5 comments about An Unstoppable Force: Daring to Become the Church God Had in Mind.

1. Excellent book with many challenging statements about the role of believers in the world today.



2. Read this book - it will energize and focus you if you are a believer. If you are not, it will cause you to rethink what your perceptions are about church.



3. The writer has exceptional skills with the use of metaphor to communicate about a difficult subject, the emerging church, in ways that help the changes occuring within Christianity make sense. Without this approach in communications, what he has to say from a content standpoint, would probably be rejected. He breaks through the artificiality of Jesus-speak with a freshness that gets to the heart of the real gospel I believe Jesus brought us. I enjoyed, but was challenged, by this work.



4. I really like the spirit of this book. Don't get me wrong... Erwin and I have different ideas on theology and philosophy of ministry but his passion for the lost and the transformation of the Church from monument to movement is contagious. I hope people who may disagree with Erwin (we're on a first name basis) at least discern his heart about the issues he brings up.
   
   My reason for only giving it 3 stars is because it becomes a little repetitive and he's very vague on the exact changes that should be made.
   
   A good read for anyone who wants to change the world.



5. An Unstoppable Force: Daring to Become the Church God Had in Mind
   
   I highly recommend this book for the Christian who is looking to enhance their walk with God and the body of Christ. (the church).

3 comments about Rubin's Pathology: Clinicopathologic Foundations of Medicine 5th Edition.

1. Simply put, this is the end-all be-all when it comes to pathologic analysis of disease states. Typically this is for 2nd year Medical School Students and/or Pathology trainees. Unless you are going into pathology as a sub-discipline, you may be overloaded with this information. If you want a concise primer on all things pathology, look into "Essential Pathology" by Rubin, which is intended as a summary of the 4th edition seen here. Of note is that the Essential Pathology does not include the CD-Rom that comes with this book, which is the best pictorial-based review I've ever seen -- worth the cost of the book alone!
   
   To expand, IF PRESSED ON TIME, DON'T GET THIS ONE! If you are willing to spend the time and effort required for a HUGE book like this (over several semesters), your money will be well spent. As a book itself, this one has 5 stars easily; as a text for a course, I'd give 4 1/2, only for the overabundance of information for a short period of time.
   
   I have had Dr. Rubin in classes (and some courses using the same text but with other Thomas Jefferson University professors), and the man is a genius in the field. This is just one student's opinion, so take it with a grain of salt, but I mention this only to describe the wealth, if not overabundance, of information contained within this book.



2. I love this book. I used Robbins before but it seems like it highlights a lot of research info than true pathology. Rubin is very illustrative, simple to understand, and straight forward. It's all a matter of preferences. I'm very visual and a very graphic book is excellent for me than a thousand words.



3. This book is clearly the best for learning the basics in this field. As already written, it takes a while to understand the content but works excellent as a reference.
   
   If You have a 8 week course and decide to be the best student, You may have to put no less than 10-12h on studies each day including repeated reading. Which of course, in the long run, demands a lot of energy even if You decide to skip classes. It is, unfortunately, one thing to understand the content while You read, it is a complete different thing to have all the names, patterns, details, text boxes recalled on demand to a molecular level and still not get lost in all the data. One good method I recommend is taking key notes for concepts, names on enzymes, transcription factors and important genes while studying. (Even if all You will get in the end is some stupid names memorized it actually makes the book a lot easier to learn. It is just the way the mind works).
   
   Remember that having a good memory requires sleep!
   Some people are genius, I am probably not one of them ;-)

5 comments about Soul Cravings.

1. I gave this book to my husband as he is currently exploring many of the issues that Soul Cravings seemed to address. He's a big fan of McManus and has read several of his books, so he was very excited to receive it. However, it has been a major disappointment. This could easily be someone's weblog or personal journal filled with pondering thoughts. The book offers no guidance, just a collection of the author's ramblings on various subjects. If you're looking for direction, for answers - this will be a disappointment.



