Stronger: Forty Days of Metal and Spirituality

by Brian Welch

This 40-Day devotional from Brian “Head” Welch, former lead guitarist of Korn and the New York Times bestselling author of Save Me From Myself, is an intimate tour through the Bible passages that have meant the most to him on his trying journey from substance abuse to salvation. Save Me From Myself, Welch’s self-effacing story his against addiction and his reawakening to divine love, has made the metal band icon into a hero of Christian rock. Uncompromisingly honest about his demons, and equally fervent about his faith, Head and his impassioned devotional offer a uniquely voiced guiding light perfect for young Christians and rock music fans everywhere.

Genres: Christianity, Christian, Nonfiction, Music

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2010

About the author

Former lead guitarist for the band Korn, see Brian "Head" Welch

Reviews

[Greta is Erikasbuddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this book teaches you anything it will be that non believers look like this:















While believers look like this:









I have never ever ever read a Christian book before this one. The reason I read this is because I won this in a contest.



I remember the day Brian "Head" Welch left Korn but I didn't realize it was because of God. Yes... I must have been in my evil lair that day.



This is the third religious book that Welch has written. I personally think he has found his new cash cow. The first one is: "Save Me From Myself: How I Found God, Quit Korn, Kicked Drugs, and Lived to Tell My Story". But look at the second book he wrote... it's called: "Washed by Blood: Lessons from My Time with Korn and My Journey to Christ".



Isn't that almost the same thing? We definitely know just by the titles that Welch used to be in Korn and has found God.



And now this one is: "Stronger: Forty Days of Metal and Spirituality".



Gasp!! No mention of Korn!



In the book there are 40 Bible passages for you to read and a little Welch story or what Welch thinks about the passage. They are to inspire you and make you closer to God. They are set up for you to read one a day.



The stories are pretty much the same. While Welch was in Korn he sinned and when he got out he found God, kicked drugs, and now wants to spread the word.



Apply, Lather, Rinse, Repeat



I know people who would adore this book but this really wasn't something I enjoyed.



I did however think that the illustrations deserved 5 Stars. They were very clever and unique. Joshua Clay was the artist behind them all.



This book just left me feeling that Christians will all high five each other and if you're not apart of their group then they'll pray with you until you are (there's even a story about that).

[Etienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forty little passage with a scripture from the bible that inspired it. I strongly suggest that you do like Brian said and read one each day for forty day, it give you the time to think about it each one of them. Some made a very strong connection with me a my life, others a little less but this is a really good book whom will probably make you think about yourself and the life you choose and maybe even help you became a better person. A good book if you have an open mind about spirituality/christianity.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not big on devotionals, but who can resist one written by the ex-guitarist for Korn? STRONGER is well-intentioned, and I like that Welch chooses some pretty obscure verses, but unfortunately its insights feel shallow. The most interesting thing about the book are Welch's rock star anecdotes, not his theology. It also doesn't help that it's written at a middle-school level, yet is very adult in its depictions of rock 'n' roll excess. As with most devotionals, I was unable to stick with it.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was raw and genuine at the same time. I am so amazed over the way he embraced his faith and is now using his God given talent to promote his love of Jesus through music and books. I'd recommend this book to any young adult who thinks that there is no room for God in their lives or that loving God isn't cool. If its cool enough for Brian "Head" Welch, its cool enough for anyone!

[Randine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because my daughter used to listen to Korn (and our house was very small so I did too) and I found Welch's commitment to Christianity solid and real - not different from anyone else who goes from a super typical non-Christian atmosphere to a complete 180 in attitude. Nothing unusual - his art (drawings) leaves a lot to be desired but you know, I'm not into cartoons or tattoos.

[Rhina M. Finley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had so much insight! I never listen to metal music or heard of a group called Korn. I was just rejoicing that Brian turned his life over to Christ. I love that transformation and in the process he is telling people all over the world about Christ. I love how he spoke about God's love and compassion.

[A Housewife · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another Christmas gift from my sister. I read "Save Me From Myself" and told her how much I admire Brian Welch, as a man. He is a perfect example of how we should never judge a book by its cover!

[Aggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, just like th first one. I love how he writes everything in such a simple language because let's face it, there are a lot of not-so-bright lightbulbs out there these days.

[Vernita · Rating 4 out of 5]

i enjoyed this book alot as well as the artwork.

[Natarsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! I liked how he took a verse & told how his own life & struggles coincided with it. Brian is very inspiring!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devotional style book

[Stef · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting take on scripture and how Brian relates to various verses as he reflects on his story. I wouldn’t read for the theology but his interpretation and anecdotes relating to scripture were interesting. I would read again but spread it out like he recommends, reading one devotional a day.

[Author Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing "not typical" devotional. Brian speaks the truth of God loud and proud. I'm so proud of him and his journey to the Lord. A few of my favorite quotes from the book are " stay crazy and chase God" and If you're afraid to do something, then go ahead and do it afraid".

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, inspirational and spiritual book. I like how he relates times in his life with bible quotes.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the daily devotionals to be perfect for the season I am currently in. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to know God more.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I loved the book. It brought me closer to God and increased my faith. Brian has a real gift for sharing the gospel.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Hardcover: 208 pages
* Publisher: HarperOne (November 30, 2010)
* ISBN-10: 0061555827
* Author: Brian "Head" Welch
* Cover Art: It's a picture of the author, but it would have been neat to see the artwork in the book as the cover.
* Overall rating: ***** out of 5 stars.
* Obtained: My Personal bookshelf.

Stronger Forty days of metal and Spirituality.

Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews.


"New York Times" bestselling author Brian "Head" Welch returns with a raw and unforgettable journey through his life with Christ and the scripture that has helped lead him into deeper intimacy with God

In 2007, Brian "Head" Welch, the former lead guitarist for the hard-rock band Korn, shared the dramatic story of his music, drug addiction, and miraculous redemption through Jesus Christ in his "New York Times" bestselling book, "Save Me from Myself." Inspiring and compelling, this book began a new chapter in his life, as he acknowledged the mistakes of his past and looked forward to a brighter future with God at his side.

Now in "Stronger," Head continues to share his personal life with an unflinching forty-day devotional of scriptures that have helped him to mold his Christian faith and find light during life's darkest moments. Written with passion and openness, this forty-day journey offers stories from Head's past and present, as he speaks candidly about his bouts of depression since finding God, his struggles against the darkness as he's tried to understand his faith, and how, through these times of weakness, God's written word has been one of the keys to making him stronger than he's ever been. Applying both the Old and New Testaments to every aspect of his life--from his time with Korn to his new solo career to his life-altering decisions to his relationship with his daughter--Head details how, no matter what the issue, God has always provided the guidance he's needed to become a stronger person.

One part journal chronicling his evolving relationship with God, one part spiritual testament to the undeniable strength of the Bible, "Stronger" is a devotional unlike any other--both a moving tribute to the transformative power of the word and a no-holds-barred look at what it means to give yourself completely to Jesus Christ. (Synopsis provided by Goodreads)


The design of this book is to read one "day" at a time. The author has the book sectioned off in days to go from one to forty. The start of each day is one of his favorite verses and he tells you a story of one of his personal experiences that goes with the verse for the day.


Some of the stories were better then others, but I feel like the reader can get something out of all them even if we can't directly relate to his experiences.


I really enjoyed the art work that went along with some of the stories as well.


I would like to read more by the same author to see what else he has to say about Christ and his own journey into Christianity. It's obvious that the book is a Bible study and that he is a Christian, but he never gets pushy and he doesn't scream and preach.


If you want something in the Bible study category and want something different give this one a chance.

[John Martindale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting devotional book. What I loved was Brian's honesty and openness about his issues after becoming a Christian, also I enjoyed the random stories he shared and the amazing art that filled the book. But besides that I did not really care all that much for 'devotional' fluff type stuff.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Brian 'Head' Welch book I read. I wanted to read it quickly, even though it was meant to be read throughout 40 days. The book is written so you read a certain day and then pray and meditate on the words. I will definitely be re-reading it at some point to do exactly this. But his story is just so amazing and is truly inspiring to me.

[Steven Marinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book overall. It actually went by pretty fast. 40 days didnt seem like much at all. But there were a lot of good points in this book. It wasnt exactly life changing for me but it definately fed the spirit in me. Not bad at all.

[Chelsea]

This book was great! :D

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best "devotional" I've read yet. All God, no theology.

[Shellina Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I gave ordered 2 of the other books from Amazon. Can't wait to read them.

[Su · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging-- he's been thru it all and can relate to what we're going thru. Can't do anything without our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

[Lynnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian does an excellent job of relating the lessons from Scripture to his own life and encouraging others to do the same.

[J_Hanniger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional was awesome! Brian pulled so much of his heart out onto these pages. I recommend this book to everyone.