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A Trip around the Sun: Turning Your Everyday Life into the Adventure of a Lifetime
What happens when we take Jesus at his word when he says, "I have come that you might have life and have it to the full?" New York Times bestselling author Mark Batterson and his mentor Richard Foth have done just that with their lives--and in A Trip around the Sun , they show readers how they too can experience their life and faith as the ultimate adventure.
In a fun, storytelling style, Mark and Dick challenge readers to shake off fear, dream big, and quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. The accumulated wisdom from their combined 117 trips around the sun radiates from every heartfelt page, invigorating those of us who have found ourselves stuck in a rut dug by our sense of duty and our fear of the unknown. Anyone who wants to grab life and squeeze every ounce of joy out of it will be inspired by this unapologetic celebration of the life Jesus died to give us.
In a fun, storytelling style, Mark and Dick challenge readers to shake off fear, dream big, and quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. The accumulated wisdom from their combined 117 trips around the sun radiates from every heartfelt page, invigorating those of us who have found ourselves stuck in a rut dug by our sense of duty and our fear of the unknown. Anyone who wants to grab life and squeeze every ounce of joy out of it will be inspired by this unapologetic celebration of the life Jesus died to give us.
208 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2015
42 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
Mark Batterson
188 books1,115 followersMark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. One church in seven locations, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, and the DC Dream Center. NCC is currently developing a city block into The Capital Turnaround. This 100,000-square-foot space will include an event venue, child development center, mixed-use marketplace, and co-working space. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times best-selling author of seventeen books, including The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase, Play the Man, Whisper, and, most recently, Double Blessing. Mark and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 7, 2024
3.5/5 stars. A little slow to start. In the beginning portions, it seems like the authors are using the Bible to explain their life illustrations instead of the other way around. There are still some good notes, and the topics they discuss are important and meaningful. The last ~1/3 of the book is really well done. It discusses living with death in mind, your legacy, and focusing on God every step of the way which leads to a lifelong adventure.
June 24, 2025
This is a Christian-based inspirational book designed to help individuals maximize their potential, re-evaluate their priorities, and take calculated risks. Although the message may be familiar, it is always beneficial to hear it reiterated.
December 21, 2015
"A Trip Around The Sun" is written by the author of The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson, and his mentor, Richard Foth. I had never read The Circle Maker, but this book looked interesting. The subtitle caught my attention "Turning Your Everyday Life Into The Adventure Of A Lifetime".
I'm not sure what exactly I was expecting when I started this book, but the first third of it kind of threw me for a loop. Each chapter of the book is written half by Batterson and half by Foth, and covers a certain topic or phrase. The back-and-forth style was confusing to me at first, and it seemed that a large portion of each section seemed to be the authors telling personal stories about people in their lives. I thought that would be interesting if I knew any of these people, or was already a fan of the authors, but I hadn't heard of any of them before. The first third came off a little self-centered to me, and I was having a hard time getting into it.
But once I settled into the rhythm of the book, I realized that rather than a practical handbook, this book is half inspirational or challenging thoughts, and half memoir. Once I realized where the book was coming from, the personal stories seemed less self-congratulatory and more as attempts to encourage readers to live their lives well. I think the point of the book actually is summed up very well in the sub-title - and the true adventure is stepping outside the comfortable and following Jesus wherever He wants to take us. I appreciated the message more the further I got into this book, and by the end I was left feeling really inspired to make sure I am not wasting my own days - precious days that could be more intentionally lived for Jesus.
If you pick up this book and find it hard to get into, give it a little time and you'll start to enjoy it, I'm sure! There are a lot of good ideas and inspiring advice in this book once you get into it a little further. Definitely an encouraging read!
Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This is my honest opinion.
I'm not sure what exactly I was expecting when I started this book, but the first third of it kind of threw me for a loop. Each chapter of the book is written half by Batterson and half by Foth, and covers a certain topic or phrase. The back-and-forth style was confusing to me at first, and it seemed that a large portion of each section seemed to be the authors telling personal stories about people in their lives. I thought that would be interesting if I knew any of these people, or was already a fan of the authors, but I hadn't heard of any of them before. The first third came off a little self-centered to me, and I was having a hard time getting into it.
