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Courageous
Retailers Choice Award winner, 2012
From the creators of Fireproof comes an inspiring new story about everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners willingly stand up to the worst the world can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they’re quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark.
They know that God desires to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, but their children are beginning to drift farther and farther away from them. Will they be able to find a way to serve and protect those who are most dear to them? When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God . . . and to their children?
From the creators of Fireproof comes an inspiring new story about everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners willingly stand up to the worst the world can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they’re quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark.
They know that God desires to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, but their children are beginning to drift farther and farther away from them. Will they be able to find a way to serve and protect those who are most dear to them? When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God . . . and to their children?
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
392 people are currently reading
8073 people want to read
About the author
Randy Alcorn
221 books1,575 followersRandy Alcorn is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them. EPM exists to meet the needs of the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled and unsupported people around the world.
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 481 reviews
March 19, 2013
I am a Christian and I like fiction. I even like Christians who write fiction, but as a rule, I do not like Christian fiction. Why? Because good fiction shows, and Christian fiction tells. The didactic purpose of Christian fiction means that it often more than a story with a message. It is a message with a thin veneer of story.
But if you like Christian fiction you like Randy Alcorn's adaptation of the Courageous film. Alcorn's characters are contrived and somewhat formulaic, but they are likable and you can't help caring about them.
This is a book in the tradition of Charles Sheldon's In His Steps (the inspiration for those WWJD? bracelets of a decade ago. Like its 19th century counterpart, Courageous tells the story of men who start taking their faith seriously. However there is a distinctive focus on the family. The men of these stories want to enact what the Bible says about fatherhood so that they could be better fathers to their children. That isn't to say that there isn't a broader social agenda. Abortion, drugs and gangs are all opposed by the characters and they affirm the goodness of racial reconciliation but these are at best minor themes.
But if you like Christian fiction you like Randy Alcorn's adaptation of the Courageous film. Alcorn's characters are contrived and somewhat formulaic, but they are likable and you can't help caring about them.
This is a book in the tradition of Charles Sheldon's In His Steps (the inspiration for those WWJD? bracelets of a decade ago. Like its 19th century counterpart, Courageous tells the story of men who start taking their faith seriously. However there is a distinctive focus on the family. The men of these stories want to enact what the Bible says about fatherhood so that they could be better fathers to their children. That isn't to say that there isn't a broader social agenda. Abortion, drugs and gangs are all opposed by the characters and they affirm the goodness of racial reconciliation but these are at best minor themes.
December 17, 2016
This is one of my favorite books. Well deserved 5 stars and then some!
January 29, 2018
Wow this was really good! I have seen the movie before I read this book.
Honestly, it was a bit hard to have the feelings and emotions told to you rather than to see them, but the story and the detail, the writing style and the way it was all tied together was really well done. I enjoyed reading it regardless of the fact that I watched the movie.
Honestly, it was a bit hard to have the feelings and emotions told to you rather than to see them, but the story and the detail, the writing style and the way it was all tied together was really well done. I enjoyed reading it regardless of the fact that I watched the movie.
January 28, 2012
This book was beyond horrible. And I am only giving it one star because there is nothing lower than that. What??? is the deal with the prose? Seriously? The only thing I could visualize when I read any parts involving the "ghetto" or the inner city was some white writer watching troubled youth shows and doing research on how to be "gangsta" and then interpreting that to the page. Awful.
These books, the ones with the messages centered around a Christian moral, are written, it would seem, by the preacher for the choir. If I were a non-believer, I would never have made it past the first paragraph of the first page. It is so unrealistic in its plot and contrite in other areas that concentrating on anything besides the horrendous writing was difficult. No character had their own voice. No character embodied any personality. Horribly, horribly written. But I am a believer. In God. In these books. And, above all, in the written works. So I finished the piece.
I am a sucker for these books because I believe in their cause. I did knowingly and willingly purchase this title on the off chance that it might be different than Fireproof (an equally displeasing read). And I want franchises like this to succeed. But there has to be more in it for the loyalty some of us offer. At least, at the very least, a well written piece that doesn't seem like it was conjured up by some 13yrold for his creative writing class. Take away creative and thats exactly what this is.
While the book did have a good message (one, in my opinion, directed to Christian men and only Christian men, eliminating an entire demographic of other men seeking something but not sure what.) it failed in its quest to deliver said message in a manner thats accessible to the general reading public. Hard working dads (which is exactly who the target audience is) will never take the time to read something like this. Their wives will read it and then force the highlights onto their husbands. And the husbands will vaguely look on as their wives speak because the wives were unable to grasp the core content due to such inept writing.
