Book Review: The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

For the last couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to read Andy Andrews’ new book, The Final Summit, which comes out tomorrow. It is a sequel of sorts to his runaway bestseller, The Traveler’s Gift. I say of sorts because I think this book qualifies as a standalone book. You don’t have to have read The Traveler’s Gift, but it would help bring a greater understanding to the task presented in the book. David Ponder is back again, this time much later in life and facing life’s storms again.

I must confess I was dubious about a sequel. The Traveler’s Gift was such a powerful book that I was afraid Andy had bitten off more than he could chew, trying to continue David Ponder’s story and still communicate great wisdom as he had before. The Traveler’s Gift shared the collective wisdom of some of history’s greatest individuals in a compelling story with which I could identify. I was afraid the sequel, in it’s attempt to do the same, would come off as contrived.

 

Thankfully, I was wrong! I should never have doubted Andy’s ability. In The Final Summit, he created a story equally as good! David once again encounters great people from history, and I am drawn in by the mix of cultures and accomplishment across the ages. How would such a diverse group interact? The peek Andy provides seems plausible. Reading this book made me feel as if I were listening to the impassioned pleas of Henry Fonda in the jury room in 12 Angry Men.  I felt as if I was there, listening in on the conversations, sensing the energy in the room. David leads a great and august group of individuals in providing a two-word answer meant to get mankind back on track, so to speak.

Andy uses this idea as his means of communicating wisdom to the reader. It’s fun; it’s effective, and it can be life-changing if you let it. I could not recommend any other book more. Read The Final Summit.  You’ll be glad you did!

The Word for Mac!

Logos Bible Software is giving away thousands of dollars of prizes to celebrate the launch of Logos Bible Software 4 Mac on October 1. Prizes include an iMac, a MacBook Pro, an iPad, an iPod Touch, and more than 100 other prizes!

They’re also having a special limited-time sale on their Mac and PC base packages and upgrades. Check it out!

Logos makes some crazy good Bible study software. If you love the Word, and Macs, this match was made in heaven!

Afraid? Imagine Your Life Without Fear . . .

Of the many books released this year, few will be welcomed as eagerly as Fearless by Max Lucado. Written at a time when parents are afraid to let their children play outside or ride a bike without a helmet, Fearless offers readers a remedy for the rampant fear now part of everyday life. Written in his familiar, peppered-with-stories, practical style, Lucado’s newest effort urges readers to examine their fears anew in the light of Jesus‘ call to “not be afraid.”

I loved this book! I have enjoyed his writing in the past, but Max seems more than ready to tackle one of the most pervasive issues in our culture. Like a wise friend walking beside you, he draws wisdom from the Word of God, then guides you into seeing how that wisdom can be applied in your own life. He doesn’t preach; he talks and he reasons. He doesn’t try to persuade you; he recognizes that’s the Holy Spirit’s role, not his. Fearless is my favorite Lucado book yet!

A couple things about the book bear mentioning. This is not a book constructed by building one chapter on the foundation of another. Rather, its useful format allows the reader to turn to the chapter that most closely addresses the reader’s felt need. This insures quick application of the truth expounded in its pages.

Fearless always points the reader back to Scripture. Readers often quote books today as if the books are Scripture. Max takes great care to expound upon Scripture, yet keeps the biblical text the centerpiece of his explanation.

Undecided? Just close your eyes and imagine your life without fear. Now, open your eyes and read Fearless.

Of the many books released this year, few will be welcomed as eagerly as Fearless by Max Lucado. Written at a time when parents are afraid to let their children play outside or ride a bike without a helmet, Fearless offers readers a remedy for the rampant fear now part of everyday life. Written in his familiar, peppered-with-stories, practical style, Lucado’s newest effort urges readers to examine their fears anew in the light of Jesus‘ call to “not be afraid.”

I loved this book! I have enjoyed his writing in the past, but Max seems more than ready to tackle one of the most pervasive issues in our culture. Like a wise friend walking beside you, he draws wisdom from the Word of God, then guides you into seeing how that wisdom can be applied in your own life. He doesn’t preach; he talks and he reasons. He doesn’t try to persuade you; he recognizes that’s the Holy Spirit’s role, not his. Fearless is my favorite Lucado book yet!

A couple things about the book bear mentioning. This is not a book constructed by building one chapter on the foundation of another. Rather, its useful format allows the reader to turn to the chapter that most closely addresses the reader’s felt need. This insures quick application of the truth expounded in its pages.

Fearless always points the reader back to Scripture. Readers often quote books today as if the books are Scripture. Max takes great care to expound upon Scripture, yet keeps the biblical text the centerpiece of his explanation.

Undecided? Just close your eyes and imagine your life without fear. Now, open your eyes and read Fearless.

Defining Moments

In the original “Star Wars,” when Luke realizes Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru have been killed, he moves forward with a much different future than he had envisioned. In that moment his life is changed, forever.  What makes story such a powerful means of communication?  Compelling stories work their way past our minds into our hearts. They communicate a type of character to which we are drawn or from which we are driven, based upon our values.  That character is revealed in defining moments like the one Luke faced. Defining moments spark an instant paradigm shift. However, I suspect for most of us our defining moments are less dramatic, but no less important. Thursday was such a day for On His Adventure as we took our step toward recording RM Ballantyne’s adventure tale, The Coral Island. I have dreamed about recording these stories for a year and am thrilled to have begun.

Ballantyne’s books mark the intersection of adventure and wisdom, of daring and commitment.  Our desire is to pass on these stories to a growing generation of boys who do not believe in their hearts Beaver’s description of Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia,

“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver. “Don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the king I tell you.”

We want to tell these stories in a way that moves beyond a young boy’s mind and reaches his heart. Meeting the King is a defining moment for anyone. Using the power of story to communicate timeless values to young boys marks a defining moment for us. What are the defining moments in your life? How did it change you? Leave a comment below and let’s build a community powered by our own stories.

On His Adventure,

Trey

The Adventure Outside Your Front Door!!

Well, we’re finally here on the web! There is still much to do, but this day has been a long time coming. This blog for the time being will serve as the home for On His Adventure, a new media company dedicated to teaching timeless values to young men at their time of greatest need. We seek to use adventure stories written for boys to partner with parents in teaching forgotten values grounded in truth.

Remember what Bilbo said to Frodo at the beginning of Fellowship of the Ring, “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your front door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

In a day and age where it is difficult to find men willing to accept responsibility for their own actions, we seek to provide a community experience and learning resources for those who want to “keep your feet” as you journey out On His Adventure!