Unsucceeding

by Kyle Drake

Kyle Drake was a successful man, a VP of one of the nation's largest banks. But he chose to leave his career, sell his opulent home, and move his family to begin a new life. Born out of the countless questions from those who couldn't fathom his decision, this book shows what he discovered—that despite our success, something most of us have forgotten causes us to fall short of a truly successful life. Walk a mile in the shoes of a man who opened his eyes to more, and made the leap to “Unsucceeding”.

ebook

First published February 18, 2012

Reviews

[Christy Bower · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a little torn as to how to review this book. I was grabbed by the title of this book, but I was disappointed to discover it was a biography with no real teaching content. Just because it wasn’t what I expected or what I was looking for doesn’t mean it isn’t a good book. Therein lies my dilemma.

Kyle Drake was climbing the corporate ladder and became a Vice President of a bank. When his wife gave birth to twins and one had severe health problems, it shook his life enough to make him reconsider what really mattered. Here it is in his own words:

“I was a church-going, active Christian husband and father striving for “balance” between work and home life. Until some finely-tuned suffering became an opportunity for me to learn something profound. There is no hole so deep as the hopeless emptiness of trying to have it all. Through my wife and family, I received a clear vision and purpose, and God orchestrated a stark choice between setting my heart on success in this world or on something better. I gave up my lukewarm, comfortable life and God saw fit to rescue me from that path, and now He won’t let me go” (Kyle Drake, Unsucceeding).

This is a good testimony of God’s work in one man’s heart. I don’t want to diminish that. We need to hear more testimonies like this so our faith is strengthened. I wish, however, the book had more teaching content. I also wish he would have resolved more at the end of the story regarding the move to Atlanta by faith and what God did with that.

Overall, it’s worth a read. Just know that it’s mostly narrative testimony and not teaching content.

I give Kyle Drake’s Unsucceeding three cups of love.

This review, along with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.

[Dubose Bartol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Kyle's book. He and Jaye, his wife, are truly followers of Jesus and worshippers of God. His book is humble and soft-spoken, and at the same time fired with passion from beginning to end. He is unsparing in his soul searching, ready to see his own faults and to give praise and thanks to others for their help. I was drawn into his book by the open and natural way he spoke of his childhood and his aspirations. He was so easy to empathize with and to admire. I began the book this morning about 11 am, took a break for lunch, and then came home to read until I finished it. Kyle's style drew me into and straight through the book. I wish I had the kind of faith he has. I know some of his success is from his genes but I also think he and his strong beliefs are a wonderful testament to parenting skills of caring mother and father. This book is well worth reading

[Kerry Nietz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoire documents the series of events and decisions that led the author to leave the path of worldly "success" for the road rarely taken--one where God leads and provides. It is challenging, thought-provoking and surprisingly candid. There are many great anecdotes here, much wisdom, and few extraneous details. (Features I applaud!) It was a brisk read for me.

"Unsucceeding" brings to mind the book "Radical" by David Platt, except where that one is more an instructional manual, this book is proof of concept. I recommend you read it and learn what it means to unsucceed!

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

great