If this were a letter to the author, I would specifically ask him to write to his audience, not a manner that allows the reader to find commonality with the characters, but rather in a manner that allows the reader to recognize themselves in the trials and triumphs the character struggles through. I would ask the author to hold his readers to a higher esteem and assume they are intelligent and can handle a little more substance. But this isn't a letter to the author. Its a book review. So to you, fellow readers, I say good luck. Because if you've managed to stick around for my entire review and still think that this book is worth the read, you're going to need it.
These books, the ones with the messages centered around a Christian moral, are written, it would seem, by the preacher for the choir. If I were a non-believer, I would never have made it past the first paragraph of the first page. It is so unrealistic in its plot and contrite in other areas that concentrating on anything besides the horrendous writing was difficult. No character had their own voice. No character embodied any personality. Horribly, horribly written. But I am a believer. In God. In these books. And, above all, in the written works. So I finished the piece.
I am a sucker for these books because I believe in their cause. I did knowingly and willingly purchase this title on the off chance that it might be different than Fireproof (an equally displeasing read). And I want franchises like this to succeed. But there has to be more in it for the loyalty some of us offer. At least, at the very least, a well written piece that doesn't seem like it was conjured up by some 13yrold for his creative writing class. Take away creative and thats exactly what this is.
While the book did have a good message (one, in my opinion, directed to Christian men and only Christian men, eliminating an entire demographic of other men seeking something but not sure what.) it failed in its quest to deliver said message in a manner thats accessible to the general reading public. Hard working dads (which is exactly who the target audience is) will never take the time to read something like this. Their wives will read it and then force the highlights onto their husbands. And the husbands will vaguely look on as their wives speak because the wives were unable to grasp the core content due to such inept writing.
If this were a letter to the author, I would specifically ask him to write to his audience, not a manner that allows the reader to find commonality with the characters, but rather in a manner that allows the reader to recognize themselves in the trials and triumphs the character struggles through. I would ask the author to hold his readers to a higher esteem and assume they are intelligent and can handle a little more substance. But this isn't a letter to the author. Its a book review. So to you, fellow readers, I say good luck. Because if you've managed to stick around for my entire review and still think that this book is worth the read, you're going to need it.
June 1, 2025
Five stars. This is truly an amazing book! It really reminded me of the movie.
March 16, 2025
This book is so good!
It's kinda backwards. Like what do you mean it was a movie first? Now I need to go watch the movie.
On page 82 Nathan mentions a T-shirt that says D.A.D.D. Dads Against Daughters Dating. My dad has a D.A.D.D. T-shirt.
Nathan and Adam are my favorites. They try so hard to be good dads. And they're good cops.
I was very disappointed in Dylan when we found out I'm glad that he became a good boy after he was caught.
The fact that Bronson spoils his dog caught me off guard. But I love how much he loves his dog.
I love how much this stresses the importance of fathers. Dads are extremely important in the family. Nowadays people (feminists specifically) are trying to undermine the importance of men and fathers. I can't stress enough or put into words how important dads are. Not everyone has a dad or a good dad and that affects them greatly. This book has made me incredibly thankful for my amazing dad.
Quotes! ⬇️
It's kinda backwards. Like what do you mean it was a movie first? Now I need to go watch the movie.
On page 82 Nathan mentions a T-shirt that says D.A.D.D. Dads Against Daughters Dating. My dad has a D.A.D.D. T-shirt.
Nathan and Adam are my favorites. They try so hard to be good dads. And they're good cops.
I was very disappointed in Dylan when we found out I'm glad that he became a good boy after he was caught.
The fact that Bronson spoils his dog caught me off guard. But I love how much he loves his dog.
I love how much this stresses the importance of fathers. Dads are extremely important in the family. Nowadays people (feminists specifically) are trying to undermine the importance of men and fathers. I can't stress enough or put into words how important dads are. Not everyone has a dad or a good dad and that affects them greatly. This book has made me incredibly thankful for my amazing dad.
Quotes! ⬇️
"Seen the T-shirt that says D.A.D.D. Dads Against Daughters Dating? I think I'll get one."
(Page 82)
David worked quietly then asked Nathan, "Do you really feel like it messed up your childhood--not having a dad?"
"More than you know. A lot of your self-worth comes from what your father thinks of you. I struggled with who I was my whole childhood. Tried to prove myself. I almost got in a gang. If fathers did what they're supposed to do, half the junk we face on the street wouldn't exist."
(Page 172)
"Javy you are a rich man. You have a strong faith, two children that love you, and a wife that adores you."
(Page 185)
"The right things are often the hardest," Nathan said.