But once I settled into the rhythm of the book, I realized that rather than a practical handbook, this book is half inspirational or challenging thoughts, and half memoir. Once I realized where the book was coming from, the personal stories seemed less self-congratulatory and more as attempts to encourage readers to live their lives well. I think the point of the book actually is summed up very well in the sub-title - and the true adventure is stepping outside the comfortable and following Jesus wherever He wants to take us. I appreciated the message more the further I got into this book, and by the end I was left feeling really inspired to make sure I am not wasting my own days - precious days that could be more intentionally lived for Jesus.
If you pick up this book and find it hard to get into, give it a little time and you'll start to enjoy it, I'm sure! There are a lot of good ideas and inspiring advice in this book once you get into it a little further. Definitely an encouraging read!
Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This is my honest opinion.
April 4, 2017
I was thrilled to see that Dick Foth had written, or in this case co-written, another book. Dick was my Pastor when I was a teenager attending Urbana Assembly of God. Pastor Foth married my husband and I and gave us good counsel prior to marriage that we have we have never forgotten. Pastor Foth was an encourager to me and my parents as my dad navigated the serious illness that eventually too his life. My dad was Paul mentioned in the book that the young college student wanted to pray for "just because I like him." Such precious memories........Pastor, the people whose lives you touched at UAG haven't forgotten you either.
September 6, 2017
A Trip Around The Sun is an interesting, motivating and challenging read. Interesting, because authors Dick Foth and Mark Batterson tell countless stories of interesting and adventurous experiences in their life to illustrate the points they want to make. Motivating, because I always try and see everyday life as an adventure but don't always know how, and these guys lead by example. And challenging, because this kind of living is often easier said than done, especially for a person like me who doesn't always like being outside the comfort zone.
Batterson and Foth emphasise that the secret to an adventurous life lies in relationships. Relationships, childlikeness, learning and faith. This is not really any new astounding information for me, but the way they convey it through story-telling of their own families, friends and experiences make it very real, practical and exciting.
Batterson and Foth emphasise that the secret to an adventurous life lies in relationships. Relationships, childlikeness, learning and faith. This is not really any new astounding information for me, but the way they convey it through story-telling of their own families, friends and experiences make it very real, practical and exciting.
January 8, 2023
This book has been on my bookshelf for about 3 years and I still hadn’t read it, but since it is reflective in nature, and the title mentions the turning of time I figure I would start out this year with it. Batterson’s other works have been helpful in leaning into some corners of my faith early on, so I was hopeful with this book and what it would hold.
My rating is closer to a 2.5, but it was not entirely what I was expecting. In retrospect I would classify this as a autobiographical memoir full of stories and pithy statements meant to encourage readers, and is not what I was looking for per se. There were many good lessons littered throughout and there is a lot of shared wisdom from Foth and Batterson in this book, but the scope of the book felt a little too wide, and I’m not sure I am the audience it was meant for. At one point I may have been, but not now.
My one qualm was that this consistent expression of pursuing the “Adventure of a Lifetime” almost became the only measure for a life well lived. But I think even the most quiet, unknown and unimpressive lives are more glorious than those filled with 110% effort, a completely crossed off bucket list and many unmatched accomplishments. I don’t believe the glorification of “doing” and “achieving” were the goal of the authors by any means, but the way a successful life was framed at times excluded many people who are found at the heart of the Kingdom of God.
Don’t feel the need to read this one again, but grateful for a few good thoughts and reflections I got to share in while perusing it’s pages.
My rating is closer to a 2.5, but it was not entirely what I was expecting. In retrospect I would classify this as a autobiographical memoir full of stories and pithy statements meant to encourage readers, and is not what I was looking for per se. There were many good lessons littered throughout and there is a lot of shared wisdom from Foth and Batterson in this book, but the scope of the book felt a little too wide, and I’m not sure I am the audience it was meant for. At one point I may have been, but not now.
My one qualm was that this consistent expression of pursuing the “Adventure of a Lifetime” almost became the only measure for a life well lived. But I think even the most quiet, unknown and unimpressive lives are more glorious than those filled with 110% effort, a completely crossed off bucket list and many unmatched accomplishments. I don’t believe the glorification of “doing” and “achieving” were the goal of the authors by any means, but the way a successful life was framed at times excluded many people who are found at the heart of the Kingdom of God.
