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The Heart Reader
Lukewarm believer Sam Bennett awakens from a dream to discover that he can hear the deepest spiritual needs of those around him. Frightened at first, he begins to embrace his gift and follow the Spirits leading, with the result that many lives are touched and led to faith in Christ. In the end, Bennetts life is radically transformed, and his friends, family, and church are forever changed as they begin to hear the needs of others as God hears. The Heart Reader is a moving evangelistic challenge for all believers.
137 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2002
About the author
Terri Blackstock
89 books5,919 followersTerri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over seven million books sold worldwide.. She has had over thirty years of success as a novelist.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 23, 2007
This book is wonderful! It is extremely convicting. I think every Christian should read this book.
November 21, 2023
You know…this was not at all what I was expecting. As far as entertainment, this wasn’t a crazy book, but this book was powerful. I was almost brought to tears by the power of the Gospel displayed in a story. I was convicted of the call I currently have and the hurt people around me. It was heart touching. This is not meant to be a fun read, but it is a read to open your eyes … and ears.
August 3, 2009
This is my favorite all time book.
February 2, 2011
I read this book years ago when it first came out and was published under Anonymous. Since then, because people can't stand to let someone just be anonymous, the author was discovered but I have the copy published sans author name. Who cares who wrote it? Obviously the author didn't! Anywho...
While I have only read this book once I think about it a lot. Probably once a week. It is a profound thought to be able to see, hear, etc what God does for people and it would change your life - completely and totally.
I really loved the idea and the story of this book and I loved that the author tapped into what we should all, as believers, be asking God to do in us. We should all be asking God and allowing him to give us his heart for people. See everyone has a story and God knows their stories, we don't. But wouldn't it be great if we did? Then we would know how to respond to them, why they acted the way they did, etc. It would give us the ability to exercise a lot more compassion and grace with people. We need God's heart to be able to do that.
This was a thought provoking, heart challenging read. I highly recommend it! A "soundtrack" song for this book would be Brandon Heath's "Give me your eyes" - goes with this book perfectly! :)
While I have only read this book once I think about it a lot. Probably once a week. It is a profound thought to be able to see, hear, etc what God does for people and it would change your life - completely and totally.
I really loved the idea and the story of this book and I loved that the author tapped into what we should all, as believers, be asking God to do in us. We should all be asking God and allowing him to give us his heart for people. See everyone has a story and God knows their stories, we don't. But wouldn't it be great if we did? Then we would know how to respond to them, why they acted the way they did, etc. It would give us the ability to exercise a lot more compassion and grace with people. We need God's heart to be able to do that.
This was a thought provoking, heart challenging read. I highly recommend it! A "soundtrack" song for this book would be Brandon Heath's "Give me your eyes" - goes with this book perfectly! :)
November 10, 2023
Not the best written book yet it makes its point well. This book was very challenging in many ways, as someone who really struggles with evangelicalism in the christian faith it was hard to follow the story of someone doing it so well and not to criticize him for it. Even though I could criticize the story itself I will choose to hold my tongue and look at the reason I have the inclination to criticize, maybe it is that the book has challenged me and I am too proud to admit I may be wrong about parts of life. I would recommend this book to be read with an uncritical view and to allow yourself to be challenged! Short, easy, simple, plainly written story of a man attempting to show the love of christ to others.
January 27, 2020
This book will open your eyes it did mine. You will see life in a different light. The heart reader will take hold of you from page one. This is not just a book Christian's need to read but everybody needs to. What if we could hear the needs of others like the holy spirit dose? That's the question asked from page one. It tells you most people don't know how to say what they truly need or even mean. I give this book five stars the renaming of this book is called the listener and the sequel is the heart reader of Franklin High these two books I like the read. Terri Blackstock has done her very best in writing this book.
February 21, 2008
What if you could hear as God hears?
This is a little gem of a book! It's an fast read, yet inspiring and a real eye-opener. I think I was pregnant with Blake when I read this. It was the first book I remember reading about the power of the Holy Spirit in a person's life. Now that I understand that more clearly I want to reread it. :)
It is now called "The Listener" by Terri Blackstock, though the copy I read was called "The Heart Reader" by Anonymous. "The Heart Reader of Franklin High" is a great book for teens (or anyone).
This is a little gem of a book! It's an fast read, yet inspiring and a real eye-opener. I think I was pregnant with Blake when I read this. It was the first book I remember reading about the power of the Holy Spirit in a person's life. Now that I understand that more clearly I want to reread it. :)
It is now called "The Listener" by Terri Blackstock, though the copy I read was called "The Heart Reader" by Anonymous. "The Heart Reader of Franklin High" is a great book for teens (or anyone).
July 7, 2014
While I enjoyed the premise of this book, the evangelism was a bit too much for my tastes. The dialogue was a bit canned, the characters occasionally fell flat, and the story moved too fast to be believable. Drawn out longer, this story may have been more realistic and might have had a better chance to develop. There was also one fundamental theological problem for me: this book seemed to focus more on the quantity of people who were turned to Christ, rather than building a quality relationship with those individuals.
December 16, 2020
This book truly impacted and challenged me. So often we sit in our salvation, waiting till we die or Jesus comes back... but we’re called to so much more. We get to partner with the Lord, and have His heart if we ask for it. So let’s ask for it! Truly, what do we have to lose when the God of the universe is on our side.
