Sibanda draws from his own twenty-one-day fasting experiences, engaging anecdotes, Scripture, and scientific insights to reveal how fasting, when accurately and prayerfully practiced. The fast practice indeed is a good experience for you.

Loved the very personal take on fasting and the wealth of personal experience Reward shared. I was hoping for a little more thought on the posture of fasting and what it does and thought that part could be more robust. But the book was very well researched in sharing all of the physical effects of fasting. Loved learning about that stuff. Biggest thing is reading the book was so inspiring for me to continue to grow in my fasting journey. So I'd say it was a success overall!

I have always been curious about fasting having grown up as a Christian but never taught to or known why. I've seen it mentioned in the Bible, or heard others talk about prayer and fasting-- but why? I appreciated the author's information for scientific reasons as well as Biblical reasons. It was clearly communicated with scripture and context, and I feel better equipped to deepen my faith in this way.

This was such a helpful book! I've heard a lot about fasting, both for physical and spiritual benefits, but this was by far the most comprehensive resource I've found. The first few chapters are a bit more theologically dense as he lays the groundwork for the rest of the book, but the following chapters are a great mix of practical tips and recommendations. He does a great job outlining the science of fasting and the health benefits, and shares a lot of convicting information about the spiritual benefits as well. When I started the book, I was still a bit wary of fasting, but he has fully convinced me, and I am much more open to and confident in my ability to try an extended fast.

Once again I do not give star ratings to nonfiction books. This book was incredibly informative, however I feel like there were definitely sections that could be expanded on more but I loved everything that was included and I do feel like for people who struggle with fasting will greatly appreciate it.

(The star rating is only for netgalley purposes because I cannot submit my review without a star rating)

Reward Sibanda’s How to Fast is a practical and spiritually enriching guide for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of fasting. The book provides a comprehensive look at the biblical, physical, and spiritual aspects of fasting, blending scripture-based insights with actionable advice.

Sibanda’s writing is engaging and accessible, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. He demystifies fasting, offering guidance on preparation, maintaining focus, and incorporating prayer to enhance spiritual growth. The inclusion of personal anecdotes and practical tips adds relatability and depth.

Whether you’re exploring fasting for the first time or seeking to refine your practice, How to Fast serves as an inspiring and thoughtful companion for the journey.

Recommended For: Individuals seeking a deeper spiritual connection through fasting and those looking for a clear, faith-based guide to the practice.

I've started a few books on fasting in the past and never got very far through them. When I saw this one on NetGalley, I felt prompted to request it and I'm so glad I did. Fasting is something I've always struggled with through my life and I've tended to hide behind the belief that I need to eat regularly to be able to function properly. And so it's always been a chore that I tried to engage in in my own strength rather than the Lord's, meaning it's bound to always be a struggle for me.

This book is surprisingly easy to read. But that's not because it's not challenging. It is. Sibanda is an experienced faster and provides some great encouragement to adopting fasting as a lifestyle, not just something one does every now and again.

Sibanda provides the Biblical background, and the physiological aspects to it, even walking through what occurs in your body through each day of a 21-day water fast. I particularly appreciated the notion that we have been made to fast. Our bodies, souls and minds function better by adopting it as a lifestyle, not just an occasional event. All the spiritual formation and practices books all include fasting as a practice just like prayer.

Like all practices, it's not about doing it out of guilt or pride but actually out of a desire to draw closer to God. The practice doesn't necessarily do anything spiritual (physiologically it will) but it opens a doorway for us to draw closer to God.

I'm feeling better equipped with greater understanding of the practice and plan to start this year incorporating it in my lifestyle. Like all practices it's about training oneself and Sibanda's book helps guide one on how to train and what to do during a fast and how to end one. And all times, allowing the grace of God to guide me will be essential to growing in and through the practice.

I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from the publisher via NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.

A solid overview of the topic of fasting, with a strong emphasis on the relationship between body and soul in prayer.

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

Interesting book.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.