Don’t feel the need to read this one again, but grateful for a few good thoughts and reflections I got to share in while perusing it’s pages.
July 2, 2018
3.5 stars
Pastor Mark and Dick Foth both have great voices that translate well onto the page, so I generally enjoy reading their prose. I wanted this to go deeper, though. It's hard to explain what I mean by that, so I'll just say that I wanted more; not more words, but more depth. ha.
Pastor Mark and Dick Foth both have great voices that translate well onto the page, so I generally enjoy reading their prose. I wanted this to go deeper, though. It's hard to explain what I mean by that, so I'll just say that I wanted more; not more words, but more depth. ha.
July 6, 2022
This book challenged me to see life as an adventure and to make the most of each and every day. This goes beyond selfish "adventures" and addresses the legacy we leave behind when our days on this earth are done. I hope to hear "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"
July 5, 2015
`A Trip Around the Sun` is a Christian Living book co-authored by Mark Batterson and Richard Foth. The theme seems to be, "If you had your life to live over differently what would you do?" Love of adventure is what helped bring these authors together. Borrowing a quote from Ashley Montagu, "I want to die young at a ripe old age", is Mark's mantra. (16)
I was not all that inspired by the artwork on the cover. However, I liked the title, so I chose the book for that alone. The chapters alternate between Dick's story and Mark's story, making this a first person narrative.
A quote that stood out to me is, "Love people when they least expect it and least deserve it. " That is the kind of love Jesus shows to us. (p 87) Chapter eight expounded upon Jesus` love for us; not because of who we are but because of who He is.
This is a great book for the adventurous reader. It is listed under Christian Living and consists of 202 pages; with medium size font which makes for easy reading.
A quote I wish to end this review with is, "If we believe life is an adventure, life is an adventure. If we believe we will make it through great trials, we will most often make it through great trials. If we believe that there is joy to be had each day of our lives, we will have it!" (pg 124)
"This trip around the sun I will choose adventure by....."
Mark Batterson
Twitter@MarkBattersonFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/markbatterso...
Book to read next:
Susanna Foth Aughtmon the author of All I Need Is Jesus and a Good Pair of Jeans.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers program.
July 2, 2024
The book was touted as a “how to” of sorts to turning your life into an adventure. By Richard Foth a pastor, speaker etc., and Mark Batterson, pastor and prolific writer of books focused on the Christian life.
The book was structured in twenty chapters discussing topics loosely around risk, in your godly walk, to find adventure. Kind of. Each chapter began with Dick’s story, then Mark’s story and often there were many word of praise and admiration for the other. There is obviously a deep friendship between these two.
Of many of the nuggets are:
Your life is a unique translation of Scripture. And often the only one some people may see. “Are you a good translation?”
Jesus didn’t come with an agenda; He was the agenda…
It is not until you say to God, “Whatever, Whenever, wherever” that you live the adventure planned for you.
There is much, much more – read the book and find the gems yourself. I did not close the book ready for an adventure, but instead realized I was already living one.
The book was structured in twenty chapters discussing topics loosely around risk, in your godly walk, to find adventure. Kind of. Each chapter began with Dick’s story, then Mark’s story and often there were many word of praise and admiration for the other. There is obviously a deep friendship between these two.
Of many of the nuggets are:
Your life is a unique translation of Scripture. And often the only one some people may see. “Are you a good translation?”
Jesus didn’t come with an agenda; He was the agenda…
It is not until you say to God, “Whatever, Whenever, wherever” that you live the adventure planned for you.
There is much, much more – read the book and find the gems yourself. I did not close the book ready for an adventure, but instead realized I was already living one.
October 29, 2017
I really loved this book. Way more than I expected to. In fact, it's a book I'll be reading and re-reading multiple times in the years to come (mostly on audiobook). In fact, though I have both the audiobook and the written book, this book is really best experienced on audio because the two authors do such a great job of narration. You can really get a sense for the affection and respect they have for each other just by listening to how they talk/write about each other.
Honestly, the book started off a bit slow, but still interesting. Mark Batterson and Dick Foth trade off writing/talking about one topic per chapter. Initially it comes across as Mark is the young learner and Dick is the more seasoned mentor. But clearly they both spur each other on to greatness.
