What do you think?
Rate this book
The Next Level: A Parable of Finding Your Place in Life
Business degree in hand, Logan enters the immense Universal Systems building and is hired as an organizational analyst — a trouble-shooter. His evaluate the company’s five divisions, each on a separate level and each operating on startlingly unique principles. Which set of principles is successful? Why is most of the company’s profit generated by one tiny division? What is real profit, anyway? And who is the enigmatic executive that Logan ends up reporting to?
Logan engages in a life-changing pursuit for The Next Level –a fascinating parable that will help you answer some of life’s most perplexing and vital questions. Joining Logan in evaluating each level’s approach, you’ll be inspired to consider the big picture of your own life from an entirely different perspective — one that holds the key to life’s ultimate purpose. No matter where you are now, get ready to embark on your own passionate pursuit of The Next Level.
Logan engages in a life-changing pursuit for The Next Level –a fascinating parable that will help you answer some of life’s most perplexing and vital questions. Joining Logan in evaluating each level’s approach, you’ll be inspired to consider the big picture of your own life from an entirely different perspective — one that holds the key to life’s ultimate purpose. No matter where you are now, get ready to embark on your own passionate pursuit of The Next Level.
119 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
11 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 23, 2009
awesome and quick read relating to real life and the faith we have. David has a real knack for putting us into the story and keeping it moving. a great salvational message, but no explanation for those seeking.
June 5, 2017
A good read...but, a bit harder-edged than I like my Christian fiction.
July 13, 2019
I thought this was such a wonderful book! A great reminder about the true meaning of following God and serving others. I am excited to share this book with others moving forward.
May 2, 2008
I am either generous in giving author's the benefit of the doubt or I am a glutton for punishment. After two rather inconclusive takes on David Gregory's books I decided to give it one more shot. This time with The Next Level. This is labeled "A Parable of Finding Your Place in Life." Having recently gone through considerable chaos in my professional life I thought this book might strike a chord. I have to say I was disappointed.
It isn't that The Next Level is horrible or unreadable or something, it is a quick read, but rather it just left me uninspired and with no real insights.
As I noted above, the book is a quick read and Gregory keeps things move at a good pace. There is a mystery involved as Logan proceeds through the levels and that keeps the readers interest as well. Gregory's conception of the stages of Christian faith as a corporation is an interesting one. The process of Logan evaluating each level does provide some thought provoking ideas about how you approach your faith.
But as with the other books, this one just feels thin. Not in terms of length, although that is obviously true, but in terms of depth. In reading the book nothing jumped out as me as particularly insightful or interesting. It has too much of a paint-by-numbers feel to it; a rout translation of an idea into a fictional setting.
In order for a parable or fable to work it needs to bring something in the telling that can't be communicated through a straightforward explanation; it is supposed to explore the issue from a fresh direction. I just didn't get that from The Next Level.
It isn't that The Next Level is horrible or unreadable or something, it is a quick read, but rather it just left me uninspired and with no real insights.
As I noted above, the book is a quick read and Gregory keeps things move at a good pace. There is a mystery involved as Logan proceeds through the levels and that keeps the readers interest as well. Gregory's conception of the stages of Christian faith as a corporation is an interesting one. The process of Logan evaluating each level does provide some thought provoking ideas about how you approach your faith.
But as with the other books, this one just feels thin. Not in terms of length, although that is obviously true, but in terms of depth. In reading the book nothing jumped out as me as particularly insightful or interesting. It has too much of a paint-by-numbers feel to it; a rout translation of an idea into a fictional setting.
In order for a parable or fable to work it needs to bring something in the telling that can't be communicated through a straightforward explanation; it is supposed to explore the issue from a fresh direction. I just didn't get that from The Next Level.
April 23, 2008
I enjoyed this book and read it in one day!
Dinner With A Perfect Stranger by this author is one of the best books I have ever read. His first book touched my heart and helped me grow in my faith and understanding of Jesus.
This latest book book was good but still did not come close to the first one (which is usually the case).
The approach in this book was fun and made the ideas very simple. The concepts were told in a very relevant style as the main character looks at areas of a business and how they operate.
If you already read Dinner With A Perfect Stranger, go for this. If you haven't, read that instead!
Dinner With A Perfect Stranger by this author is one of the best books I have ever read. His first book touched my heart and helped me grow in my faith and understanding of Jesus.
This latest book book was good but still did not come close to the first one (which is usually the case).
The approach in this book was fun and made the ideas very simple. The concepts were told in a very relevant style as the main character looks at areas of a business and how they operate.
If you already read Dinner With A Perfect Stranger, go for this. If you haven't, read that instead!
August 15, 2008
This book was interesting. It has a really good story and is very straightforward - which is the only thing I did not like about it. Gregory does not hide the message, but he does a great job of explaining how the process might work.
It is easy to relate to and quick to get through.
It is easy to relate to and quick to get through.
