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To Live Well: Practical Wisdom for Moving Through Chaotic Times
Not yet published
Expected 28 Apr 26You were told to live a meaningful life. But no one ever told you how. Our lives are shaped by contradictions. Competing voices tell us who to be, what to want, and how to live. The result? A fragmented moral imagination. We're handed a thousand broken messages and left to cobble together something resembling a life. But instead of clarity, we get exhaustion. Instead of wisdom, we get anxiety. This leaves you asking yourself How can I get through when I feel alone and confused? How can I live well in this broken and chaotic world? In To Live Well, Alan Noble shows you how you can not only endure but flourish in life. Through exploring the seven virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and love, you'll learn how to choose gracefully, act justly, suffer steadfastly, live moderately, believe soundly, hope resolutely, and love rightly. This book won't give you a ten-step plan to fix everything. It doesn't promise clarity overnight. But it will invite you into something an ancient, time-tested path of habits of heart and mind that shape who we are and how we live. With honesty, theological depth, and a mentor's heart, Noble names your confusion and offers an antidote—not by escaping the mess but by learning how to live faithfully within it. If you've ever longed for something solid in a world that just wants to sell you more temporary stuff, To Live Well is a good place to begin.
200 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 28, 2026
1 person is currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Alan Noble
4 books562 followersDr. O. Alan Noble is Associate Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University and author of numerous articles and a couple books.
In his youth, Alan lived in Lancaster, CA, where he was very homeschooled by his mother. At 16, he finished high school and began attending Antelope Valley College, pursuing a certificate in music which he earned but never filled out the paperwork for, so it probably doesn't count. He did, however, meet his wife, Brittany, at AVC, which definitely counts. Alan continued his undergraduate work at the Cal State Bakersfield satellite campus at AVC, earning his degree in English. Then he earned his Master's in English at CSUB-AV, writing his thesis on Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian under the supervision of Dr. Steven Frye.
Other things Alan did while in Southern California: tutored high school felons at a probation camp; substituted at various high schools; helped produce, write, rap, engineer, and record two hip-hop albums; taught composition and literature at Antelope Valley College; went bald; got married.
In 2007, Richard Clark contacted Alan about joining a new venture he was starting called Christ and Pop Culture. That November, Alan began writing and then editing for the site. Brittany and Alan moved to Waco, TX to pursue graduate degrees at Baylor University in 2008. While at Baylor, Alan studied under Ralph Wood, David Lyle Jeffrey, Luke Ferretter, and Richard Russell. His dissertation was written under the supervision of Dr. Ferretter and was titled Manifestations of transcendence in twentieth-century American fiction : F. Scott Fitzgerald, Carson McCullers, J.D. Salinger, and Cormac McCarthy. Charles Taylor's work on secularism and the self formed the theoretical basis for the dissertation and much of Alan's later writing. While in Waco, Brittany and Alan had two children, Eleanor and Quentin, and they attended Redeemer Presbyterian Church. At nights, Alan continued to write and edit for Christ and Pop Culture, now with the title Managing Editor.
In the fall of 2014, the Nobles moved to Shawnee, OK, where Alan accepted a position as Assistant Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. After Richard Clark left Christ and Pop Culture for Christianity Today, Alan became editor-in-chief at the site. At this time, Alan began writing for The Atlantic, Christianity Today, and First Things, particularly on issues related to pluralism and secularism. The Nobles' third child, Frances, was born in 2015. As the 2016 election ramped up, Alan launched the group Public Faith with Michael Wear to offer an alternative evangelical political voice. He also joined The AND Campaign as an advisor.
Alan has written articles for Christian publications such as Modern Reformation, InTouch Magazine, and Christianity Today and for secular publications like VOX, Buzzfeed, and The Atlantic. He has been interviewed, quoted, or cited in a number of major publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, MTV News, MSNBC, The Guardian, Buzzfeed, Politico, Village Voice, Yahoo! News, ThinkProgress, The Blaze, WORLD Magazine, and Slate. And he has spoken at colleges, churches, and youth groups on a range of topics related to the church and culture.
The Nobles attend City Pres in Oklahoma City.
In his youth, Alan lived in Lancaster, CA, where he was very homeschooled by his mother. At 16, he finished high school and began attending Antelope Valley College, pursuing a certificate in music which he earned but never filled out the paperwork for, so it probably doesn't count. He did, however, meet his wife, Brittany, at AVC, which definitely counts. Alan continued his undergraduate work at the Cal State Bakersfield satellite campus at AVC, earning his degree in English. Then he earned his Master's in English at CSUB-AV, writing his thesis on Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian under the supervision of Dr. Steven Frye.
Other things Alan did while in Southern California: tutored high school felons at a probation camp; substituted at various high schools; helped produce, write, rap, engineer, and record two hip-hop albums; taught composition and literature at Antelope Valley College; went bald; got married.
In 2007, Richard Clark contacted Alan about joining a new venture he was starting called Christ and Pop Culture. That November, Alan began writing and then editing for the site. Brittany and Alan moved to Waco, TX to pursue graduate degrees at Baylor University in 2008. While at Baylor, Alan studied under Ralph Wood, David Lyle Jeffrey, Luke Ferretter, and Richard Russell. His dissertation was written under the supervision of Dr. Ferretter and was titled Manifestations of transcendence in twentieth-century American fiction : F. Scott Fitzgerald, Carson McCullers, J.D. Salinger, and Cormac McCarthy. Charles Taylor's work on secularism and the self formed the theoretical basis for the dissertation and much of Alan's later writing. While in Waco, Brittany and Alan had two children, Eleanor and Quentin, and they attended Redeemer Presbyterian Church. At nights, Alan continued to write and edit for Christ and Pop Culture, now with the title Managing Editor.