After reading this book, it really makes me want to write a book myself with one of own mentors. I think it would be a valuable exercise. And this book is really a gem with lots of spiritual wisdom in it.
Honestly, the book started off a bit slow, but still interesting. Mark Batterson and Dick Foth trade off writing/talking about one topic per chapter. Initially it comes across as Mark is the young learner and Dick is the more seasoned mentor. But clearly they both spur each other on to greatness.
After reading this book, it really makes me want to write a book myself with one of own mentors. I think it would be a valuable exercise. And this book is really a gem with lots of spiritual wisdom in it.
February 27, 2024
I truly believe the authors were coming from a good place, but the book never sets a real premise of what it’s about and it shows in the reviews. It also comes off incredibly preachy (makes sense considering they are both pastors) and arrogant even if that was not the intention.
Pros:
+ Had some good messages.
+ Thought provoking
+ Very positive
+ They reference my hometown and that brought me joy
Cons:
- Should have set the expectation of what the book was about
- Should have wrote a note about not trying to come off like “oh look at all my achievements”
- I am a Christian, but I felt that it was trying to shove Jesus down my throat and sometimes brought biblical references that were an EXTREMELY fair reach from the point trying to be made.
Overall I would not recommend this. There are many books about Christianity and many self help books and this one was rather confusing.
Pros:
+ Had some good messages.
+ Thought provoking
+ Very positive
+ They reference my hometown and that brought me joy
Cons:
- Should have set the expectation of what the book was about
- Should have wrote a note about not trying to come off like “oh look at all my achievements”
- I am a Christian, but I felt that it was trying to shove Jesus down my throat and sometimes brought biblical references that were an EXTREMELY fair reach from the point trying to be made.
Overall I would not recommend this. There are many books about Christianity and many self help books and this one was rather confusing.
May 20, 2023
I am a big fan of Mark Batterson and I have read many of his books. This one just didn't have a structure to it. Mark and Richard Foth, his mentor, take turns writing about things that really have no theme. Each chapter is something different but at the end of each chapter, I couldn't tell you what the topic was.
Both Batterson and Foth have enjoyable writing styles and they shared some good stories about their faith and how you should experience life as an adventure, not something you sit back and observe. Yet throughout the book, there was no structure for the reader to see where the whole thing was going.
Both Batterson and Foth have enjoyable writing styles and they shared some good stories about their faith and how you should experience life as an adventure, not something you sit back and observe. Yet throughout the book, there was no structure for the reader to see where the whole thing was going.
March 9, 2024
I picked this book up off my bookshelf to take with me on a camping trip for my birthday. The timeliness was amazing and truly made the authors’ points more impactful. I enjoyed the book, but the CONSTANT
FLUFFING they did for each other became excessive. I understand they have a wonderful relationship and I don’t mean to deduct from that; it was just said in every chapter and it became less meaningful when I think their intentions were to emphasize that relationships make life adventurous. I enjoyed the ease of reading and the true to life pointers. I’m grateful I had this book this week.
FLUFFING they did for each other became excessive. I understand they have a wonderful relationship and I don’t mean to deduct from that; it was just said in every chapter and it became less meaningful when I think their intentions were to emphasize that relationships make life adventurous. I enjoyed the ease of reading and the true to life pointers. I’m grateful I had this book this week.
January 23, 2022
This title caught my eye because I have been reading some other Batterson titles. It is an interesting look into the relationship of Mark Batterson and Richard Foth, his older mentor (co-author) and serves to help the reader know them better. Both are adventurous and like to make and reach goals, and they enjoy the journey. Both have packed up and moved to an entirely new region to pioneer a new ministry. As a collector of quotes and sayings, I found a couple of new ones, such as "It's never too late to be who you might have been."
April 21, 2022
An encouraging book that inspires its readers to live life to the fullest, A Trip Around the Sun compiles a list of life lessons and values that have been learned and embraced by the authors. In many ways it's a love letter between Batterson and Foth, two guys at different stages of life who have walked alongside each other in friendship and in mentoring roles. Upon reading it, I continue to want to aspire to seek out and cultivate friendships like the one described. Life is at its best when it is shared with others. I liked it.
July 13, 2021
Every book Mark Batterson writes is awesome, and this one was no different.