March 31, 2011
I really enjoyed this book for what it was...a unique spin on religion; the trinity; why we are here and what our true purpose really is. I found myself smiling a lot as I read it. Know there are a lot of critics, but I chose not to be so critical but took it for it's intended purpose.
May 28, 2011
Great evangelism tool. Give this book to someone who loves business or tech stuff and let them ask you questions. Of course read it first so you know what they read, but it describes salvation by using a business model. It is a quick read and is a very relaxed way to present the gospel.
December 17, 2011
Definitely NOT what I expected the book to be about..
But as a Christian, I understood what the author was trying to do with his analogies. I liked the book.
Oh, and it was indeed an easy book to read.
But as a Christian, I understood what the author was trying to do with his analogies. I liked the book.
Oh, and it was indeed an easy book to read.
March 31, 2008
This was a fast read and the book makes you want to reach the next level to see what it's about.
November 19, 2008
Interesting take on life and faith - I enjoyed it but not quite as much as Dinner.. and Day...
July 2, 2011
An interesting book that from a Christian perspective highlights the different types of views of what a church would be, both Christian and non-Christian types. An easy read.
July 23, 2011
I didn't "get" this book until I was about half way through it. Very good message within. A very different way of looking at Christianity.
July 14, 2012
Enjoyable and thought provoking short read
January 30, 2013
a rare case where my ADD brain blew through this book in one sitting. excellent.
March 1, 2025
This is the fourth book I have read by this author.
Logan Bell has recently quit from his first job after graduating from college and decides to personally apply for a position at Universal Systems Incorporated. On the same day, he interviews with the Director on the fifth floor and is hired on the spot as an Organizational Analyst. His job will entail evaluating operations, attending meetings, examining procedures, and speaking to the employees on Level One, then emailing his observations back to the Director.
Eventually, Logan discovers that the employees are not participating in activities that contribute to the main objectives defined by the company. Next, he is then promoted to Level Two to assess their process via the same steps as before (meetings, interviews,...).
After some time, Logan determines that his coworkers on Level Two are so focused on the written polices for the company that they are losing sight of the overall goal. Afterwards, he is advanced to Level Three to analyze their methods again using the same course of action.
In due time, Logan learns that Level Three is suffering from the same issues that both Levels One and Two:
The employees do not have a clear focus of the company's overall objective. Thus, he moves to Level Four to scrutinize their methodology and once again reports his findings back to the Director.
Eventually, Logan finds out that Level Four is no different than Level One, Level Two, or Level Three because they are still functioning independently.
After successfully uncovering the problems occurring on each level, his next task is to talk to several Level Five employees and find out how the company is turning a profit. Following that task, Logan finally meets the Shareholder and realizes that the Director is his son. At this point, he decides his permanent position at Universal Systems Incorporated will be...
I will be honest I did not enjoy this book as well as the "Stranger" series. But it was a quick read, and I appreciated that he used an example of a successful business model to illustrate a spiritual lesson.
Logan Bell has recently quit from his first job after graduating from college and decides to personally apply for a position at Universal Systems Incorporated. On the same day, he interviews with the Director on the fifth floor and is hired on the spot as an Organizational Analyst. His job will entail evaluating operations, attending meetings, examining procedures, and speaking to the employees on Level One, then emailing his observations back to the Director.
Eventually, Logan discovers that the employees are not participating in activities that contribute to the main objectives defined by the company. Next, he is then promoted to Level Two to assess their process via the same steps as before (meetings, interviews,...).
After some time, Logan determines that his coworkers on Level Two are so focused on the written polices for the company that they are losing sight of the overall goal. Afterwards, he is advanced to Level Three to analyze their methods again using the same course of action.
In due time, Logan learns that Level Three is suffering from the same issues that both Levels One and Two:
The employees do not have a clear focus of the company's overall objective. Thus, he moves to Level Four to scrutinize their methodology and once again reports his findings back to the Director.
Eventually, Logan finds out that Level Four is no different than Level One, Level Two, or Level Three because they are still functioning independently.
After successfully uncovering the problems occurring on each level, his next task is to talk to several Level Five employees and find out how the company is turning a profit. Following that task, Logan finally meets the Shareholder and realizes that the Director is his son. At this point, he decides his permanent position at Universal Systems Incorporated will be...
I will be honest I did not enjoy this book as well as the "Stranger" series. But it was a quick read, and I appreciated that he used an example of a successful business model to illustrate a spiritual lesson.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2015
Another special and profoundly unique book from David Gregory that features Logan an organizational Analyst; this is his “dream” job he is so thankful to have. He basically trouble shoots each level for the Director of Universal Systems. He reports to him all the problems that he can find through his research. This parable breaks down what exactly is this “Christian Life” anyway. What would it look like if Corporate America was to analyze all the levels of spiritual growth.