(Page 186)
"But remember how He cares about us, so much that He died for us. He's seen us at our worst but still loves us. Since He knows how bad we are, that's pretty encouraging. He forgives us when we ask Him. We just need to remind ourselves we can't keep secrets from God."
(Page 291)
January 14, 2020
As a disclaimer, I have seen the movie, so I was familiar with the storyline, plot, etc. So this *may* have influenced my review just a bit.
This book was practically verbatim of the movie. At first it drove me just a bit insane, because it seemed to be a bit choppy in the flow. THere wasn't a lot of description, but I could picture it because I had watched the movie. The characters and everything else seemed as if they might would have been a bit shallow and they lacked depth . . . but again, I feel as if it this could be merely because it was based on a movie script.
The added plot twists were pretty great, and it was a fun way to liven things up more. These parts were the redeeming qualities to the book, and the writing here was pretty much great!
Over all, this book has a great message. One that we as a culture need to hear, because fatherlessness, and men lacking the courage to stand up against the cultural norms, is something that needs to be encouraged and nourished. I do feel as if it was a bit choppy, with more telling than showing, but again, I do believe this was because it was written based off a movie script.
This book was practically verbatim of the movie. At first it drove me just a bit insane, because it seemed to be a bit choppy in the flow. THere wasn't a lot of description, but I could picture it because I had watched the movie. The characters and everything else seemed as if they might would have been a bit shallow and they lacked depth . . . but again, I feel as if it this could be merely because it was based on a movie script.
The added plot twists were pretty great, and it was a fun way to liven things up more. These parts were the redeeming qualities to the book, and the writing here was pretty much great!
Over all, this book has a great message. One that we as a culture need to hear, because fatherlessness, and men lacking the courage to stand up against the cultural norms, is something that needs to be encouraged and nourished. I do feel as if it was a bit choppy, with more telling than showing, but again, I do believe this was because it was written based off a movie script.
January 8, 2012
If you didn't know already this book was based on a movie by the same name. In our small town we do not get first run movies, so this movie hit our one screen theater in January 2012. My kids went to see it and came home fired up, just like after Fireproof (another movie by the same people). I had to see this. Somehow I ended up awake at 4 am and buying this book for my Kindle. It is now 8:30pm and I think that is the fastest I have ever finished a book. This book will make you laugh, cry, wonder, pray, worship, dance, and leave you feeling like one of your best days with God. I won’t tell you the plot, you can get that off the back of the book, and out of many reviews, and previews of the movie are available. You will be surprised at each new development and how they all intertwine, and show God’s divine wisdom that we only get to experience in hindsight. You will come out of the other side of this book wanting to be a better parent, a better Christian, and a better person. I cannot encourage you enough to buy or borrow this book.
October 14, 2016
This was very, very good! Five stars for solid story and Christian message. It nailed it calling fathers to responsibility. I would advise caution for younger readers as it deals a lot with drugs and the world that goes with.
April 10, 2020
Amazed at Alcorn's writing- absolutely beautiful and sweeping, especially in this book. Phenomenal additions to the movie plot. Altogether, way beyond amazing, and exceedingly well done!
July 11, 2020
I saw the movie a few years back. I enjoyed reading the book even though it is directed more towards men and the importance of their role as father. There are some very important truths in this book that anybody can benefit from, and some very entertaining parts as well.
August 1, 2017
A very exciting book from Randy Alcorn. Starting out, I kept getting confused with who was who. I never saw the movie that this book was based on, if I had, I would probably be able to keep up with the novel. Otherwise, it was a very good story based on the Sheriff's department in Albany, Georgia.
I really liked the opportunities that Adam (the main character) had in witnessing to those who were lost. These opportunities showed how to witness to the lost, and to follow up with them. I also liked the emphasis on family relationships inside the family of each deputy. There was also humor involved along with sorrow shown among the families. The book had clean language which I recommend for teens to read.
I really liked the opportunities that Adam (the main character) had in witnessing to those who were lost. These opportunities showed how to witness to the lost, and to follow up with them. I also liked the emphasis on family relationships inside the family of each deputy. There was also humor involved along with sorrow shown among the families. The book had clean language which I recommend for teens to read.
December 10, 2014
Reseña completa
Excelente libro!! Aún no he visto la película pero supongo que será igual de bueno que la novelización.
Excelente libro!! Aún no he visto la película pero supongo que será igual de bueno que la novelización.
September 19, 2024
pretty much like the movie, with a little more background. it was ok
March 15, 2013
At first I was disappointed with the writing; the characters seemed two-dimentional and stereotypical. Then I realized that they weren't stereotypes they were archetypes. Instead of having strong characters which were clearly individuals, Alcorn has created characters which could be anyone. We can see them as templates for people we know.
