Life on the Edge

by James C. Dobson

"In the blink of an eye," says Dr. James Dobson, "this next generation will inherit the businesses, institutions, and governments of the world. On their shoulders will soon rest the burdens of leadership and authority. They will pull the wagonload of humanity behind them."

Are they prepared to meet this challenge? They can be. Here, in his warm and highly personable style, America's most respected Chrisian counselor candidly addresses the defining issues that young adults will face in the "critical decade" (ages 16-26), including: vocations, lifelong love, money, power, emotions, and more - the decisions that will impact them the rest of their lives.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christianity, Parenting, Religion, Spirituality

Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

A licensed psychologist and marriage, family, and child counselor, Dr. James Dobson was a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. For 14 years Dr. Dobson was an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, and he served for 17 years on the attending staff of Children's Hospital Los Angeles in the Division of Child Development and Medical Genetics. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (1967) in the field of child development.

He was the author of more than 50 books, including The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Night Light: A Devotional for Couples, Bringing Up Boys, and the New York Times bestseller Bringing Up Girls .

Heavily involved in influencing governmental policies related to the family, Dr. Dobson was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the National Advisory Commission to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. He also served on the Attorney General's Advisory Board on Missing and Exploited Children, the Department of Health and Human Services' Panel on Teen Pregnancy Prevention, and the Commission on Child and Family Welfare. He was elected in 2008 to the National Radio Hall of Fame, and in 2009 received the Ronald Reagan Lifetime Achievement Award.

Reviews

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm older than the target age for this book (15 - 25 year olds), but still found some good food-for-thought in here.

One complaint, though. There's a chapter about dealing with your parents. No mention is made of what to do if you come from an abusive/dysfunctional family. For instance, he talks about how the power shifts from the parents to the young adult as he/she becomes more independent. That's great, but what if you come from a family that holds a death grip on the young person, and never intends to let go? The kind of family that doesn't even let a kid pick out his own laundry soap, let alone his career or choice of wife? Did the author just assume that everyone comes from a healthy family situation? Because that's not the case for a lot of people, and telling some young people to "just be patient, your parents will give you more autonomy as time goes by" could actually be destructive. There are some parents who will never give their child autonomy if it's up to them.

[Robyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this for HS graduation. What I learned (and highly disagreed with): that a man is always in charge (HA), that you must put everything in God's hands (does one not have free-will??!?!) and other "good old boy" ideas. Not my idea of a book for a young woman, especially if you want this woman to have ideas of her own, be independent and open-minded.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for teenagers to 25 year-olds! This book covers everything Christians need to know from relationships, moving out of the house and even college plans! I highly recommend you read this book!

[Rob Jinkerson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good book on making decisions on 'The Critical Decade'. The early/mid chapters were mostly good, with some obvious bits to cater for all, but the later chapters were very opinionated and turned the book from being a guide to a rant.

[pianogal · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sister-in-law gave me this book to read a few years ago and I finally got to it. Of course, now it's a little dated and not exactly targeted at me.

However, there were still some decent ideas here. I wish Dr. Dobson would have gone a little more in depth on a couple of issues. Also, I would just like to point out that Jesus would not have gone to a Christian university (there's a whole chapter about how Christian schools are better than secular). Staying in a little safe Christian bubble does not a strong Christian make...nor does it promote fellowship with nonbelievers.

I agree with most of his tenets, but I didn't care for Dr. Dobson's tone of voice. It was an odd combination of preaching and namedropping. He just seemed a little pompous in spots...but maybe that's just me.

Didn't love it, but found more in it than I thought I would.

[Finley Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr James Dobson is such a wise man and has given great advice for many years. He has just stepped down from the helm of Focus On The Family this year to pursue other projects and I wish him much success! Life on the Edge is from 1995 & I actually listened to this on tape. The book addresses the defining issues that young adults will face between the ages of 16 & 26. It is written to help young adults make the right choices in life to bring them to a meaningful future. I believe this book can lead our youth in the right direction for success. I wish I had this information when I was 16! I recommend anything Dr Dobson has ever put out to be excellent reading material to those who wish to grow in the LORD & success. Dr Dobson called Life on the Edge his lifework.....