2. I have a short attention span, but while reading Soul Cravings, it's as if I've been cured of A.D.D. Written in journal entry format, McManus's dynamic storytelling, and innovative use of language and humor keep one's attention. Before one knows it, somehow, the depth of their soul has been exposed and led through a journey of discovery. This is a must read!!!



3. If you want a book that will tickle your ears and make you feel warm,fuzzy and comfy, then this is NOT the book for you. McManus words in this book are real and perhaps a bit too honest. It's a thought provoking book and has held my interest hour after hour, page after page. Totally worth the time you'll invest in it :)



4. Received in a timely manner. Purchased as a gift. Greatly appreciated by recipient. Would recommend to others



5. This book helped me so much. I have been a Christian for many years now and this book really helped me see things in a new light. It helped me understand why my soul craved God. I love the fact that it plays well to non-christian people. I gave this book to some non-christian friends of mine and they loved it. It helps people see that they need God in their lives in order to not feel so empty. I loved it and I will keep reading it over and over.

5 comments about Chasing Daylight: Seize the Power of Every Moment.

1. McManus has an easy to read style that draws you in. Though carpe diem (seize the day) is the main theme this does not reflect a frantic pace but rather developing a discipline of making deliberate choices that give life to your dreams and what God has called you to do. Using a moment in Johnathan's life when he did seize the day by taking the initiative in the face of uncertainty. I will warn you that this is a battle story and was difficult for some church members to find value in studying. Jonathan used his influence inspite of the risks, to advance and leave a mark that served God's will. McMannus writes that all of Jonathan's choices required action and a willingness to awaken those who are in many ways just sleep walking through life. Our church bought the book for our small group leaders as well as the companion DVD and study guide. They were generally well received.



2. A good read, motivational. It is a little rambling for my preference, the author seems to say the same thing many different ways ie take action, just do something for the kingdom of God etc. It gives overall good advice for believers in Jesus Christ but I wouldn't treat the book as a book on theology. The personal stories the author gives are excellent and are the most motivating part of the book.



3. I loved this book. I would read it in the mornings while eating breakfast and it was a great start to the day. Erwin McManus is very passionate about his faith and he is very effective in trying to convey that passion. So many of his personal stories that he tells made just say "Wow." And then I realized how so many small things we do, the little leaps of faith that we take, can have such huge rewards and make so many differences in people's lives that do not know Christ. This book is definitely a call to action for the individual and also for the church as a whole. Let's be a generation that seeks to help the lost, the poor, the broken. Let's be a generation that puts other needs before our own. Great message!
   
   I would agree with another reviewer that things get repeated a lot throughout, probably because the whole book was based around the story of Jonathan and the Philistines. Could have been shorter, but still, an excellent read and highly recommended.



4. Chasing Daylight is the kick in the rear a lot of us need. Go after your passions with confidence and don't look back.
   
   McManus is an inspiration and by telling the story of Jonathan he gives us an example of someone living boldly because they can not live any other way. That is the life I want to lead.



5. This book is awesome! McManus really inspires you to look at every second that goes by in life, and seize those divine moments because they can really impact someone's life, as well as your own. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!

5 comments about Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words that Remade America (Simon & Schuster Lincoln Library).

1. Garry Wills writes, "Hemingway claimed that modern American novels are the offspring of Huckleberry Finn. It is no exaggeration to say that all modern political prose descends from the Gettysburg Address."
   
   Indeed, Edward Everett was given top billing that day and was to deliver a customary address of two or three hours. Lincoln's remarks were solicited almost as an afterthought. But Everett's day was over, a new era had begun, and America would never be the same. Political discourse would never be the same.
   
   At Gettysburg, "Lincoln does not argue history or politics, he makes history...He came to change the world." As time has judged these words and valued this work, he did. He called up a new nation, reborn, and rededicated.
   
   Wills takes a long, deep drink of the draft of this address. He circumspectly explores the culture, the politics, the popular culture, the context of the times. "Lincoln at Gettysburg" is a circumspect work in the hands of a masterful author, worthy of reading and re-reading. An important edition for every library.