In the fall of 2014, the Nobles moved to Shawnee, OK, where Alan accepted a position as Assistant Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. After Richard Clark left Christ and Pop Culture for Christianity Today, Alan became editor-in-chief at the site. At this time, Alan began writing for The Atlantic, Christianity Today, and First Things, particularly on issues related to pluralism and secularism. The Nobles' third child, Frances, was born in 2015. As the 2016 election ramped up, Alan launched the group Public Faith with Michael Wear to offer an alternative evangelical political voice. He also joined The AND Campaign as an advisor.
Alan has written articles for Christian publications such as Modern Reformation, InTouch Magazine, and Christianity Today and for secular publications like VOX, Buzzfeed, and The Atlantic. He has been interviewed, quoted, or cited in a number of major publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, MTV News, MSNBC, The Guardian, Buzzfeed, Politico, Village Voice, Yahoo! News, ThinkProgress, The Blaze, WORLD Magazine, and Slate. And he has spoken at colleges, churches, and youth groups on a range of topics related to the church and culture.
The Nobles attend City Pres in Oklahoma City.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The cardinal virtues, not bound to any particular time, seem to have made a kind of reemergence lately. This may be due to the popularity of other writers' recent publications. It may be a sign of the times we are living in. Regardless, I'm happy Alan Noble has added his voice and commentary to the discussion. This book poses the question, "What does it look like to live well?" In response, Noble explores not only the four cardinal virtues of justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude, but also the three Christian virtues of faith, hope, and love. I deeply appreciated the in-depth evaluation of all seven virtues together, as many works seem to either focus on the cardinal OR the Christian virtues but rarely all together. To Live Well explores the works of 20th century theologian and philosopher Josef Pieper as a launching pad for Noble's exposition.
I found this book to not only be very informative but highly practical. In fact, each chapter concludes with concrete examples as to what that virtue looks like applied to living. Many of the practical examples seem a bit more geared to the young adult, but I wouldn't limit this recommendation to that demographic alone. There is something in here for everyone. Personally, having read and listened to a lot of various discussions on the virtues, I found Noble to bring a unique perspective to the table. His theological approach to practical living was really refreshing. The "virtue applied" section is often a big chunk of each chapter. As mentioned, some of the practical applications may be lost on readers given their specificity and aim towards younger readers.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
My thanks to NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for the Advance Reading Copy and the opportunity to offer my honest review.
I found this book to not only be very informative but highly practical. In fact, each chapter concludes with concrete examples as to what that virtue looks like applied to living. Many of the practical examples seem a bit more geared to the young adult, but I wouldn't limit this recommendation to that demographic alone. There is something in here for everyone. Personally, having read and listened to a lot of various discussions on the virtues, I found Noble to bring a unique perspective to the table. His theological approach to practical living was really refreshing. The "virtue applied" section is often a big chunk of each chapter. As mentioned, some of the practical applications may be lost on readers given their specificity and aim towards younger readers.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
My thanks to NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for the Advance Reading Copy and the opportunity to offer my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Alan Noble offers a book filled with encouragement and carefully considered guidance. Rather than relying on quick fixes or surface-level advice, he explores what it truly means to live faithfully amid the chaos and confusion of everyday life. The book emphasizes essential virtues such as prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and love, showing how they can be practiced in daily decisions and how they help us flourish—not merely endure—in difficult circumstances.
Noble’s honesty and insight stand out. He weaves theology into the narrative without making it feel overly academic, striking a thoughtful and accessible balance. While the book does not promise instant clarity, it provides deep, practical wisdom that lingers and continues to shape how readers approach their lives long after finishing it.
Whether you feel overwhelmed by life or are simply seeking greater meaning and purpose, this book is a valuable resource on that journey. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and InterVarsity Press. All opinions expressed are my own.
Noble’s honesty and insight stand out. He weaves theology into the narrative without making it feel overly academic, striking a thoughtful and accessible balance. While the book does not promise instant clarity, it provides deep, practical wisdom that lingers and continues to shape how readers approach their lives long after finishing it.
Whether you feel overwhelmed by life or are simply seeking greater meaning and purpose, this book is a valuable resource on that journey. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and InterVarsity Press. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book from InterVarsity Press seems especially suited for college students and young adults, but can offer wisdom to people of all ages. Alan Noble offers thoughtful advice and nuanced discussion of important Christian virtues. While I did not agree with all points in the book (e.g., he tones down the difficulties of being in a one-income household or marrying someone with different political viewpoints), this is still an excellent book. It is convicting to read at times and will likely offend some people, but it is also full of truth and grace. It reminded me of John 6:60-69 ("This is a hard teaching; who can accept it?" but "You alone have the words of eternal life"). I rate this book 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.
Thank you to NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In this book, Noble takes on the cardinal virtues as the structure for the answer to the question, "What does it look like to live well?" Living a life of faithful obedience to what God has commanded in His Word, namely the cardinal virtues--that is living well! Seems easy enough, right? But, as anyone will tell you, we will fail to live up to such lofty standards. But we have an example to follow--Jesus Himself! The author points us to the Gospel example of our Savior as the One who truly lived life well. His example & the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are what fuel our own attempts at living well. It's a very encouraging book for your own Christian walk. This would also be a wonderful book to study with your teenager with some great discussions on virtuous living.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Noble, who has yet to explain what the "O" in his name stands for, has published his fourth book with "To Live Well." But what is he hiding? Why the "O"? Irregardless, after reading this book multiple times, I found it to be wordy in the sense of having words in it, typically organized into sentences and then paragraphs. Chapters were discovered. Was it his greatest book published to date? I don't know. I don't date books, I date my wife. I can say he turned it in and it is finished and that was no small feat. Please clap.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews