Review: Cast of Characters – Max Lucado

This book is a collection of Lucado’s stories taken from many of his best selling books. It’s about the people of the bible, made real and relevant. It’s about God’s power in these people’s lives. And it’s written in a way that makes it relatable and appealing.

At the end of each chapter is a list of questions that can be used for reflection and discussion. So this book can be used as a mini bible study in small groups or on your own.

This book comes across as a “Best of” album and, while it works for music, I’m not convinced it works in a book. I found it a little disjointed at times and the lack of flow between chapters meant I couldn’t read large chunks of the book at a time, regardless of the attempt of an overall theme.

If you’ve read two or three of his books from the list these stories were taken from, then I think you’ll still enjoy it. I previously read five of the twelve books so the feeling of déjà vu popped up somewhat frequently for me which I found a tad disappointing.

Regardless, I found myself reading through the chapters with a smile. Lucado has a knack for bringing the bible stories alive. Through the simplicity of skilled storytelling, he makes great points and teaches God’s word in a way that touches the heart. This book makes a good read, and a good mini study.

3/5 stars


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Stearns

Richard Stearns is the president of World Vision U.S. and in this book he asks us the big question, “What does God expect of us?” He calls us to embrace the whole gospel by being active in our faith. To demonstrate the importance of this, he carries the reader through his personal journey from success as a corporate CEO, to a more profound success by carrying out God’s will in his own life.

By asking, “Are you willing to be open to God’s will for your life?” Richard took me out of my comfort zone just as he was taken out of his. And for this, it is well worth the read.

The book shines the most through his personal experiences and the stories he tells of the real people he encountered in the poorest countries of the world. The book, however, slows down in the middle because, although at times astounding, he’s a little too heavy on the statistics for my liking. He also had a tendency to be a little repetitive.

Apart from that the book is well worth reading and covers some important issues in today’s world.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.