Relevant Questions and Answers and Great Words on Writing!

Review of: Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions by Max Lucado

            I'm naturally leery of any person who claims to have all the answers. And sometimes I steer clear of the “big Christian authors” simply because they're “big Christian authors” – I know, I'm repenting for being prejudiced and judgmental. But I also “pride” myself on being open-minded and open-hearted and hearing God's Truth from wherever and whomever it comes. That said I enjoyed this book more than I expected I would.

            As I read, where I expected pat “theologically sound” answers, the author pointed the questioner back to the Bible again and again, giving scriptural answers without dogma. He's not afraid to say things like: “our suffering can be a small assignment when compared with the reward.” (p. 39)

            The questions feel like real questions asked by real people, not questions the author or editors came up with because they were the ones they wanted to answer. Questions like, “Why pray if God is in control?” (p. 77) and “Why did God heal my friend from cancer but not me?” (p. 81) This book addresses some very personal questions, like: How to forgive someone who has abused you sexually (p. 50); How to deal with anger issues (p. 45); How to treat an employee as a Christian and correct bad behavior but still be loving (p. 52). The questions and answers are divided into seven topics: Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter.

Believers at all stages of their walk will find relevant questions and answers. Lucado’s answers are full of godly wisdom and practical, biblically-based advice with examples and stories to make it all understandable and relatable. I love that he doesn't make excuses for God but admits that sometimes we just don't know why. God can see the big picture, we can't.

            Max on Life would be a beneficial addition to anyone's library – parents, pastors, small group leaders, and teachers – all seekers of Truth.

            But all that aside, I would highly recommend this book just for the gem of an afterthought, the Addendum, “The Write Stuff.” In just four-and-a-half pages, Lucado gives us some of the most encouraging, practical, challenging words on writing I've ever read.   He talks about the power of well-written words, “Words go where we never go.” But he also encourages us to hit the delete key when needed: “Make every word earn its place on the page. Not just once or twice, but many times. Sentences can be like just-caught fish – spunky today and stinky tomorrow.”

Max on Life could easily be retitled, Max on Life and Writing.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”