On to the story. 4 men, very different, all face different challenges of integrity and courage in their daily lives: being a good father, husband, provider, leader. Each deals with his challenges in a different way.
The one theme that runs through this book is the challenge of helping the fatherless, whether the children have been abandoned by an absent father or simply ignored by one who's still technically present. A quote:
when a father is absent, kids are five times more likely to commit suicide, ten times more likely to abuse drugs, fourteen times more likely to commit rape, and twenty times more likely to go to prison. (I'd seen those statistics before, and they shock me every time, but I'm including them in case other people haven't seen them.) You can add "and remain in poverty", and it really hammers home the message that we as a society need to be more responsible. We can't afford to keep looking inward and never looking out for anyone else, and these characters take those first steps of responsibility.
On to the story. 4 men, very different, all face different challenges of integrity and courage in their daily lives: being a good father, husband, provider, leader. Each deals with his challenges in a different way.
The one theme that runs through this book is the challenge of helping the fatherless, whether the children have been abandoned by an absent father or simply ignored by one who's still technically present. A quote:
when a father is absent, kids are five times more likely to commit suicide, ten times more likely to abuse drugs, fourteen times more likely to commit rape, and twenty times more likely to go to prison. (I'd seen those statistics before, and they shock me every time, but I'm including them in case other people haven't seen them.) You can add "and remain in poverty", and it really hammers home the message that we as a society need to be more responsible. We can't afford to keep looking inward and never looking out for anyone else, and these characters take those first steps of responsibility.
May 10, 2013
Because I had already seen the movie, I wasn't too sure what to expect out of this book. Normally, I prefer reading a book to seeing a movie and I thought that would be the case for this book but it wasn't. I was surprised to say that I actually preferred the movie. Being able to really see the characters and the emotions behind everything was vastly helpful. While the story is obviously very similar in the books and sometimes word for word from the movie, I didn't feel that there was enough depth in the writing to really draw the reader in. If I hadn't seen the movie to help get some of these images in my mind, I would have a hard time picturing any of the characters. In fact, to start with, I still had a hard time remembering who was who because there is such little description of anything given in the book.
That said, the story is a really good one and if you would rather read than watch the movie, I'd recommend this book. It's inspiring, challenging, sobering, and still has a dash of humor every now and then to keep it easy and light to read. The chapters are short so it's something easy to read when you only have a few minutes here or there. It will definitely give you something to think about!
That said, the story is a really good one and if you would rather read than watch the movie, I'd recommend this book. It's inspiring, challenging, sobering, and still has a dash of humor every now and then to keep it easy and light to read. The chapters are short so it's something easy to read when you only have a few minutes here or there. It will definitely give you something to think about!
August 6, 2016
An excellent story for people who like to learn important Biblical teachings while reading novels. This is not a crime novel, it's a story about the men wearing the badge and how they deal with the situations in their lives both at work and at home. I suggest this book for all Christians, especially men who have children.
October 13, 2011
This is an excellent book! Not only should it inspire fathers to man up, but it should be an inspiration to all of us to be better fathers, mothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, whatever. I highly recommend this book. Now I want to see the movie!
October 17, 2014
Wooo! Definitivamente es uno de mis libros.
Me encantó todo, todo, pues la historia es increible. El mensaje es claro, me hizo reflexionar, porque los hijos en parte tenemos la culpa en las situaciones familiares.
Ahora que ya lo he leido, veré la película:-)
Me encantó todo, todo, pues la historia es increible. El mensaje es claro, me hizo reflexionar, porque los hijos en parte tenemos la culpa en las situaciones familiares.
Ahora que ya lo he leido, veré la película:-)
May 7, 2024
Wonderful book, with a lot of truth woven into this intriguing story. I am really bad at leaving a review, but go read it, its worth your time.
March 30, 2024
Great book. Funny but spiritually sound. Good messages
June 26, 2012
This is a wonderful book based on the newest Christian film to come out of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. In the same spirit of Fireproof and Facing the Giants, Courageous takes both the reader and those who watch the movie to the small town of Albany, Georgia and to the every day people who live there. Fireproof involved firefighters. Fighting the Giants involves the football team and fans. Courageous brings us into the lives of law enforcement officers. Each of the four primary law officers are from slightly different backgrounds but each is facing his own trials and tribulations.
When I read some of the other reviews I almost skipped the book and just watched the movie. However a Pastor friend of mine used the movie and the book for his men's group. When I discussed it with the men who had studied the book first and then seen the movie, they all advised me to read the book first. I am glad that I did as it helped add depth to the movie.