I appreciate that each chapter has a different focus, and not from one perspective but two: Mark Batterson and his friend and mentor, Richard Foth.
They discuss adventure, risk, marriage, parenting, and of course, following Jesus as an integral part of every aspect of life.
I'm not an adventurer by nature, but this book inspires me to view each day as just that ... an invitation to the adventure of a lifetime.
I appreciate that each chapter has a different focus, and not from one perspective but two: Mark Batterson and his friend and mentor, Richard Foth.
They discuss adventure, risk, marriage, parenting, and of course, following Jesus as an integral part of every aspect of life.
I'm not an adventurer by nature, but this book inspires me to view each day as just that ... an invitation to the adventure of a lifetime.
February 7, 2019
Every time I read one of Batterson’s books or hear one of his sermons, the same word comes to mind: uplifting. Batterson exudes joy, and I finished each chapter feeling refreshed. Batterson and Foth both told fascinating stories filled with inspiring, memorable quotes. I agree with some of the other reviews in that this book could have contained more depth, but it was still a delight to read.
July 26, 2023
If you’re a fan of the book Love Does, I highly recommend A Trip Around the Sun. Not only does it give good life and spiritual advice but it also adds to the genre of whimsical yet true storytelling.
December 21, 2023
A Lovely Read That You Will Enjoy
I found this to be an amazing book between the two authors.
Lovely stories.
Uplifting and engaging.
Highly recommend giving this book a read.
4.7/5
I found this to be an amazing book between the two authors.
Lovely stories.
Uplifting and engaging.
Highly recommend giving this book a read.
4.7/5
June 14, 2017
A very good read. Interesting stories and an invitation to the quest of a vibrant Christian walk.
March 19, 2018
Some great points for living life to the full for Christ's kingdom and the glory of God.
December 11, 2018
“Destiny is not a mystery. Destiny is a decision. Choose adventure.”
What an inspiring book! I’m ready for the next adventure!
What an inspiring book! I’m ready for the next adventure!
February 8, 2019
Love the conversational, back-and forth format of this co-authored book filled with wisdom.
February 13, 2020
Mostly musings about life's adventures for the two authors.
November 3, 2024
An inspirational and life-affirming read.
June 18, 2025
I should read this again every year the rest of my life so I keep my focus on what is important.
May 22, 2015
I’ve never read a book quite like A Trip around the Sun. Picture two guys — good friends on camera and off — moving with easy, relaxed conversation from one topic to another before an audience in a cozy, intimate studio. That’s the atmosphere created by Mark Batterson and Richard Foth, as they weave into their collective story the hard lessons and moments of crisis along with the neon threads of dream fulfillment and the gift of adventure.
Dick Foth is all about people, whether it’s a fisherman off the coast of Cape Hatteras or a tall, skinny college kid. He engages people in conversations that are life changing for them — and for him! More introverted and scholarly by comparison, Mark Batterson tends to live inside his head, and he shares the insights he has gained from study, family life and his years as a pastor/church planter. Through these varied lenses, the authors examine two life-times of adventures that have shaped their believing and their thinking. Here are my top five take-aways from common threads that run throughout the book:
1.Marriage and parenting are exceptional teachers. Foth has served as a college president, and Batterson has two masters degrees and a doctorate under his belt, but both attest to the fact that they have experienced their greatest learning through their wives and kids. “With” is their most important preposition, for what you do is not nearly as important as whether you are doing it “with” the right person. I loved Mark’s idea of paying his kids every time he uses one of their stories in a sermon illustration. (Apparently the going rate is $5 per mention, but if it’s embarrassing, it pays $20.)
2.Gratitude makes everyday count. Like Mark, I also keep a journal for numbering my blessings. He calls it having a “grateful eye” and likens this to “the good eye” in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The Apostle Paul redeems some of Qui-Gon Jinn’s “Star Wars theology” with Philippians 4:8: “Your focus determines your reality,” or, more biblically, “whatever is true, honest, just, pure, noble, lovely — think on these things” — and be thankful!
3.Aging is an adventure! As his mentor and friend, Foth is teaching Batterson that every trip around the sun is a gift. Even near death experiences are valuable because they teach us how to live. The message is this: commit right now to becoming a life-long learner because “every ‘ology’ is a branch of theology.”