2. In his book, Lincoln at Gettysburg, Garry Wills sets about debunking the myths, legends, and rumors concerning Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address." Wills seeks to show that because of the Gettysburg Address " . . . the Civil War is what Lincoln wanted it to mean." (pg. 38) Wills helps the reader understand what events, speeches, and speakers had impacted Lincoln in the past, which ultimately influenced Lincoln's selection of words for the speech itself. Wills notes that the speech had influences from such diverse sources as Daniel Webster, Thomas Jefferson, as well as Greek figures such as Pericles. The book also describes the rural cemetery movement that was beginning to rise at the time of the speech, which was influential in the design of the Gettysburg Cemetery. The book also answers many of the critics of Lincoln, who argue the speech and the Emancipation Proclamation were weak, and illustrate Lincoln's propensity of clever evasions and key silences concerning key issues. Willis also notes how the style of the address was the forerunner of a new way of communicating, a way fit for the machine age.
   One of the first topics Wills addresses is the myth that the man who spoke before Lincoln, Edward Everett, impositioned the audience with a two-hour long speech that bored the listeners. Wills notes long speeches were common, and expected for the day. He gives reference to the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858, which illustrate that Lincoln himself was capable and comfortable speaking at length before groups of people. Willis also emphasizes that Everett was the invited speaker for the dedication, and Lincoln had been asked simply to give some remarks. Wills also demystifies the story that Lincoln wrote the address on a napkin, or while sitting on the stand during Everett's speech. Wills notes Lincoln composed he speeches thoughtfully, to simply jot one down quickly would be out of character. (pg. 28)
   Wills notes the Greek revival that was occurring in America at this time, and the influence it had on Everett and Lincoln. Everett had been a leading proponent of the Greek Style, influencing many through his speeches, as well as the time he spent teaching at Harvard. Wills notes Everett had inspired many of the Transcendentalists, including Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson stated that the Gettysburg Address would not " . . . easily be surpassed by words on nay recorded occasion." (pg. 47) Wills notes that Everett could be given credit, as much as anyone else, in creating the conditions for Lincoln's address, and his classicism was as much a forerunner to Lincoln as his foil. (pg. 47)
   Understanding exactly what Lincoln meant in the speech is one of Wills' primary goals. To help the reader understand, Wills dissects many of the passages from the address, and then gives the reader insight into Lincoln's personality. One of the key phrases of the speech concerns the fathers of the country. Wills notes that Lincoln never seems to have been interested in George Washington. To Lincoln, the founding fathers were those who were the authors of the Declaration of Independence, particularly Thomas Jefferson, whom Lincoln considered the most distinguished politician in America's history.
   Wills shows how Lincoln used the Gettysburg Address to refresh the memories of Americans the ideals the founding fathers placed in the Declaration of Independence, and the self-evident truth that `all men are created equal.' Wills notes how Lincoln's earlier speeches illustrate his ideas on slavery, which was the complete opposite of equality. Lincoln also used the Declaration to stress that the nation was founded in unity, and should stay unified. Wills states, "For him, the fathers are always the begetters of the national idea. The founders of the nation founded it on that." (pg. 86) Wills also notes how Lincoln and Daniel Webster felt the Declaration of Independence was closer to being the founding document of the United States than was the Constitution. (pg. 130) The ideals stated in the Declaration were more pure than the Constitution, which was based on compromises. Wills adds excerpts from Lincoln's speeches, which illustrate how the Constitution was to make a more `perfect union,' but not define the union itself.
   To most Americans, the consensus opinion of the Gettysburg Address is to place it among the greatest speeches ever given, if not the greatest. Wills shows how Lincoln derived much of the address from his accumulated experiences. Some historians, particularly Richard Hofstadter, see the address as another instance where Lincoln avoided the issues and sought to placate the nation with weak rhetoric. Hofstadter does not criticize the address in the book, however it is noted that Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation issued earlier that year was completely neglected in the address. Hofstadter says the Emancipation Proclamation " . . . had all the moral grandeur of a bill of lading. It contained no indictment of slavery, but simply based emancipation on `military necessity'. " (pg. 137)
   Hofstadter further accuses Lincoln of being of two minds, which changed depending on the demographic of his audience. Hofstadter illustrates this by contrasting Lincoln's speeches he gave in Southern Illinois, versus speeches he gave in Northern Illinois. Hofstadter said Lincoln possibly believed whatever he uttered at the time he delivered it. He states, " Possibly his mind too was a house divided against itself." (pg. 92) Wills contends Hofstadter is pursuing false issues regarding Lincoln's speeches. Wills argues that it was not a matter of his position on the issues, but rather Lincoln chose when to "tickle the racism of his audience" (pg. 93)
   One of the more interesting issues Wills concentrates on is the style of the address itself. Lincoln was noted to prefer succinctness and brevity to long overdrawn prose. Wills illustrates this in Lincoln's dispatches with General Grant. Grant was known for his dispatches that related the facts in the fewest words possible. Lincoln learned to be brief as well because of his telegraphs to Grant and other generals. Lincoln developed a reluctance to waste words and omitting coupling words. Lincoln also arranged the address so key words were repeated, so that each paragraph was bound to the preceding and following paragraphs. Wills states, "He was a Transcendentalist without the fuzziness. He spoke a modern language because he was dealing with a scientific age for which abstract words are appropriate." (pg. 174) Wills believes Lincoln was not addressing an agrarian future, but a mechanical future, in which economical speech that meshed like the gears of a machine was needed.
   Willis tackles a subject that many Americans learned at an early age, but likely never thought about the deep meanings behind the short speech. Wills includes criticism of recent leaders and politicians such as Ronald Reagan, Robert Bork, and Ed Meese. Whatever his opinions regarding these men and their ideas, it seemed out of place with the rest of the book, and unfortunately dates what could be a timeless analysis of the Gettysburg Address. Despite the minor flaws, the book offers great insight and reflection upon an event in history that to many has lost its significance.



3. Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words that Remade America (Simon & Schuster Lincoln Library)
   I had been reading only business books until this book came out. I had always enjoyed reading about Lincoln and the Civil War. Wills book brought all that back to life for me and I set out reading history and literature again. His style with great research took me straight to scenes. I read it in one sitting.



4. The study of words, philology, worked well for Abraham Lincoln before and during his short presidency. The Power of words. He knew how to use the words of the common folks and could be euridite in his oratory. Mainly he used short, easy to remember elocutions for the best effect.
   
   As with all good speakers, he used silence and pauses well (never "uhs" to fill in -- nothing turns the listener off as even on "uh" -- it means you're not prepared and have not mastered what you want or need to say.
   
   Herman S. Frey said, "Perjurer Sanford Conover was jailed for his false accusation that Jefferson Davis was involved in Lincoln's assassination in any way." Lincoln's well-thought through address spoke for the turmoil of that day and for future political rhetoric of our time.
   
   The study of words, philology, worked well for Abraham Lincoln before and during his short presidency. The Power of words. He knew how to use the words of the common folks and could be euridite in his oratory. Mainly he used short, easy to remember elocutions for the best effect.
   
   As with all good speakers, he used silence and pauses well (never "uhs" to fill in -- nothing turns the listener off as even on "uh" -- it means you're not prepared and have not mastered what you want or need to say Lawyers in Lincoln's time debated as a form of perfecting the art of persuation and philolgy (also psychology) to win that debate. Most were educated at college and universities (some at prestigious universities abraod), and enjoyed the power of appropriate words and the victory over his opponent. Abraham was self-educated for the most part. His unkempt appearance gave the impression that he wasn't "polished. It takes a great man to be the victor in a battle of words. When he opened his mouth to speak in his high tenor voice, it wasn't how he sounded it was what he said which mattered. Speaking is not just talking or membling words (I know someone who does that quite well, but I admit he can sing.). His expressive eyes, wry humor, knowledge of his subject and hand gestures (even body language) made him not just impressive but a leader of men.
   