Possibly the movie was more powerful and more exacting than the book but most people are more visually stimulated. I tend to be drawn more into a book as I can read parts several times and see things I might have scanned too quickly before. With a movie, I rarely just go back and watch a certain chapter. Instead I watch the entire movie again.
I can see some points of the other reviewers but primarily, I was disappointed that several reviewers gave it one star or another said they would have given it no stars had that been possible. I feel they were being judgmental and highly critical, at best. Few books are closely similar to the movie. By the time a screen play has been rewritten and modified, it rarely is a replica of the original manuscript or vice versa.
I am aware that many churches are using the book and the movie as a course for both men and women groups and small groups. Since the movie only takes about 2 hours to watch, some people would rather just watch the movie. However many Christian leaders prefer the book as a study guide as it helps break down the key issues of the subject matter. The entire story deals with these men, the work, their homes and their loved ones. That these men make a stand for righteous God and family centered lives is proof enough that there are golden nuggets which can be found by the reader.
My prayer is that you read both the book and see the movie and rearrange your own life to be of the same moral fiber as the four men of this inspiring story?
When I read some of the other reviews I almost skipped the book and just watched the movie. However a Pastor friend of mine used the movie and the book for his men's group. When I discussed it with the men who had studied the book first and then seen the movie, they all advised me to read the book first. I am glad that I did as it helped add depth to the movie.
Possibly the movie was more powerful and more exacting than the book but most people are more visually stimulated. I tend to be drawn more into a book as I can read parts several times and see things I might have scanned too quickly before. With a movie, I rarely just go back and watch a certain chapter. Instead I watch the entire movie again.
I can see some points of the other reviewers but primarily, I was disappointed that several reviewers gave it one star or another said they would have given it no stars had that been possible. I feel they were being judgmental and highly critical, at best. Few books are closely similar to the movie. By the time a screen play has been rewritten and modified, it rarely is a replica of the original manuscript or vice versa.
I am aware that many churches are using the book and the movie as a course for both men and women groups and small groups. Since the movie only takes about 2 hours to watch, some people would rather just watch the movie. However many Christian leaders prefer the book as a study guide as it helps break down the key issues of the subject matter. The entire story deals with these men, the work, their homes and their loved ones. That these men make a stand for righteous God and family centered lives is proof enough that there are golden nuggets which can be found by the reader.
My prayer is that you read both the book and see the movie and rearrange your own life to be of the same moral fiber as the four men of this inspiring story?
September 13, 2011
Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, Shane Fuller, David Thomson are deputies in Albany, Georgia. They are committed to fighting crime and protecting their citizens. But all of the men are struggling to become the fathers they are called by God to be. Adam has a hard time connecting with his son, Dylan. He finds it much easier to bond with his daughter, Emily. All of the men have to come to face with the reality that they aren’t being the best fathers that they can be. A sudden tragedy awakened their hearts causing them to step up their game and change their ways before it is too late. They decide that they must take a declaration to God and their families to change their ways. Will they be able to success? Can they save their families and become closer together during a tragedy?
A quote that jumped out at me was:
“Some in prison were free in their hearts while many outside were slaves to their appetites” (321).
I have to say that I enjoyed reading this book immensely. My father and mother have always been there for me. But there are so many children who are fatherless and never knew their Earthly father. I never completely realized how blessed I was that my parents have stayed together and have been here for me to lead me to become more like Christ. I really felt the pain of Dylan and Adam’s relationship. They hardly spend time together and they had to work on it. It encouraged me to respect my father and communicate with him more fully. Even if you have different interests you have to bend and try to enjoy what they like to do. I truly believe this book will help me to grow into a father one day.
I would recommend this book to teenagers and adults. If you don’t know your father this book will help you to see it differently. You have a father in Heaven who loves you very much! It will help fathers to see who God has made them to be and it isn’t too late to change. If you haven’t been a great father then read this book and you will see you’re not alone! But with God’s help you can become a better father! This book isn’t only for father’s women will enjoy this story as well.
Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
A quote that jumped out at me was:
“Some in prison were free in their hearts while many outside were slaves to their appetites” (321).
I have to say that I enjoyed reading this book immensely. My father and mother have always been there for me. But there are so many children who are fatherless and never knew their Earthly father. I never completely realized how blessed I was that my parents have stayed together and have been here for me to lead me to become more like Christ. I really felt the pain of Dylan and Adam’s relationship. They hardly spend time together and they had to work on it. It encouraged me to respect my father and communicate with him more fully. Even if you have different interests you have to bend and try to enjoy what they like to do. I truly believe this book will help me to grow into a father one day.
I would recommend this book to teenagers and adults. If you don’t know your father this book will help you to see it differently. You have a father in Heaven who loves you very much! It will help fathers to see who God has made them to be and it isn’t too late to change. If you haven’t been a great father then read this book and you will see you’re not alone! But with God’s help you can become a better father! This book isn’t only for father’s women will enjoy this story as well.
Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
August 31, 2011
MY REVIEW-WOW!! This is about all I am going to say about this book. I have been anxiously awaiting the next film from the Kendrick brothers after watching Fireproof. I get the updates, have the wallpaper on my laptop and I now have the book!
Now, I don't want to spoil anything for those who have not watched the movie or have not read the book. So I am going to be somewhat cryptic in this review. Not like my normal ones where people can know who I am talking about, etc. I just really want to give a good review for this, but I want to keep things a secret for those of you with the pleasure of watching this book come to life in the film. The book is written by Randy Alcorn and I have to tell you, I have loved many of his other books. So even if this wasn't actually a screenplay by Stephen Kendrick, I would have liked the book:) But having this a novelization of the film by the Kendricks just makes it that much better. There is actually only 20% taken from the film itself and Randy Alcorn made the rest of the book. So I was glad about that.
It is an excellent plot, a great cast of characters and soo many good things about this. I have to say my favorite is probably Adam. But the rest of the characters were soo good it was hard to pick out a favorite. There were several times were I was in tears and then many times of such encouragement and wisdom. This book has soo many strong points to it I couldn't even start to tell you about them.
The action and adventure is not lacking either. There is one part with a daughter that I really loved. Again, sorry I can't tell you more:) This is such a great book for fathers to read with their sons. With their families would be wonderful but especially with their sons. Take the message of this book and train your children with it. If you are waiting for the film, please pick up a copy of this book anyways. You will want to read it after you watch the film. And the pictures inside make it a really nice copy. Excellent book with a strong plot. Great for any Christian!!
According to FTC Disclosures, I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Media. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
Now, I don't want to spoil anything for those who have not watched the movie or have not read the book. So I am going to be somewhat cryptic in this review. Not like my normal ones where people can know who I am talking about, etc. I just really want to give a good review for this, but I want to keep things a secret for those of you with the pleasure of watching this book come to life in the film. The book is written by Randy Alcorn and I have to tell you, I have loved many of his other books. So even if this wasn't actually a screenplay by Stephen Kendrick, I would have liked the book:) But having this a novelization of the film by the Kendricks just makes it that much better. There is actually only 20% taken from the film itself and Randy Alcorn made the rest of the book. So I was glad about that.
It is an excellent plot, a great cast of characters and soo many good things about this. I have to say my favorite is probably Adam. But the rest of the characters were soo good it was hard to pick out a favorite. There were several times were I was in tears and then many times of such encouragement and wisdom. This book has soo many strong points to it I couldn't even start to tell you about them.
The action and adventure is not lacking either. There is one part with a daughter that I really loved. Again, sorry I can't tell you more:) This is such a great book for fathers to read with their sons. With their families would be wonderful but especially with their sons. Take the message of this book and train your children with it. If you are waiting for the film, please pick up a copy of this book anyways. You will want to read it after you watch the film. And the pictures inside make it a really nice copy. Excellent book with a strong plot. Great for any Christian!!
According to FTC Disclosures, I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Media. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
April 27, 2013
We enjoyed the movie on which this novelization is based, and when the book was offered for free on the Kindle, I jumped at it. The book follows the movie very closely, though I do believe some additional scenes have been added to the novel. The story is thought-provoking, at times heart-rending, and managed to step on my toes more than a few times. I wonder sometimes what kind of difference it might have made if I'd read this story thirty years ago, when our eldest was an infant and our youngest was a year away. It's that kind of story.
On the downside, the book has a number of places with abrupt POV changes. I tend to be aware of these because of having had the same problem with some of my early writings, and now pay close attention to the perspective of each section, adding a clear cue when a POV shift occurs. A good editor should have caught and corrected this, either by making sure the POV remains consistent within the scene, or inserting some kind of divider to cue the reader that a switch had occurred. Alas, the more modern books I read, even from the large Traditional Publishers, the more convinced I am that too many are regarding editing as a "no value added" expense. This was the difference between this book receiving four stars from me, or five. I might have cut an Indy author a bit more slack on this, but Tyndale should know better.