The parable is clear, clever, and simple in its description. David Gregory definitely doesn't beat around the bush he tells it like it is thru the Director and the Shareholder characters. Logan documents the problems he finds on each level then consults with the Director on each discovery. As Logan and the Director meet to discuss what is really going on at each level I found myself searching my own heart and actions to see where I stood in my walk as the problems for each unfolded between them. You will find yourself doing the very same thing!! This story will give you a new view of the what spiritual growth looks like. It gives you a glimpse into eternity!! I love how David Gregory gets to the heart of the matter in this book just like he has done in his other books “Dinner with a Perfect Stranger” and “A Day With a Perfect Stranger”. You'll definitely want to add The Next Level to your collection!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
The parable is clear, clever, and simple in its description. David Gregory definitely doesn't beat around the bush he tells it like it is thru the Director and the Shareholder characters. Logan documents the problems he finds on each level then consults with the Director on each discovery. As Logan and the Director meet to discuss what is really going on at each level I found myself searching my own heart and actions to see where I stood in my walk as the problems for each unfolded between them. You will find yourself doing the very same thing!! This story will give you a new view of the what spiritual growth looks like. It gives you a glimpse into eternity!! I love how David Gregory gets to the heart of the matter in this book just like he has done in his other books “Dinner with a Perfect Stranger” and “A Day With a Perfect Stranger”. You'll definitely want to add The Next Level to your collection!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
August 15, 2008
I read, and liked, Gregory's earlier book "Dinner With A Perfect Stranger"--there was a certain charm to it that made the preachiness tolerable. Not so much in this book. This time, he has us looking at world religions as if they were divisions in a company, with an organizational development person wandering through trying to find the main flaws in each of the departments. I got half way through, but drew the line at the funny but ridiculous line in what clearly was the Buddhist department: "First, employment by its very nature means suffering." Life is too short to plow through this nonsense any further.
June 11, 2008
An interesting allegory about how different people experience salvation...some try to work for it...some receive it and do nothing more with it...some try to turn it into something trendy, etc.
Gregory's DINNER WITH A PERFECT STRANGER and A DAY WITH A PERFECT STRANGER, I felt, were more powerful books. These two are books that you could give to your friends who are searching for meaning in life...these books could help lead them to the ultimate meaning in life - Jesus.
Gregory's DINNER WITH A PERFECT STRANGER and A DAY WITH A PERFECT STRANGER, I felt, were more powerful books. These two are books that you could give to your friends who are searching for meaning in life...these books could help lead them to the ultimate meaning in life - Jesus.
November 12, 2016
I found that the book relates to me on many personal levels. "Level 1" is actually just like the ground floor where I work at. Everyone has their own agenda are completely self serving. Same as level 2 and three. Until you get to level 4 (supervision level), things start to change, you are less self serving, and more giving of yourself in order to promote growth within your circle of peoples. The most successful companies thrive from selfless individuals much like a church does when it's members are selfless and develop their communities. This book seemed like a guide to help build(on a personal level)servant and selfless qualities as a God fearing Christian
August 2, 2022
4.5 stars.
This is the second David Gregory book that I've listened to as an audiobook. Having discovered that audiobooks weren't as bad as I remember them, I was willing to try it.
It was an interesting parable, where one could clearly see the lines drawn between our world and this one as it went on, although I didn't completely figure it out until the end.
The message was about the same as Gregory's other books, a good one, clear cut, with a little bit of humor thrown in. It made for nice listening, and I enjoyed this particular narrator.
Overall, a good 'listen'.
This is the second David Gregory book that I've listened to as an audiobook. Having discovered that audiobooks weren't as bad as I remember them, I was willing to try it.
It was an interesting parable, where one could clearly see the lines drawn between our world and this one as it went on, although I didn't completely figure it out until the end.
The message was about the same as Gregory's other books, a good one, clear cut, with a little bit of humor thrown in. It made for nice listening, and I enjoyed this particular narrator.
Overall, a good 'listen'.
May 11, 2010
Not as good as the first two books by David Gregory: Dinner with a Perfect Stranger and Day with a Perfect Stranger. Day with a Perfect Stranger is still the better book in my opinion. This book was a quick read just like the first two, and Gregory did a good job with the allegories in this book; they made for some interesting points. However, the connection or meaning was sort of dropped in the end. The book sort of just ended.
February 17, 2011
A poorly written, poorly conceived attempt to "allegorize" religion as business. Easily recognizable (and overly simplified" versions of various world religions as inferior levels of a business. No real point to it, no underlying lessons worth considering, basically a waste of time.
December 23, 2008
this is defently a surprise book it starts as a novel and ends as a spiritual guide gives you alot to think about.
December 23, 2009
Good story with a interesting twist at the end...pretty good business book with a Christian meaning
May 8, 2013
Liked it, but not as well as Dinner with a Perfect Stranger and Day with a Perfect Stranger.
May 16, 2013
This is an interesting book, that requires much imagination and thinking. which of course, after all it relates to a parable...
June 18, 2014
INSPIRATIONAL!!
July 17, 2017
Interesting book on how we advance through our relationship with God.
January 2, 2015
I have not read the other books, but this one is very nice. The author made the point in a unique way. I started with the last chapter and then jumped to the beginning, it was an interesting journey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews