I am not a fan of thin (but expensive) hardcover books that masquerade as "great gifts for academy graduates." Unfortunately, this book looks like all the others teenagers receive and never read.
But there is a surprise in the reading. Methodist pastor James Moore has culled his best illustrations and strongest sermon outlines and created an excellent sermon resource. I doubt that this was his purpose in writing the book, but I found three marvelously usable illustrations in the first five chapters!
Each chapter answers a question that modern Christians are asking, and does so using a simple outline spiced with stories and quotes. You'll find in the outlines strong skeletons for topical sermons. The stories and quotes will fit comfortably into a hundred conversations and presentations.
The book includes some m great old chestnuts but sparkles with pointedly turned phrases and wonderful new stories:
"When Will Rogers visited Rome he said he found it interesting that "everyone wanted to see where Saint Peter was buried, but no one wanted to live like him. "
From a German concentration camp Dr. Viktor Frankl writes, "The last of the human freedoms [is] to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances."
And Pastor James Moore adds, "When I first became a Christian I was so excited I wanted to hug God. Over the years, I have learned that the way you hug God is to hug His people. "
Buy the book. But don't buy it for a graduate. Buy it for yourself. Then buy a new "highlighter."