[John Hsieh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book either during my college or high school days, it left an impression on me that one is very formative from the age 16 to 26, and Dobson calls it the "critical decade." A lot of interesting insights and personal advices, Dobson's writing style is strong and convicting, would be helpful if a young Christian can go over this book with a mature believer/ mentor. If you are between the age 16-26, then take a look at this book, if you are discipling someone in that age bracket, it's worth take a look also.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It truly got me thinking about what I was doing and not doing with my life. It has helped me concentrate my energy on the things worth doing in life. I really liked the Q and A sections of the book. In many cases I used to think that I was the only one who had those kind of questions but after reading the book, and getting a clear answer, I discovered that was definitely not the case! This book should be read by all in the age group of 16-26 even if not all are experiencing uncertainty in their lives.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian psychology that incorporates bible references for teaching purposes is something that is beneficial to me for emotional growth. Shaping your attitude about how to handle life events as a young adult was helpful to me. I would reccommend this book as a reference for when you are going through challenges in young adulthood. It would have been more helpful, if I would have read it when I got the book in my early 20's versus my later 20's.

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I respected Dr. Dobson the way I did 15 years ago. It is amazing the way even good men can become narrow, political and petty. His mission and message of following the Lord have been swallowed up by his desire to influence worldly forces.

[Tina Starr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from my Aunt when I graduated high school and it spoke to me. Sometimes joining the "real world" can be an uneasy transition. This is a great book to recommend to young adults just out of high school as it will give them a better sense of themselves and who they will be in society.

[Dpat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book for young people- scripture based. Covers many topics facing young people today. If you work with young people, or have a young person in your life , niece, nephew, friend, cousin, -- a must read. Good godly advice.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource! My dad highly recommended this for our three teens, so I read it first and I really enjoyed it and my husband is now reading it! Great for parents to read too. All the topics are relevant and critical to talk about and understand for booth teens and parents!

[Lysha Why (blairwaldork) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy 5 stars for this book. My dad picked this one up for me and for that I am so very grateful! I only wish I've read this when I was 16. :)

Nonetheless, the principles it presented will apply to ANYONE seeking to live a meaningful life -- one that will glorify God. Highly recommend it.

[Aaron Hutmacher]

I just read this book. It was written in 1999 but it still applies today. Although I am passed the age it is recommended for but it still provided valuable information and encouragement for myself and as I raise my own children

[Paige Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this from a thrift store for like a dollar. And…eh, a few good things bogged down by some, in my opinion, pretty outdated/problematic conservative traditional Christian views. I kept reading for the personal stories and the other/ more applicable to my life and values stuff.

[Schu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A definite read for teens and young adults.

[Shelley23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this thing a hundred times. I got it as a gift when I graduated, and it is an awesome 'guide' for anyone, especially young adults.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in college and it give you a new perspective when you are young.

[Kenneth]

Read it as a teenager. I guess it was a good read.

[Em Ormiston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for the young adult needing advice about life! I loved hearing the voice of wisdom throughout the entire read.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this was an audio book, it was like listening to Dr. Dobson on the radio. Good advice for every teenager who has reached dating age or young adult contemplating marriage.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read with plenty of useful advice and biblical applications and warnings.

[Samson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a youngster, I faced problems and this book helped me through many of them with a Christian perspective. Highly recommended to anyone wishing to follow Jesus in their teens!

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have used this as a reference in many of my life skills talks to young adults. It is insightful and so applicable to many of the obstacles and problems faced by the young men and women of today.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wonderful insights and biblical truth, even reading it the second time. Definitely saving this one for my younger brother in a few years.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Be There"

[Hatem Hady · Rating 3 out of 5]

live your life and make your choices only by your priorities ,,, not society traditions

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the information he gave in this book! I'm 25 at the time of reading this book (the author mentions this being for 16-26 year olds), and while I do think I'm past the stage of a lot of the things he talks about, the information is still very interesting. There were a couple of things I disagreed with, mostly in the chapter of 'when God doesn't make sense', and I really wished he would have gone more into building a relationship with God. Because of that, the book felt a little incomplete to me. At times it felt more like a random Q&A for young adults to read through than formulated information put together in a way that makes sense. Overall though it was a decent read! I enjoyed it!

[Crina -Ruth Ala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gold for Youth.

«Daca ai între 16-26 ani, această carte a fost scrisă special pentru tine.»


Prin această carte cititorului îi este descoperită în avans unele "must to happen" mai devreme sau mai târziu...


«Dorim cu înverșunare ceea ce nu putem obține, dar desconsiderăm lucrul de care nu putem scăpa»;