Overall, Alcorn did an excellent job in adapting the Kendricks' story to book form. The characters draw the reader in and hold the interest. While some may find the message a bit heavy-handed, it's understandable given how serious the Kendricks considered the issue. This book would make an excellent gift for any father or father-to-be. We need to quit accepting that "good enough" is acceptable, and always strive to be better.
On the downside, the book has a number of places with abrupt POV changes. I tend to be aware of these because of having had the same problem with some of my early writings, and now pay close attention to the perspective of each section, adding a clear cue when a POV shift occurs. A good editor should have caught and corrected this, either by making sure the POV remains consistent within the scene, or inserting some kind of divider to cue the reader that a switch had occurred. Alas, the more modern books I read, even from the large Traditional Publishers, the more convinced I am that too many are regarding editing as a "no value added" expense. This was the difference between this book receiving four stars from me, or five. I might have cut an Indy author a bit more slack on this, but Tyndale should know better.
Overall, Alcorn did an excellent job in adapting the Kendricks' story to book form. The characters draw the reader in and hold the interest. While some may find the message a bit heavy-handed, it's understandable given how serious the Kendricks considered the issue. This book would make an excellent gift for any father or father-to-be. We need to quit accepting that "good enough" is acceptable, and always strive to be better.
January 22, 2013
This book pushes you beyond the norm.
Ok, I am not a guy, dad, nor husband. I am a Lady, mom, and wife. Of course I don't have the same outlook of a guy. But, after reading this book, it makes you look at your man. Your Husband, the father of your children. The man that God paired you with.
There are basically four main characters in the book. They all have faced, are facing, or will face the storms of life. Like we all will. This book makes you look at your life now. Are there changes you need to make before you lead your life down a path of destruction?
Now you have to make a choice; use the examples of the book to tweak your life a little, a lot or none at all. How close if your relationship with your family? One answer would be to look at how close your relationship is with God, of which is your Heavenly Father. Do you look to Him? Do you lean on Him? Do you talk to Him and He to you? Have you hid the words in your heart to recall later in life when you need it most.
Do you have the courage to stand up against the norms of life today. Ladies, do you look to your Husband to lead the house? Or do you push him away and take control. Men, do you lead your family with that firm but gentle touch? Do you love each other the way Christ loves us? Christ loves all sinners, that is who he died for. He forgives and forgets. Do we forgive reluctantly and hang onto that which happened?
This book touches on a lot. A lot action to keep you glued to the book. And the life lessons that we all really need to learn. Well worth reading! I hope to one day watch the movie.
Ok, I am not a guy, dad, nor husband. I am a Lady, mom, and wife. Of course I don't have the same outlook of a guy. But, after reading this book, it makes you look at your man. Your Husband, the father of your children. The man that God paired you with.
There are basically four main characters in the book. They all have faced, are facing, or will face the storms of life. Like we all will. This book makes you look at your life now. Are there changes you need to make before you lead your life down a path of destruction?
Now you have to make a choice; use the examples of the book to tweak your life a little, a lot or none at all. How close if your relationship with your family? One answer would be to look at how close your relationship is with God, of which is your Heavenly Father. Do you look to Him? Do you lean on Him? Do you talk to Him and He to you? Have you hid the words in your heart to recall later in life when you need it most.
Do you have the courage to stand up against the norms of life today. Ladies, do you look to your Husband to lead the house? Or do you push him away and take control. Men, do you lead your family with that firm but gentle touch? Do you love each other the way Christ loves us? Christ loves all sinners, that is who he died for. He forgives and forgets. Do we forgive reluctantly and hang onto that which happened?
This book touches on a lot. A lot action to keep you glued to the book. And the life lessons that we all really need to learn. Well worth reading! I hope to one day watch the movie.
August 9, 2014
I watched the movie, which is beyond superb, and then I bought the novelization.
In my opinion, the book could have been better written. Within the first three pages of the book, I was seeing the view point from three different people. There was no feel for the characters nor the situation at the time. All emotions and actions were cardboard cut-outs.
The words created a very two-dimensional scene. It didn't delve into the characters' emotions and actions. Pretty much, it read like a screenplay with a few added words for padding.
The storyline is wonderful and the message truly remarkable, but the book fell flat. I set this book aside after the short first chapters and the flipping through the book to see if it would get any better. I began again and scanned the book. It read as though it was a middle grade reader.
Next time, I hope the writer chosen for the next novelization will choose his/her words carefully and create a book just as rich in characters and scenes as the movie.
In my opinion, the book could have been better written. Within the first three pages of the book, I was seeing the view point from three different people. There was no feel for the characters nor the situation at the time. All emotions and actions were cardboard cut-outs.
