Book Review: Looming Transitions by Amy Young
Spoiler: I liked it
Preparing for a big move has been overwhelming for me, with so many unknowns and "what-ifs" constantly on my mind. So when my pastor recommended Looming Transitions by Amy Young, I wasted no time. And honestly, it felt like finding a friend who gets it. This book is packed with practical advice and encouragement for anyone in the messy "in-between" stage of life.
Summary Life in missions and navigating cross-cultural moves herself—this lady knows what she’s talking about. She shares stories and wisdom that feel so real and relatable. I feel like there was a lot of overlap between our experiences, which made it a very engaging read.
The book focuses on how to prepare emotionally, spiritually, and practically for transitions. She talks about managing expectations, leaning on your faith, and staying connected with people even when goodbyes are looming. Her writing is warm, honest, and conversational. It was an easy read, but I went through it slowly to make sure I didn’t miss any nuggets of wisdom.
What I Loved I really loved how practical this book is. Amy doesn’t just say, "Stay positive," and leave it at that. She gives real, doable tips for things like saying meaningful goodbyes and reflecting on what you’re leaving behind. Her advice on "leaving well" gave me a fresh perspective and made me realize how important closure is. It also made me realize how important it is to stay present and intentional for as long as the Lord has us here.
I also loved how she weaves faith into the mix. The Scripture references and reflections on God’s presence felt personal and encouraging, not preachy. They reminded me to embrace this waiting period as an opportunity for growth, which I’m all for!
One story she told really hit home. She compared two women who left the mission field. The one left without doing any prep, and the people coming after her found dirty clothes, rotting food and layers of filth left behind. She literally just packed some clothes and left the rest behind. Not great. The other woman was packed and ready to go three months before her plane left. All her suitcases were packed and all that was left to do was wait. Amy talks about the tension of living in the now and preparing for the future, and these stories really made it clear to me to do everything at the right time.
A Tiny Critique If I had to nitpick, I’d say some parts of the book felt a little repetitive. I get why she did it—to drive the points home—but I think it could’ve been a bit more concise in places. Still, it didn’t take away from the overall experience.
Final Thoughts If you’re facing a big life change, Looming Transitions is a book you need to read. Amy Young’s advice and encouragement make you feel less alone and more prepared to tackle the unknown. I’d especially recommend it to missionaries, expats, or anyone dealing with cross-cultural moves. For me, it’s turning out to be a lifesaver and a source of peace during a really uncertain time.