A short intense read. Though I believe there is much more to building the Kingdom than conversions, I believe that it is essential that we are sharing the gospel - our HOPE. It isn’t optional.
Recommend for any believer that yearns for more of their walk with the Lord.
A short intense read. Though I believe there is much more to building the Kingdom than conversions, I believe that it is essential that we are sharing the gospel - our HOPE. It isn’t optional.
Recommend for any believer that yearns for more of their walk with the Lord.
November 14, 2007
This book was an eye-opener to me. I loved that the main character was apprehensive, as many people are, to share about God with others.
Immediately after reading the book,(and during, for that matter!) I began looking at others differently. When I come in contact with strangers now, I find myself trying to read their face and praying for them. The book helped me start noticing those around me more.
I give it a big 5 stars. :)
Immediately after reading the book,(and during, for that matter!) I began looking at others differently. When I come in contact with strangers now, I find myself trying to read their face and praying for them. The book helped me start noticing those around me more.
I give it a big 5 stars. :)
April 17, 2010
A story about a man who receives a gift which he thinks is a curse then finds it a blessing and finally realizes that it is something we all can have. This story really challenges the reader to come face to face with the reality that we live most of our lives unconcerned with the needs and hurts of those around us. What would it be like if you could hear the deepest spiritual needs of those around you? You can if you care.
September 6, 2020
A very short and compelling book that tells a good story about the life-changing role of accepting Jesus Christ into one's life and the power of growing the Kingdom of God.
I would recommend this book for the very religious or devout people, or maybe even those who have lost touch with their faith along the way and have been finding a way to get back on track. But this book is really a hit or miss for some people and it could be interpreted differently.
I would recommend this book for the very religious or devout people, or maybe even those who have lost touch with their faith along the way and have been finding a way to get back on track. But this book is really a hit or miss for some people and it could be interpreted differently.
June 24, 2025
There isn’t a soul out there who doesn’t have a spiritual need, we just have to look for them…
“…they need to know that they’re loved, that’s there’s hope, that there’s healing, that someone’s in control, that they’re not a product of their past, that they can be forgiven, that they can be useful, that they are made in the image of God”
(Chapter 16, pg 132)
We all have the same need, that need is Jesus Christ!!
“…they need to know that they’re loved, that’s there’s hope, that there’s healing, that someone’s in control, that they’re not a product of their past, that they can be forgiven, that they can be useful, that they are made in the image of God”
(Chapter 16, pg 132)
We all have the same need, that need is Jesus Christ!!
July 21, 2007
Another favorite. I can't remember much of the details anymore, but it's about a guy who suddenly receives the ability to hear other people's needs. He doesn't like it at first, but eventually he starts fulfilling those needs. In the end, even if his ability is taken away, he's more sensitive to other people and all. Basta, can't remember na pero super ganda nya ever. :)
November 23, 2011
A real quick read with a very thought provoking idea. The writing style was simple and straight to the point. I believe the author thought more about the concept for the book and a lot less about the delivery method. The story kept my attention and I was motivated to read it through in one sweep.
October 25, 2025
Excellent!
Nitpick: I dislike how he shared his dream with his wife and she shared several of hers with him, and he responded: "Kate, have you thought of getting psychiatric help?"
What a jerk! Thankfully, she sassed back:
"Hey, you're the one who couldn't sleep last night. I slept like a baby."
Aside from that, excellent!
Nitpick: I dislike how he shared his dream with his wife and she shared several of hers with him, and he responded: "Kate, have you thought of getting psychiatric help?"
What a jerk! Thankfully, she sassed back:
"Hey, you're the one who couldn't sleep last night. I slept like a baby."
Aside from that, excellent!
January 8, 2014
this is the first book I've given five stars too, has God as a main character and shows his power when he decides to use man to help with the work of the great commission. scripturally sound, great book.
July 17, 2020
This is the story of a man who God gives the gift to hear what other people's souls are saying/feeling. He is able to share Jesus Christ with them and show others how to be a witness. Find out he deals with the loss of this gift.
January 14, 2008
I loved this book...it is a quick read but just reminds you to listen to the heart of a person... because words often fail...
February 18, 2008
It had an interesting premise, but it was a little too pithy for me to enjoy fully.
April 16, 2008
Another awesome and convicting book!
November 8, 2009
If you have not read this book, I reccomend it to everyone. I read this years ago when my father gave it to me as a present.
April 3, 2010
It's okay,not one of her thriller books but it's still okay.
June 28, 2011
Love the concept, but like much Christian fiction, the writing was not great.
July 27, 2011
Thought-provoking and meaningful, but the meaning is so *obvious*, so emotional, so Christian-fiction-y. The general mediocrity of popular Christian writing offends, troubles, and disheartens me.
December 19, 2011
This was a good, quick read here around Christmas. Certainly convicted me of not being a strong witness and not bearing fruit.
August 7, 2013
Quick read...loved it!
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February 16, 2016I do not remember my responses reading this book (over 10 years ago).
January 18, 2017
Love love love this book!
I just couldn't put it down! I will definitely recommend it to anyone who wants an inspirational read! Buying a paper copy to l o an out!
I just couldn't put it down! I will definitely recommend it to anyone who wants an inspirational read! Buying a paper copy to l o an out!
April 30, 2017
This book was okay, I just read it because I hadn't yet, and, you know, reading challenge and all that. But it was pretty good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews