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“FEARLESS” by Max Lucado

As a reviewer for Thomas Nelson Publishers, I receive very few disappointing books – however, I have been disappointed by this one.

But let me get one thing straight before I tell you why…

I’m a big fan of Max Lucado. When I was a new Christian, Lucado’s gift-book titled “The Cross” formed my understanding of the Atonement in a significant way. I appreciate his ‘easy-reading’ writing style. I appreciate his warmth and ability to ‘spin a good yarn’.

However, I was left feeling under-whelmed by this book.

It’s my belief that if an author is going to tackle the subject of suffering (or ‘fear’), that author must be willing to go DEEP. To go deep into the scriptures, deep into the issues and causes behind suffering, deep into the purposes and providence of God. Unfortunately, what I heard from Lucado was mainly platitudinous story-telling and superficial teaching.

That may sound harsh, but I had such high hopes for this book.

One reviewer has labeled Lucado “skillful as a surgeon” in his treatment of the topic… That he is skillful is without doubt – but as a surgeon I require him to go deeper into the flesh. It may require more time (the book is only 200 pages), it may require more detail, but as a surgeon [going deep] is what must be done.

“THE SEARCH FOR GOD AND GUINNESS: A Biography of the Beer that Changed the World” by Stephen Mansfield.

I review books for Thomas Nelson Publishers and so I’m always excited when a new book is published for review…
However, I’ve never been more excited than when I heard that Stephen Mansfield was writing a history of beer-brewing in general, and (Arthur) Guinness in particular.

I have been brewing beer for nearly 10 years, so I’d already researched the material offered in his short history of brewing. However, I found myself drinking-in every word because Mansfield managed to make the history of brewing sound so exciting, pivotal, triumphant!

I particularly enjoyed his treatment of the Guinness brewing company. I was unaware of the company’s noble roots and its subsequent endeavours for social justice, fair treatment of workers, etc. After reading this book I have enormous respect for the Guinness family and the Guinness brand.

Unfortunately, (very unfortunately!) beer has received a bad name in Christian circles over the years. It has gone from being a drink that was cherished by the most godly men, to a mere vehicle on the journey to drunkeness. This book goes a long way to restoring beer’s one-time glowing reputation.

As a Christian, a pastor and a beer lover – I can wholeheartedly recommend the book.