   Herman S. Frey said, "Perjurer Sanford Conover was jailed for his false accusation that Jefferson Davis was involved in Lincoln's assassination in any way." Lincoln's well-thought through address spoke for the turmoil of that day and for future political rhetoric of our time. Lincoln was aware of the power of his rhetoric to define war aims. He made the 80-mile trip from Washington City to Gettysburg for a reason. It was important as to time and place for his historic three-minute oration to change the country into a nation with hope for a future. Not only inspiring, "it was a product of the moment, ...as Lincoln moverd under destiny's guidance. "How Lincoln Won the War With Metaphors" says it all.



5. This is the second copy I have purchased of this book - the first is in tatters from being read so often, by me and by my friends. It is a classic, and should be required reading for all high school students. Full of insights into Lincoln, the classic forms of writing, and an extraordinary section about how burial sites have evolved, it is a must read.

2 comments about Experiencing the World's Religions.

1. Thank you very much for the experience, although, being that I reside in the State of Hawaii, I was a little "foggy" once I purchased the product. I could not find anywhere on the page on how to adjust the "shipping", is it "because" I live in Hawaii that I am only allowed the "standard" media mail option? There is no such thing as 2-3 business day shipping? I would really like this clarified before purchasing again. I am willing to pay more for the shipping, as long as I can receive my product in a timely manner. If I need to allow additional time for "standard shipping", then I need to know! Because I am definitely planning on purchasing again now that I have gone back to school! Thank you very much for your time.



2. This is the review of the 3rd edition.
   
   This is a good introductory textbook. Each religion is introduced with a "First Encounter", based on the author's travels. The chapter then proceeds to describe the history, timeline, basic teachings and practice, and art and literature. Photographs give a taste of the iconography, temples or shrines, and worshippers of each faith, all done in a respectful manner. The chapter on each religion concludes with personal story from the author (for example, visiting the Dalai Lama or inside the monastery on Mount Athos), and then thoughts on the contemporary developments on the religion. These reflect the author's opinion at the time (2005), and I suspect would change from edition to edition. The final chapter "The Modern Search" is perhaps more of an essay on the authors own view on contemporary issues, and perhaps seems focused on the west. At times the text seems like a travelogue, but I do think that allows the reader to focus on cultural aspect.

5 comments about A History of the American People.

1. It's a book I needed for class, but it happens to make history very interesting.



2. Lengthy, but fascinating. I'm reading this to go along with my eldest's study of Am.History. It is refreshing and eye-opening to read a text from a European historian who actually agrees that America did some good in the world. JFK is not a saint, Nixon is not a villain. The truth is somewhere in between. A good education for me!



3. Recommended for two types of readers: 1) The person who wants to get an overview of U.S. history in one easy-to-read (but large) volume; and 2) those who, like myself, have read many American biographies and histories. We can benefit in at least two respects. First, we get to share a history of our nation as seen from an outsider's perspective. Second, we learn factual history that somehow never made it into the books we have read, perhaps because we, collectively, were not much interested.
   My comment avoids political controversy, so I'll stick with the earlier portion of the book.
   First, the beginnings of American slavery were brand new to me, and fascinating.
   Second -- and as a Philadelphian news to me -- was Johnson's view of the northern colonies/States' support of slavery. Quakers in Barbados, rich from slave trading, moving to North America! news to me.
   Especially appreciated was Johnson's discussion of the "thousand years of political traditions, inherited from England," which formed the basis of our Founding Fathers' political actions.
   Johnson attributes to Madison's famous "We, the people" Lincoln's rationale for not permitting States to leave the Union.
   And more, much more. Buy it. Enjoy it!
   One word of warning: read cautiously; Johnson has some blunders, the funniest of which is calling Horatio Gates "Horatio Alger."



4. This is a very informative book to read because I have read this book in History class and made an "A". Everybody in class was required to buy the book but I was not disappointed with its historical values.



5. I 'ain't' smart enough to see that much of a political slant. Especially early in History, I forget the position the whigs had on immigration.
   
