The Tin Soldiers

by Andrew Schwab

The Tin Soldiers

Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Andrew "Macabre" Schwab is an American singer, songwriter, author, and journalist. He is the lead singer and lyricist for the rock group Project 86. With Project 86, he has released seven albums and 2 EPs to date. Through Relevant publishing he has released one autobiography "It's All Downhill From Here: On the Road with Project 86" chronicling his life on the road with the band. He has also released two compilations of his own poetry, humorous stories, rants, and insights on life ("We Caught You Plotting Murder" and "Do Not Disturb") and is debuting a new book called "Fame Is Infamy" in November 2009. Schwab maintains a featured blog column at Relevant.com and also currently writes for HM, Relevant, and AP magazines. Schwab is often scheduled to speak at special events, music festivals, etc.

Reviews

[Michael]

The section on pride was probably the most beneficial to me. Very well thought out book. Sometimes he took a little long to say something, but it's not like the book was 1,000 pages long or anything. Been a big fan of Project 86 for a while, and Andrew has always been super down to earth. A lot of wisdom in this. Worth the read for sure.

[Chris Halverson]

An evangelical friend of mine recommended this book. As an ex-evangelical I came in with low expectations and they were surpassed. There are a lot of incorrect assumptions made about being a man and the theology is semi-pelagian, but there are in fact some shining places where Christian Masculinity and non-toxic masculinity intersect, and wouldn't it be lovely if feminism and younger evangelicals could dialogue and help men be more human!

[Justin]

Good stories

Book doesn't have a lot of practical steps but it does speak directly to men. I'd definitely recommend it and read it again

[John Lucy]

If you've ever read anything else by Schwab, you'll be prepared for some serious spelling and grammatical errors. Usually this isn't in any way bothersome because, first of all, you get used to it and sometimes can be found rather funny; in another way, you know quite quickly what the intended word or phrasing is and can go right on reading without delay. Only rarely must the reader stop and consider what's going on. For instance, once Schwab did not include a "not," when it is actually rather crucial to the meaning of the sentence.

Aside from the errors, the book is quite good. Written by the lead singer of the best Christian band of all time, Project 86, the book is basically one adult Christian male writing to another, though young Christian men are the prime audience. Christian women can get something out of this book, but it's clearly and explicitly for males--the jokes, the stories, all more funny and more useful for men to relate to. Schwab tries covering all areas of life that Christian men may find difficult to navigate and maintain faithful integrity. Funny and quick to read, since each story and consequent reflection lasts around three or four pages only.

For young Christian men, the book is indeed rather honest, insightful, and helpful. Personally I do not agree with Schwab's theological outlook, but that is rather meaningless in a book concerned with improving our character as young Christian men. And honestly, I think that any Christian young man would do well to have this book around, even if only as an occasional reference. Most Christian young men will at the very least find this a delightful read.

[Jon Greenhill]

a great book that looks at what it means to be a man of God. Driven by personal stories, Schwab relates everyday life to struggles that men face and what scripture says about it. good book, especially if you don't mind the word 'dude'.