can also project God and making the invisible God visible to others.

    I believe the book can be very encouraging to both who are still trying to figure out what to do with life and those who are trying to figure out how to balance things out.

    Not only does he touch on the purpose of life but also the need of rest. I needed this section more than the section of purpose. I have known what I have been created to do since I was thirteen and have pursued a career in the field. But my constant struggle has been balancing my rest with work and being human.

    I love how he described the Sabbath and shared his own "ritual" routine of his Sabbath every week. This gave good insight, not necessarily on what it should look like. But how I should feel like throughout the week when I make the effort to practice the Sabbath. Many times among this accelerated society I need constant reminders to enjoy my Sabbath, to respect it, and have the intimacy with God on the day of rest.

    "Sabbath isn't just a Pause button - it's a full, complete, total system restart." -John Mark Comer

    I have always enjoyed John Mark Comer's style of writing. He stimulates me to think. I learn how biblical aspects relate to my daily living. Most important to me, I grow as a Christian.

    ___________________________________________________________________________

    I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. See more at Belovedgems.org
    14 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Jacob
    5.0 out of 5 stars Foundational for any Christ-believer
    Reviewed in Canada on November 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This book is foundational for our purpose in life on Earth by giving us perspective on life originally and life after Jesus returns again. I am a mentor/"disciple" younger folks and I ALWAYS go through this book with them. I've purchased this for grad gifts, birthdays, etc. This book is SO SO good. It changed how I see heaven, thus changing how I live on this Earth and makes the Gospel much more clearer.

    I am a native English speaker in university: my English is quite good. This book is written in such a conversational way that is easy for ANYONE to understand. This doesn't make me "think" when I read; it feels like I'm sitting in front of John Mark Comer himself listening to him talk over dinner. I hate reading for pleasure, but this book is SO easy to read. I hope you buy it because it will change how you live each and every day.
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  • Fabian Umbach
    5.0 out of 5 stars Kunst Mensch zu sein
    Reviewed in Germany on September 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Arbeit ist kein Fluch, der mit der Sünde in die Welt kam, so John Mark Comer, sondern wir wurden als Menschen zur Mitherrschaft geschaffen. In Partnerschaft mit Gott diesen Planeten als seine Ebenbilder zu bebauen und zu bewahren. Dass etwas schief gegangen ist, ist offensichtlich. Es geht also darum, wie wir wieder ein gutes Verhältnis zur Arbeit und zur Ruhe empfangen können. In einer Beziehung zu Jesus vor allem.

    Klasse fande ich folgendes:
    - Der Entwurf einer Theologie der Arbeit.
    - Was sich Gott beim Ruhetag gedacht hat, wird deutlich hervorgehoben.
    - die persönliche Note des Autors. Er erzählt offen und ehrlich aus seiner Lernkurve.

    Wer sein Buch das Ende der Rasrlosigkeit gelesen hat, weiß schon um die Sabbat Thematik. Hier kann es zu Wiederholungen kommen, da dieses Buch im Englischen vor dem Ende der Rastlosigkeit heraus kam.
    Der Mehrwert an diesem Buch steckt im englischen Titel, der im Deutschen leider flöten geht, Garden - City. Garten - Stadt.
    Der gesamte biblische Faden vom Garten Eden bis zur neuen himmlischen Stadt wird unter der Perspektive Arbeit und Ruhe betrachtet. Mit einigen überraschenden Erkenntnissen für den ein oder anderen. Z.B. auch in der neuen Welt werden wir arbeiten 😉

    Also wärmste Empfehlung.
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  • Helen Armstrong
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 13, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    For all those who grapple with their destiny, for those who wrestle with the concepts of work and rest, for those looking to discover their purpose in life - this will be a great read.

    John Mark Comer's books are on one level an easy read, very accessible, honest and human, while on another level being packed with theological truth and understanding which comes from years of study.

    To be recommended.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Aska
    5.0 out of 5 stars Genial
    Reviewed in Germany on March 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Sehr gutes Buch über wer wir als Menschen sind/sein sollten. 100% Leseempfehlung!
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  • Lauren
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Read
    Reviewed in Canada on March 20, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Wow. Highly recommend this book. Beautiful and insightful and explained what Sabbath is and how to balance work and rest and what God says about it. Loved every page.
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