   Forget all that liberal/conservative stuff this book is just a really good, in-depth american history. You cant read it in a weekend. I couldn't read it in a month...but I kept picking it up till I finished it. Considering how big a volume it is and my preference for only reading the 1st third a book. The only explanation that I got through this one is that it is really well written and interesting as hell.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone.

5 comments about The Barbarian Way: Unleash the Untamed Faith Within.

1. This book challenged my faith paradigm like no other. Erwin challenges us to live a life on the edge, becoming followers of Christ, not engaging in a "watered down" faith. In this book, McManus discusses how we have taken the bold, radical move God made when he sent his Son to be among us, and made it into a "religion". You will be inspired to become a follower of Christ, not merely engaging in the Christian religion, much like the original apostles did. This is a MUST READ book!



2. The Barbarian Way caused me, my wife, my in-laws, and my pastor to have a "check" in the Holy Spirit. We started to investigate the author, the author's doctrine, and his philosophy via the Internet. This investigation led us to The Mosaic Church, the Emerging Church Movement, seeker-sensitive churches, etc. The doctrine emphasizes social transformation and not the cross of Christ. The Mosaic leadership experience involves The Origins Project, which emphasizes the elements of wind, water, wood, fire, and earth. These elements are not Scriptural but part of the five elements of magic in the Chinese philosophy of I-Ching. Magic is Satan's counterfeit of God's power and is detested by God. In the Mosaic Church, eastern mysticism is used as a foundation for promoting social transformation through the church of Jesus Christ. The written materials include a well orchestrated litany of terms that are pure gibberish. It is amazing how popular, pervasive, and eagerly accepted this deception is with Christians. There is a great need for Christians to read and properly understand the Scriptures. Repent, guys!



3. This was a great book with some really good analogies. I would recommend this book to anyone who is really going after it.



4. 
   We often hear that the safest place to be is in the center of God's will. This book questions our desire and even the wisdom of always wanting to be in a safe place. Sometimes our faith walk plops us down into situations that are anything but safe, but there we can authentically minister and exponentially grow on God's terms, not ours. After reading The Barbarian Way, I had a fresh perspective on the life I've spent serving while self-protecting. I certainly don't want to teach my children to follow the Lord only when it looks harmless, I want them to be mighty and bold, unafraid and adventurous. Like John Ortberg's "If You Want To Walk On Water, You Have To Get Out Of The Boat", this is a book I will buy by the dozens and give to others. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.



5. After finishing Mark Batterson's outstanding book In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, I had to go back and pick by The Barbarian Way - I put this book down over a year ago because it just struck a nerve with me that McManus was equating "dangerous" with "godliness" or Christlikeness with being uncivilized. As I finished The Barbarian Way, I realized how off the mark McManus really is with this book - he can't draw the line between living a life that is counter-culture, a sacrificial life wholly devoted to following Christ and just plain old stupidity! I'm sure McManus has his audience and I'm sure this book lit a fire under the some people, but in my opinion it is too sloppy in trying to communicate its message that Christians need to be different, daring, and dynamic for Christ. The concept that McManus is trying to communicate is that Christians truly are warriors in a cosmic battle for the truth of the gospel - but his niche is trying to relate this to The Barbarian Way - and it just doesn't work. Barbarians are destroyers, inhuman and cruel - sure there is a concept that they are "uncivilized," but to equate being uncivilized with being more Christ-like just doesn't work. In fact McManus runs into this problem at the end of the book where he tries to get his barbarians to unite as the body of Christ - to unify for a common goal, to promote harmony - his comparison with barbarians to tigers is spot on and he writes about how great it would be if tigers would be more like lions standing side by side in the battle - but they're not! And barbarians, while they may do dangerous things for the Lord, they don't make for good family members and the church of Christ is a family. The Barbarian Way just misses the mark - there are dozens of better books for your sons and husbands to read - Batterson's book mentioned above is one of many.

