Title: Wild Grace: What Happens When
Grace Happens
Author: Max Lucado
# Of Pages: 176
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: September 11, 2012
Source: BookSneeze
Level: Young Adult
Rating: 3 Hearts
Synopsis
(From Amazon.com)
Bestselling author Max Lucado explains that if teens let
God’s grace change them, shape them, and strengthen them, their lives will
never be the same.
Today’s teens are being shaped by the pressures and
disappointments of the world. But Max Lucado encourages them to take a close
look at what can shape their hearts and their futures from the inside out—God’s
grace.
As Max explains, "God’s grace has a drenching about it.
A wildness about it. A whitewater, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it.
Grace comes after you." Wild Grace gives teens an understanding of how
grace can change their lives in powerful ways, even when those lives are messed
up, off track, or in trouble. Each chapter describes another miracle that
happens when we allow God’s grace to work on us and through us:
“Grace is God’s decision to change everything. Good-bye,
earthly labels. Stupid. Unpopular. Ugly. Failure. No longer. You aren’t who
they say you are. You are who He says you are. Spiritually alive. Connected to
God. Amazing.”
Teens will be convinced that God knew what He was doing when
He made them and His grace is always there, ready to work wonders that are
bigger than anything this world has to offer.
My Verdict
This is the first time I’ve read the teen edition of one of
Mr. Lucado’s books and I’m sad to say I didn’t enjoy it as much as his adult
books. Don’t get me wrong, he is still an incredible author and pretty much the
only non-fiction author I will read, but I was a little disappointed.
The layout of the book was extremely nice, with fancy
chapter headings, pop out quotations and such: really gorgeous. The story was
adapted for teens by James Lund, but I felt the adaptation was a little too
“hip” which I didn’t like, but I’m sure the younger crowd will appreciate, such
as the references to Lady Gaga and other “teen” things.
One of the things I always LOVE about Mr. Lucado’s books is
that he includes real life stories that he seamlessly weaves into the point
he’s trying to make. These are usually the parts that really touch my heart.
These stories were handled a little differently this time and instead of Max
telling us about them himself, they come in the form of letters written
directly by the person. I didn’t like this format as much and was actually most
touched by the one story not in this format, the story of Barbara Leininger and
her sister, Regina who were taken captive by Indians in 1775. As I read through
this story on a bench in the school hallway I found myself blinking back tears
and willing myself not to cry.
I enjoyed this book but I couldn’t help but wonder if I
would have enjoyed the adult version Grace better. I want to read the adult one now so that I
can compare the two. I think I’ll stick with what I know and love and continue
to read his adult books and pass on his next teen edition.
I debated whether to leave a comment. I'm not a Max Lucado fan. But, I do applaud his effort to reach teens. Teenagers react from their emotional body, as so many will not develop their mental body until their mid-20s. It's such a hard time with so many influences from peers, the media,society etc. Some have a well-grounded faith and others don't. I hope his book reaches those lives in need of hope and help. Enjoyed your comments.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you decided to comment Pat. It can be really hard to reach teenagers but I hope this book is able to make a difference to those who read it.
DeleteI think I've read one of his books... something about thirst. I think I'm going to try Grace but maybe this one too. I like what he talks about here but I'm not really a teenager anymore... well I'm not in High School so this may not have as big as an effect on me was I would hope it would. Do you have any recommendations of books by him? Lovely review (:
ReplyDeleteHe has SO many books it can be hard to keep track! I definitely still want to read Grace, I'm sure they are very similar but I think I'll get more out of the adult one. If you think you want to read this one I'd be happy to send you my copy, just let me know =) I would recommend both Fearless and Great Day, Every Day. I loved both of those!
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