4.Mentoring and being mentored is the key to success, which Mark defines as “when those who know you best respect you most.” Both of the authors trace their own professional success stories to a chain of godly men and women who graciously poured themselves out for the benefit of others.
5.There is absolutely nothing that can’t be lived as an adventure. Mark and Dick have spent their ministry-lives hanging around modern-day wells hoping that someone thirsty would come along. They would likely re-image Jeremiah 29:11 to understand God saying, “I know the adventures that I have planned for you . . .”
As uplifting as “chicken soup for the soul,” but a much stronger brew, the ponderings and exhortations found in these twenty chapters are the kind of thing I wish I’d had in my tool belt when I was seventeen, but I am happy to receive them now, on my fifty-third trip around the sun.
I received this book from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review.
Dick Foth is all about people, whether it’s a fisherman off the coast of Cape Hatteras or a tall, skinny college kid. He engages people in conversations that are life changing for them — and for him! More introverted and scholarly by comparison, Mark Batterson tends to live inside his head, and he shares the insights he has gained from study, family life and his years as a pastor/church planter. Through these varied lenses, the authors examine two life-times of adventures that have shaped their believing and their thinking. Here are my top five take-aways from common threads that run throughout the book:
1.Marriage and parenting are exceptional teachers. Foth has served as a college president, and Batterson has two masters degrees and a doctorate under his belt, but both attest to the fact that they have experienced their greatest learning through their wives and kids. “With” is their most important preposition, for what you do is not nearly as important as whether you are doing it “with” the right person. I loved Mark’s idea of paying his kids every time he uses one of their stories in a sermon illustration. (Apparently the going rate is $5 per mention, but if it’s embarrassing, it pays $20.)
2.Gratitude makes everyday count. Like Mark, I also keep a journal for numbering my blessings. He calls it having a “grateful eye” and likens this to “the good eye” in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The Apostle Paul redeems some of Qui-Gon Jinn’s “Star Wars theology” with Philippians 4:8: “Your focus determines your reality,” or, more biblically, “whatever is true, honest, just, pure, noble, lovely — think on these things” — and be thankful!
3.Aging is an adventure! As his mentor and friend, Foth is teaching Batterson that every trip around the sun is a gift. Even near death experiences are valuable because they teach us how to live. The message is this: commit right now to becoming a life-long learner because “every ‘ology’ is a branch of theology.”
4.Mentoring and being mentored is the key to success, which Mark defines as “when those who know you best respect you most.” Both of the authors trace their own professional success stories to a chain of godly men and women who graciously poured themselves out for the benefit of others.
5.There is absolutely nothing that can’t be lived as an adventure. Mark and Dick have spent their ministry-lives hanging around modern-day wells hoping that someone thirsty would come along. They would likely re-image Jeremiah 29:11 to understand God saying, “I know the adventures that I have planned for you . . .”
As uplifting as “chicken soup for the soul,” but a much stronger brew, the ponderings and exhortations found in these twenty chapters are the kind of thing I wish I’d had in my tool belt when I was seventeen, but I am happy to receive them now, on my fifty-third trip around the sun.
I received this book from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review.
June 4, 2015
I’m going to be honest and just start out saying that this wasn’t my favorite book written by Mark Batterson. It wasn’t bad, just not my favorite. That being said, let’s talk about it a little bit.
I felt that the book had a compelling premise. Making life the adventure of a lifetime is something that I think is applicable to everybody, and a lot of people are stuck not knowing how to make that happen. For someone seeking advice this wouldn’t be a bad place to start. I really liked hearing how they drew from both Dick and Mark’s stories. It was interesting to see how their lives came together and how their experience compliments each other. It allows the reader to see a wide range of experience in a short amount of time.
As a pastor something I’m very conscious about in literature is the use of scripture. Is there scripture used? How often is it referenced within context? Is it used as anecdotal wisdom? In this book the scripture references were limited. There has been an effort made to direct us to scriptures by utilizing footnotes, however I don’t believe that is adequate. The issue is that it allows the readers to interpret it for themselves and the interpretation may not be what the writer intended. I’d imagine that its probably hard to make great use of scripture and limit the book the a manageable amount of pages. But, I did feel the lack of scriptural support was a major downfall to this book.
I also felt that the book as a whole was a little too “feel good.” I’m sure that sells well across markets both Christian and “secular,” but I found myself wondering where is the real example of Christ in this. Richard and Mark both used their lives as an example of one to be followed. I wouldn’t disagree with either example. They both seem to be exemplary, however as Christian our ultimate example is Christ. I would much rather see a book propped up on Christ’s perfect example and use our lives as humans to show support that living a life motivated by our relationship with Christ is possible. The problem with this is that no one person is able to encapsulate all that God expects of us, so by using our example as opposed to Christ’s we miss a piece of the puzzle.
As far as readability goes this book is great. They both use compelling stories and I did find myself challenged to become a better person. They used language that is readable for anyone without compromising the quality of content, which is not always easy to do. And, I thought the consistency of Richards story being followed by Mark’s story and “mini-conclusion” was good. It allowed the reader the ability to know what to expect without the result of the book being predictable. It made the writing accessible and understandable.
I also like the cover art. It is consistent with “The Circle Maker” which is one of Mark’s other books. It makes it recognizable as one of his literary works. It is attractive and would look good on the shelf of someone’s personal library.
All of this being said I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. It really isn’t a bad book and it is worth a read. I wouldn’t necessarily make it a priority book as someone who tries to read 2-3 books a month, but I think it would find its way into my reading schedule at some point.
I received this book through Baker Book Bloggers in order to read and review the book.
I felt that the book had a compelling premise. Making life the adventure of a lifetime is something that I think is applicable to everybody, and a lot of people are stuck not knowing how to make that happen. For someone seeking advice this wouldn’t be a bad place to start. I really liked hearing how they drew from both Dick and Mark’s stories. It was interesting to see how their lives came together and how their experience compliments each other. It allows the reader to see a wide range of experience in a short amount of time.
As a pastor something I’m very conscious about in literature is the use of scripture. Is there scripture used? How often is it referenced within context? Is it used as anecdotal wisdom? In this book the scripture references were limited. There has been an effort made to direct us to scriptures by utilizing footnotes, however I don’t believe that is adequate. The issue is that it allows the readers to interpret it for themselves and the interpretation may not be what the writer intended. I’d imagine that its probably hard to make great use of scripture and limit the book the a manageable amount of pages. But, I did feel the lack of scriptural support was a major downfall to this book.
I also felt that the book as a whole was a little too “feel good.” I’m sure that sells well across markets both Christian and “secular,” but I found myself wondering where is the real example of Christ in this. Richard and Mark both used their lives as an example of one to be followed. I wouldn’t disagree with either example. They both seem to be exemplary, however as Christian our ultimate example is Christ. I would much rather see a book propped up on Christ’s perfect example and use our lives as humans to show support that living a life motivated by our relationship with Christ is possible. The problem with this is that no one person is able to encapsulate all that God expects of us, so by using our example as opposed to Christ’s we miss a piece of the puzzle.
As far as readability goes this book is great. They both use compelling stories and I did find myself challenged to become a better person. They used language that is readable for anyone without compromising the quality of content, which is not always easy to do. And, I thought the consistency of Richards story being followed by Mark’s story and “mini-conclusion” was good. It allowed the reader the ability to know what to expect without the result of the book being predictable. It made the writing accessible and understandable.
I also like the cover art. It is consistent with “The Circle Maker” which is one of Mark’s other books. It makes it recognizable as one of his literary works. It is attractive and would look good on the shelf of someone’s personal library.
All of this being said I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. It really isn’t a bad book and it is worth a read. I wouldn’t necessarily make it a priority book as someone who tries to read 2-3 books a month, but I think it would find its way into my reading schedule at some point.
I received this book through Baker Book Bloggers in order to read and review the book.
May 23, 2015
Mark Batterson is the pastor of the National Community Church in Washington, DC and the author of several Christian bestsellers (The Circle Maker, The Grave Robber, All In, Soul Print, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase). While I have read Batterson profitably, even if I have areas of critique. Richard Foth is a retired pastor a generation older than Batterson. When Batterson and his wife Lora arrived in DC to plant a church twenty-one years ago, they developed a friendship with Dick and Ruth Foth after they had Thanksgiving dinner at the Foth home. Foth became a mentor, friend and kindred spirit for Batterson.
Foth and Batterson team up to challenge us toward adventure. A Trip Around The Sun shares Foth and Batterson's stories of how they each chose a lifestyle of adventure. In each of the twenty chapters, Foth and Batterson relate parts of their life journey. They tell stories of risk, adventure, learning, prioritizing relationships, investing in family, and trusting God. They aim at inspiring their readers to do the same.
Each chapter closes with a succesories-style-slogan summing up a little life lesson. Things like: "Choose Adventure" "When You Follow Jesus, All Bets Are Off" "Catch People Doing Things Right" "Never Lose a Holy Curiosity" "Don't Sacrifice Your Family on the Altar of Success" "No One Can Worship God Like You or For You"
Both Batterson and Foth are good communicators (or Susanna Foth Aughtmon is, who helped them write this). I underlined things I found personally inspiring. Their challenge towards risk-taking and adventure is something I need to hear. I don't want my life, vocation,or faith to just happen to me. I want to press into life, grab all that God has for me, participate in his mission of redemption for my community and world. I want to love well and live well. To the extent that I feel pulled in that direction by Batterson and Foth, this is a good book.
But I can't say that I connected well with what I was reading. Foth talks about being raised as a third-culture kid (before the term existed), of meeting famous people, and his lifestyle of trying to live faithfully. Batterson tells of church planting, taking his kid to a super bowl game, reading two hundred books a year and kissing his wife on the eiffel tower. These accumulated experiences are fun, significant, important, but Foth and Batterson never connect the dots for me in a way I found particularly helpful. They offer slogans instead of a compelling vision.
But I did appreciate their relationship and the way their friendship finds their way into each others' stories. Batterson sees Foth as a godly mentor for him, which I am certain he is and has been. In the acknowledgments, Batterson admits that his primary goal for this book was 'to capture Dick's stories for posterity' (201). Dick sings Batterson's praise throughout these pages. I like the way they model a godly mentoring relationship.
I give this book three stars. I appreciate their overall message, even if aspects left me feeling flat. Still, I choose adventure. . .
Notice of material connection. I received in exchange for my honest review.
Foth and Batterson team up to challenge us toward adventure. A Trip Around The Sun shares Foth and Batterson's stories of how they each chose a lifestyle of adventure. In each of the twenty chapters, Foth and Batterson relate parts of their life journey. They tell stories of risk, adventure, learning, prioritizing relationships, investing in family, and trusting God. They aim at inspiring their readers to do the same.
Each chapter closes with a succesories-style-slogan summing up a little life lesson. Things like: "Choose Adventure" "When You Follow Jesus, All Bets Are Off" "Catch People Doing Things Right" "Never Lose a Holy Curiosity" "Don't Sacrifice Your Family on the Altar of Success" "No One Can Worship God Like You or For You"
Both Batterson and Foth are good communicators (or Susanna Foth Aughtmon is, who helped them write this). I underlined things I found personally inspiring. Their challenge towards risk-taking and adventure is something I need to hear. I don't want my life, vocation,or faith to just happen to me. I want to press into life, grab all that God has for me, participate in his mission of redemption for my community and world. I want to love well and live well. To the extent that I feel pulled in that direction by Batterson and Foth, this is a good book.
But I can't say that I connected well with what I was reading. Foth talks about being raised as a third-culture kid (before the term existed), of meeting famous people, and his lifestyle of trying to live faithfully. Batterson tells of church planting, taking his kid to a super bowl game, reading two hundred books a year and kissing his wife on the eiffel tower. These accumulated experiences are fun, significant, important, but Foth and Batterson never connect the dots for me in a way I found particularly helpful. They offer slogans instead of a compelling vision.
But I did appreciate their relationship and the way their friendship finds their way into each others' stories. Batterson sees Foth as a godly mentor for him, which I am certain he is and has been. In the acknowledgments, Batterson admits that his primary goal for this book was 'to capture Dick's stories for posterity' (201). Dick sings Batterson's praise throughout these pages. I like the way they model a godly mentoring relationship.
I give this book three stars. I appreciate their overall message, even if aspects left me feeling flat. Still, I choose adventure. . .
Notice of material connection. I received in exchange for my honest review.
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