“Max on Life” – the title of Max Lucado’s newest book, available in stores today. As one of my favorite authors, I was excited to read this particular book, as I thoroughly enjoy just about everything he has to say. This newest book is a collection of sorts – a handbook filled with the answers to just about anything you’d want to know. Broken down into seven categories (all beginning with the letter “H”) – Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and the Hereafter. Interestingly, while there is some content from many of his other books, we also find excerpts from sermons and letters from his years as a pastor.
Normally, I am very enthusiastic about recommending any book by Max, but this one finds me a bit lukewarm. Don’t get me wrong, I love his ability to illustrate a topic and make it easy to understand for just about anybody. And he doesn’t disappoint here in this book. The problem for me, is that while each answer is a great starting point in helping someone to gain a basic understanding of their question, I’m not sure very many of them could really stand alone, without the need for further discussion and explanation.
I completely understand that to expound on each of these questions at length would take volumes. And for the solid, committed, and growing follower of Jesus Christ, the answer would most certainly serve as a catalyst for personal investigation as they dive deeper into God’s Word. But unfortunately, the vast majority of the average chuch goer looks no further into discovery, and simply accepts the answer at face value. Unfortunately we end with a bunch of folk theologians – people who believe what they believe simply because that is what someone told them to do. And here in the pages of this new book, I am afraid that it provides a foundation that too many will assume is the finished structure.
If you enjoy Max Lucado, and desire a book that will provide great illustrations on a variety of topics, then, by all means, get this book. If you desire material that will provide you a starting point for further study, then buy the book. But, if you are going to use this book as your guide for life, then I suggest you forgo this purchase and put your money toward a solid study Bible that will provide a much more solid foundation.
You can purchase this book at any Christian bookstore, amazon.com, or cbd.com.
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.”
