Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Review: Bonhoeffer Abridged: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

I knew many people that have ready the unabridged version of this book, and I the comments were nothing but positive. I was going to borrow it and read it myself when I came across the unabridged version! The unabridged version is very long. While I don't mind long books, the abridged version was seemed to fit my current reading schedule a lot better. That being said, after reading it, I would like to read the longer version of the book. In fact the only fault of the book is that it could have been a little less ABRIDGED. There are a few choppy spots that you could see were missing, and parts of his life that you wished were in this version of the book.

Bonhoeffer Abridged: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas, chronicles the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor that stood up for righteousness amidst one of the most darkest times in human history, the Holocaust. Hitler was rising to power and fame, he would have his way no matter what the cost would be. There were few that would speak against him, and if they did so, they would pay the price of their life. Bonhoeffer did just that. I was drawn into the story line that made Bonhoeffer more than just a super hero of history, Metaxas did an amazing job in capturing the humanity of Bonhoeffer. He gives honest details of Bonhoeffer's love life, family, struggles, victories, travels and writings. By the end you will come away with the feeling that you met Dietrich in person. The details in making him a real person, gave me hope that I would be able to stand for righteousness in the face of evil.

As for the writing, Metaxas does not disappoint in being able to draw in the reader with detail and style and even play on your emotions. He has done a great service in making the Bonhoeffer story accessible to the average reader. You will not walk away disappointed that you took the time to look into the life of Bonhoeffer.

I highly recommend reading this book. If it rings true that, "those who do no learn from history are destined to repeat it;" than this is a must read. What does it take to be the kind of person that will stand in the midst of trouble, persecution, and evil? 4.5

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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.”