Invitation to Live

by Lloyd Douglas

Invitation to Live, 1940 novel by Lloyd Douglas. Hardcover with dust jacket, 303 pages, published by Grosset & Dunlap.

Genres: Fiction, Classics, Christian Fiction

303 pages, Hardcover

First published June 12, 2015

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will find yourself in one of these characters... will you accept God's invitation to come to life?

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was hard for me to get into this book, but I eventually did (about halfway through). The lessons taught in this book are good, but the story is long and the writing sometimes got in the way. It vaguely reminded me of the movie, The Ultimate Gift—cheesy, but makes you feel good at the end.

[Vicki Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Invitation to Live is one of Lloyd C. Douglas' books I would not choose to read again. It seems the plot has too many characters. The jumping around from character to character left me confused. Some good life advice included, and altogether wholesome.

[Patrice Herring · Rating 5 out of 5]

IF you ever find yourself lost in life, unknown your purpose, or even direction in life; Invitation to Live is a great start to point you North. It is captivating from start to finish, with inspiration, hope, faith and love carrying you through the journey of it. This book will more than likely become your annual read. One of interest to men and of women; adolescent to the mature. Though fiction, it is more than relatable to every day life, no matter the decade you find yourself reading it. Cheers, and enjoy!

[PrincessPolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this yesterday because I was sick in bed. It definitely kept me entertained throughout. The writing style is very good. The story ends tie up quite nicely - a bit too good to be true, but the character Dean Harcourt certainly gives food for thought.

[Thomas Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is funny, and it has some really good quotes, but beyond that... I dunno. I liked it.

[Amy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in 1940, this book had a lovely style to it that I was able to enjoy over and above the sweet group of stories.
Several character sketches fit neatly together to create a larger story surrounding a priest giving advice and a listening ear to different people. It was filled with faith without being preachy or even very religious.
First, there's Barbara who needs a chance to separate her individual worth from her net worth. Then there's Sally whose talent knows no bounds. Then there's Lee/Larry who feels like his perfect life is killing him until he dies a little. There's Katherine who's giving her all but shouldn't be. There's Mary Ellen who makes a short appearance as every one of us who just wanted to run away from it all. There's poor horse faced Cynthia and the well intentioned town Aunt and Uncle and the kindly country Aunt and Uncle.
I'm pretty sure I'm a Katherine and could really use some stern advice and a trip to Nebraska!
The pace was slow and so many pieces of the puzzle were left open-ended that the ending wasn't at all satisfying for me. Several very interesting supporting characters were left behind.
My paperback copy had TINY print which drove me nuts.
No violence, no sex, mild language

[E. Paul Whetten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book leads the reader through the story of two young people of wealth and affluence who escape to a simpler way of life for a time. Their adventures in simplicity are watched over and guided by a wise pastor who has an almost messianic effect on his parishioners. At the end of the book they have not only found the joy of truly living, they have fallen in love with each other.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Totally corny! I bought it for 50 cents because I liked the cover.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that everyone should read because it was great.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all the various character inputs.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it...

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a golden oldie that I reread from 40 years ago. About a minister in Chicago who helps people with their problems in unusual ways. It was good and had forgotten that I read it years ago.

[Partridge Public]

Douglas, Lloyd C.