5 comments about Stick Up for Yourself: Every Kid's Guide to Personal Power & Positive Self-Esteem (Revised & Updated Edition).

1. Recently i read this book. Firstly i bought it for my little sister, but on reading i found that my mind has been healing gradually.
   Generally speaking, it's fact that 'feeling' is ignored. Although our feeling is hurted, try to get away from it or calm down for oneself. But i realize that it may cause to be some problems for me. Hurted feelings absolutely have to be solved. someone who be same to me need to read this book.



2. My six year old son has been struggling with his father's military deployment. He needed some positive tools to help him communicate exactly what he is feeling and what he needed from the adults around him. I am so glad that I found this book and started reading it with him. We do the journaling together and I have also learned a lot. I have seen a big difference in his attitude and behavior. It really does give kids the power they need to feel secure. I have plans to buy several copies of this book and give them as gifts to my closest friends. It is a great book!



3. This is an excellent book. My son and I read a little bit of it at bedtime and keep a notebook to jot down our thoughts. It has improved his self-worth and it has helped me relearn social skills that I should be using in my own life.



4. this is an important work. I've submitted it for consideration by the youth education faculty at my church.



5. This is an excellent tool for kids...also another must-read for parents isBully-Proofing Children: A Practical, Hands-On Guide to Stop Bullying Can't fall victim with these two.

3 comments about Wide Awake: The Future Is Waiting Within You.

1. The author is a pastor in Los Angeles. The book reads like a sermon to young people complete with bible stories on each page. According to the dust cover, I will learn how to unleash untapped potential and live the impossible. Instead I found simplistic religious answers that God will take care of everything for me if I do what the bible says.
   
   I was hoping for a book based on cognitive behavior therapy to help me eliminate self-limiting behaviors or at least a Tony Robbins style exciting book to propel me to new reaches.



2. This book is for the depressed. This book is for those who feel they are trapped in the mundane. This book is for those who feel they are just slogging through life, not really experiencing, not really living. McManus inspires, pushes, compels, and challenges you to dream, explore, create, adapt, and live your life.
   
   In Wide Awake, McManus connects living life to the fullest to the teachings of Christ. So often we think that our Christian lives should muted, reverent, holy, and that we should just step back and let God control our lives. McManus reminds us that Christ came to bring life, and life more abundant, and that we could be living our life to the fullest.
   
   The author does challenge some commonly held ideas in mainstream Christianity. Even if you don't agree with everything McManus says, Wide Awake will challenge you to rethink your philosophy of life and your purpose for living.
   
   A must-read for every Christian!



3. Erwin McManus was a special guest professor in the very first course I took at Bethel University - Seminary in St Paul, MN. He set a very high standard for all who followed. I have quoted from and recommended his book "Seizing Your Divine Moment" for many years.
   
   In "Wide Awake" McManus calls Biblical Christians (not mere religious church attenders but genuine followers of Jesus of the Bible) to seize the challenge of a life of purpose in partnership with the God of creation and the One who loves and values them like no other.
   
   He is no mere motivational speaker, no puffed-up politician spewing platitudes and promises they have no ability (let alone intent) to keep, and no legalist or televangelist who has lost sight of the true message of the Bible. McManus is the real deal; humble, humorous, and transparently human.
   
   Our church is filled with broken people; divorced, recovering from addictions, survivors of abuse and neglect, unemployed and underemployed, orphans and castaways, struggling with their relationships with others and with God. This book speaks the hope of God into their lives as no government program or rah-rah political rally or secular motivational pep talk could ever do - it is the pure truth of God!
   
   God sees every man, woman, and child as filled with opportunities to make a positive difference out of the abundance of love He wants to pour into (and through) them - no matter their temporary circumstances.
   
   The change that matters will never come from a politicians campaign rhetoric or some musicians magical-thinking song or a manipulative commercial - the change that matters comes one heart at a time as we turn away from "chasing the wind" and live the intentionally inspiring "Wide Awake" dream that God longs to place in each of our hearts.
   
   Thank you Irwin for another great book - it is a word from God through your writing.