The words created a very two-dimensional scene. It didn't delve into the characters' emotions and actions. Pretty much, it read like a screenplay with a few added words for padding.
The storyline is wonderful and the message truly remarkable, but the book fell flat. I set this book aside after the short first chapters and the flipping through the book to see if it would get any better. I began again and scanned the book. It read as though it was a middle grade reader.
Next time, I hope the writer chosen for the next novelization will choose his/her words carefully and create a book just as rich in characters and scenes as the movie.
November 3, 2015
Adam Mitchell and his law enforcement partners constantly face the challenge of being Godly fathers. They seek to find a way to protect those that are closest to themselves. Courageous is all about striving to be all that God wants us to be.
I watched the movie Courageous a few years ago and fell in love with the way the screenplay writers mixed comedy with a very serious topic: fatherhood and being what God wants you to be. At the end of the Audiobook version, there is an interview with the author of the book, Randy Alcorn. In the interview he discussed how he struggled to create a full length novel out of only a few hours of screenplay. I believe one of the most amazing aspects of this book is the additional content that Alcorn provides. There are many additional or lengthened scenes that stay true to the original feel of the movie. He adds much more laughter, many more heartfelt moments and keeps the overall message just as hard hitting.
I would recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement, laughter, or a good crying session.
I watched the movie Courageous a few years ago and fell in love with the way the screenplay writers mixed comedy with a very serious topic: fatherhood and being what God wants you to be. At the end of the Audiobook version, there is an interview with the author of the book, Randy Alcorn. In the interview he discussed how he struggled to create a full length novel out of only a few hours of screenplay. I believe one of the most amazing aspects of this book is the additional content that Alcorn provides. There are many additional or lengthened scenes that stay true to the original feel of the movie. He adds much more laughter, many more heartfelt moments and keeps the overall message just as hard hitting.
I would recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement, laughter, or a good crying session.
August 3, 2016
OMG! if I could get away with no star I would have chosen no rating at all. My partner and I went to see this movie because the synopsis in no way indicated that it would be far damn cheaper to go to church to be preached at.
When I go to a movie and pay $10 I expect to be entertained and see a good plot in action for two hours that will grasp my imagination. It became quite clear to us within minutes that what was being inflicted on us was having bloody religion shoved down our throats.
Religion nor church does not define who people are or how morality is within each individual. And most people come from single parent homes in this day and age and I think our mothers do a superlative job raising kids while trying to keep the wolves from the door with, in many cases, absolutely no help from the father at all so this movie will be a huge hit with holy rollers but by god, for those who eschew church, don't waste your money.
When I go to a movie and pay $10 I expect to be entertained and see a good plot in action for two hours that will grasp my imagination. It became quite clear to us within minutes that what was being inflicted on us was having bloody religion shoved down our throats.
Religion nor church does not define who people are or how morality is within each individual. And most people come from single parent homes in this day and age and I think our mothers do a superlative job raising kids while trying to keep the wolves from the door with, in many cases, absolutely no help from the father at all so this movie will be a huge hit with holy rollers but by god, for those who eschew church, don't waste your money.
November 19, 2012
christian fiction other than left behind series, awesome.
this is the story of 4 police officers and their families. The 4 police officers are Nathan and his partner rookie David and Corporal Adam and his partner Shane.
Corporal Adam's daughter get his by a drunk driver and Emily dies. Adam forgives the driver and so does his wife Victoria. Adam didn't have a good relationship with his son in the early part of the novel, they didn't run together but later they run together and talk about everything.
Nathan has a daughter Jade and Nathan is worried about who she see's as boyfriend.
David misses his ex wife Mia and her daughter which both were vegetarians
Shane goes to jail because he sold drugs.
The 4 police officers sign a resolution how they were father figures and would act and behave as christian dads. Help raise kids and work hard.
In the end of the novel, they catch tj boss of the gangster nation and derrick freedman saves Nathan's life.
this is the story of 4 police officers and their families. The 4 police officers are Nathan and his partner rookie David and Corporal Adam and his partner Shane.
Corporal Adam's daughter get his by a drunk driver and Emily dies. Adam forgives the driver and so does his wife Victoria. Adam didn't have a good relationship with his son in the early part of the novel, they didn't run together but later they run together and talk about everything.
Nathan has a daughter Jade and Nathan is worried about who she see's as boyfriend.
David misses his ex wife Mia and her daughter which both were vegetarians
Shane goes to jail because he sold drugs.
The 4 police officers sign a resolution how they were father figures and would act and behave as christian dads. Help raise kids and work hard.
In the end of the novel, they catch tj boss of the gangster nation and derrick freedman saves Nathan's life.
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